Caribbean Travel Advisor, Dominica, News
By: Karen Udler
They’re two of the top hotels on the island of Dominica, an island known for its adventure. Now, the Fort Young Hotel and Secret Bay resort are making a bigger push in the sector.
GEMS Holdings Limited, parent company of both properties, has announced a strategic partnership with adventure travel pioneer Dan Austin, marking a significant step in the company’s efforts to elevate Dominica’s profile in the global adventure and experiential travel market.
Austin, the founder of travel company Austin Adventures, will serve in an advisory capacity for two of GEMS’ flagship properties: Secret Bay and Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort. His role will focus on expanding the properties’ appeal to high-end adventure travelers and strengthening partnerships with tour operators and global travel advisors.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Dan and the expertise he brings to Secret Bay and Fort Young Hotel,” said Gregor Nassief, CEO of GEMS Holdings Ltd. “Dan has extensive experience and deep passion for immersive and adventure travel, and we know guests will benefit from his prowess.”
With more than three decades of experience in the adventure travel industry, Austin is well known for his role in shaping immersive, activity-driven itineraries around the world.
Following the sale of his company, he now advises tourism brands on how to build resonant adventure offerings and expand international visibility.
“I’ve spent my career shaping immersive adventure experiences, and I see incredible potential for Secret Bay and Fort Young Hotel to become premier destinations for adventure travelers,” Austin said. “Dominica is an untapped gem for those seeking authentic, high-end adventure, and I’m excited to work with these world-class properties to develop offerings that resonate with today’s adventure-seekers. The wild beauty of Dominica has always been here. What’s next is about making it even more immersive, seamless, and soul-stirring for the travelers who seek it.”
As part of the collaboration, Austin will advise on guide training, itinerary refinement, and trade relations to enhance each property’s market positioning.
What do you need to know about each hotel? Here’s some import info, particularly on the adventure side.
Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort Fort Young offers a unique “All-Inclusive, Island-Included” experience that goes beyond food and drink. Guests can choose from curated adventure activities such as hiking, waterfall exploration, cultural immersions, and scuba diving — all part of the package.
The hotel, located in the heart of Roseau on the Caribbean Sea, has direct access to Dominica’s top dive sites through its on-site dive operation. It’s a full-service basecamp ideal for active travelers, with easy access to both marine and inland natural attractions.
Secret Bay
Secret Bay offers six-star, residential-style villas — each with a private plunge pool, dedicated villa host, gourmet kitchen, and ocean views. Built into the forested cliffs above Secret Beach, the villas are designed for privacy, luxury, and environmental harmony. It’s a hotel that we regularly rank as one of the top places to stay in the entire Caribbean.
Guests can tailor their stay with a wide range of immersive experiences including canyoning, freediving, whale watching, night snorkeling, and rainforest hiking. The resort’s concierge team curates each itinerary based on personal interest and seasonal availability.
