News
Dominica showcases ‘all-inclusive, island included’ experience – first in the Caribbean
Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort, the “Nature Island’s” landmark, waterfront hotel on the edge of Dominica’s capital, Roseau, has announced the introduction of the Caribbean’s first-ever “All-Inclusive, Island-Included” resort experience. Beyond the offerings of a traditional all-inclusive, like food and beverages, the All-Inclusive, Island-Included experience will give guests access to activities and offerings beyond the hotel — from a lionfish catching expedition, to hiking and exploring some of the island’s best attractions like Trafalgar Falls and Titou Gorge, to enjoying tropical beaches — providing an unrivaled, immersive and memorable Nature Island holiday.
Not only will guests enjoy city, land and/or sea adventures each and every day, but off-property island activities will also include a community touch point — whether it be a sweet treat or cocoa tea from a local restaurant or rum shop, a local arts and craft offering or a cultural experience. By involving independent tour providers and local food and beverage outlets, the new model will cater to guests while also supporting the community at large.
“Fort Young has always been a gateway to Dominica’s incredible sights and landmarks, so it was a natural evolution for us to introduce this All-Inclusive, Island-Included offering,” said Dinesh Kissoon, Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort’s general manager. “We wanted to offer travellers to Dominica a truly seamless, effortless and authentic way to experience the local culture, land and sea unlike ever before. Doing an all-inclusive with island included is a way of engaging our community and gives guests a more robust and immersive experience, creating a more sustainable and symbiotic environment.”
The All-Inclusive, Island-Included package requires a minimum five-night stay and includes:
- Daily breakfast, two-course lunch, afternoon snacks and three-course dinner
- Unlimited house beverages and alcoholic drinks from 10am – 10pm
- Welcome pack in-room minibar
- A selection of daily scheduled water or land adventure experiences
- Cocoa tea, juices and cakes at local eateries
- Beach discovery visit
- Round-trip airport transfers
- 60-minute massage twice per stay for one or two based on occupancy
- 60-minute yoga twice per stay for one or two based on occupancy
- Unlimited unguided shore scuba diving
- Kayak and other non-motorised watersports
- Daily housekeeping and turndown services
- High-speed Wi-Fi
- National park and entrance fees
- All taxes and charges
Among the numerous included excursions are:
- Hiking to Trafalgar Falls, Titou Gorge, the Middleham Falls and Hot Springs, Spanny and Jacko Falls, Freshwater Lake and Boeri Lake
- Lionfish hunting and snorkelling by boat
- Guided Roseau city walking tour
- Mero Beach discovery
Further, guests will also have the opportunity to donate to a local charity at check-out.
Rates for the All-Inclusive, Island Included start at US$349 per person per night based on double occupancy in a newly reimagined Oceanfront room. Upgrades are also available to experience even more of the island’s adventures, such as swimming with Dominica’s resident sperm whales, canyoning, night snorkelling, hiking to Boiling Lake, and exploring Kalinago Territory. Terms and conditions apply.
The resort is also offering three alternative packages: a breakfast, beverages and island-included package starting at US$286 per person per night (five-night minimum stay); a standard all-inclusive meal plan starting at US$255 per person per night (two-night minimum stay); and a breakfast and beverage plan for US$190 per person per night (two-night minimum stay). Prospective guests can also book standard room rates without a meal plan.
Fort Young Hotel recently unveiled 26 fully refreshed Oceanfront Deluxe Rooms. Replete with panoramic seaside views, exceptionally stylish furnishings and a bright colour palette, the reimagined guestrooms are designed to make guests feel even more warmly welcomed while expressing Dominica’s vibrant spirit. These refurbished rooms are part of the resort’s new master plan that also calls for eight more rooms to be updated this autumn alongside the introduction of a brand-new waterfront spa, 24-hour gym and six all-new Oceanfront Junior Suites with en-suite bathrooms, kitchenettes and interconnecting rooms; 60 forthcoming Fort Rooms; a state-of-the-art fitness center featuring eco-friendly equipment; business center; new bar and lounge; 200-seat conference room; 250-seat sun deck for weddings and other events; art gallery, wine and rum cellar, gift shop, and three new meeting rooms. Upon completion, Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort will be a 4+ star property.
The new Zemi Spa features two private treatment rooms and two manicure and pedicure stations where certified and therapists conduct a variety of services and treatments, including Swedish, Deep Tissue and Volcanic Rock massages, Body Treatments and Signature Rituals featuring indulgent, locally-inspired products. Guests can also book a package of multiple services. Spa visitors can also make use of the 24- hour Compass Gym overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
For more information, visit www.fortyounghotel.com/, call 767-448-5000 or email info@fortyounghotel.com.
Gear News
Introducing the TR-80, IR-50 and CS-30 Regulators from DYNAMICNORD
Whether you are a beginner or a professional diver – with the three new main regulators from DYNAMICNORD, everyone will find their favourite regulator. They all look super stylish.
Excellent performance with the TR-80
Quality and performance are the be-all and end-all for regulators. It is not for nothing that the TR stands for Tec Reg. The innovative design of the TR-80 guarantees absolute reliability – even in ice-cold waters.
Perfect breathing effort at 0.8 J/l / certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / structural design made of solid brass for best cold protection / membrane-compensated design with dry seal of the first stage / reduced exhalation effort thanks to optimized exhalation membrane and bubble deflector / adjustable Venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort / innovative design of the front cover prevents free-flow in strong currents or when diving with scooters / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 LP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Amazing underwater adventures with the IR-50
The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.
Ideal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / compensated membrane / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort/ outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
The Workhorse – our CS-30
For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.
Optimal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /recommended for diving in waters above 10 degrees / non-compensated piston / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) / outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 1 HP and 3 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Octopus OP-30
The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.
The TR-80, IR-50, CS-30 (DIN & INT) regulators and the Octopus OP-30 are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.
DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
Marine Life & Conservation
Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid
Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
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