Dancing in Dominica

I’ve always believed that the best trips are the ones that surprise you—the ones that unfold in ways you never planned, that leave you a little changed, a little more alive. My birthday trip to Dominica last year was exactly that. I came looking for an escape, an adventure, and maybe even a little indulgence. What I got was something even better: a trip so magical it felt like I was dancing through it—on boats, on horseback, through rivers, and even (literally) at a reggae night near the beach.

The Stay: Secret Bay, Not So Secret Luxury

Let’s start with the villa. Because when you wake up in a hilltop retreat overlooking the Caribbean Sea, with wood floors so polished they feel like silk underfoot, and ceilings high enough to make even the biggest dreams seem small, you know you’re somewhere special.

Secret Bay is luxury, but not the kind that feels over-the-top or out of place. It’s seamless, natural, almost effortless. My villa had indoor and outdoor showers, a massive soaking tub, and a terrace that stretched over an infinity pool, melting into the landscape below. And then there was my personal butler Keldon, who made sure that my only job was to enjoy every second of my trip.

Breakfast was made fresh every morning by Keldon.

The food? Exceptional. The chef curated a different menu every night, each dish better than the last. The hospitality? Flawless. The entire experience felt like it was designed just for me—because, well, it kind of was.

The Adventures: A Trip That Kept Me Moving

Dominica is a place where you can choose to sit still, or spend your days exploring. I opted for the latter, discovering, and occasionally questioning my own choices (mostly while on horseback).

Horseback Riding – Turns out, riding through the lush green hills of Dominica is equal parts breathtaking and humbling. If you’ve ever doubted your athletic abilities, try staying balanced on a horse while climbing a steep jungle trail.
The Indian River Tour – One of the most surreal experiences of the trip. The river is calm and winding, surrounded by dense mangroves and thick jungle. It’s easy to see why Pirates of the Caribbean filmed here—it feels like a place untouched by time.
Touring Roseau – The capital city has this raw, unfiltered Caribbean energy. I wandered through colorful streets, stopped in local shops, and got a taste (literally) of Dominica’s rich culture.
Natural Hot Springs – After days of exploring, I sunk into these steaming volcanic pools and let the mineral-rich water work its magic. 10/10, highly recommend.
Reggae Night Near Secret Bay – Because no trip is complete without a little dancing, right? I found myself at a local bar near the resort, music pumping, the ocean breeze rolling in, and for a moment, it felt like the entire island was moving to the same rhythm.

A Beach Like No Other

Dominica’s beaches aren’t the postcard-perfect, white-sand type. They’re rugged, dramatic, and unforgettable. The one near Secret Bay had grey volcanic sand and towering cliffs—like something out of a dream. Sitting there, watching the waves crash, I had one of those rare, quiet moments of complete peace.

Final Thoughts: A Birthday Well Spent

I’ve had some incredible birthday trips, but this one? Next level. Dominica gave me adventure, beauty, and a reminder that the best moments in life are the ones you don’t plan too carefully.

If you ever get the chance to go, take it. And when you do, let go of the itinerary, follow where the island leads you, and don’t be afraid to dance a little. Trust me, Dominica has a rhythm all its own—you just have to move with it.

#RyanKnowlesBest #DancingInDominica #AdventureAwaits #WanderWhereLifeTakesYou