Dominica’s Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort Launches Expanded Dive Operation & Announces Additional Rooms & New Amenities

Published 3 years agoon October 10, 2023

As Part of the The Landmark “All-Inclusive, Island-Included” Resort’s £14 Million Reimagination, the Hotel’s Dive Operation – With New Boats, Expanded Facilities and Enhanced Shore Diving – Will Offer the Island’s Premier Dive Experience

Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort, the “Nature Island’s” landmark, waterfront “All-Inclusive, Island-Included” resort in Dominica’s capital, Roseau, today launched its new dive operation as part of its historic USD$18 million (£14 million) reimagination. Coinciding with the resort’s evolution, Fort Young Hotel’s expanded dive operations will be under the management of William “Billy” Lawrence, an experienced local dive operator. The new dive programme includes the addition of two boats with a total capacity of 56 divers or 75 non-divers. Further, the resort will offer a one-of-a-kind resort shore diving experience, the only one on island. This allows guests to see and experience marine life on the house reefs and around the pier, including coral, octopus, frogfish, seahorse, nudibranchs, flying gurnards, batfish and more. Additionally, guests can experience underwater points of interest, such as: “The Canons” (canons from an 18th century Spanish vessel), “Shipwreck” (a private luxury yacht from the early 1900s), “Soap Factory” (old industrial equipment) and “Rum Cage” (submerged rum barrels for ocean aging). Guests will be able to rent equipment independently and enjoy what is expected to be one of the most sought-after shore diving experiences in the region. Guests can also take lessons and learn how to dive at the PADI certified dive shop.

A top 10 diving destination in the world, Dominica is home to some of the best diving across the globe, showcasing rugged pinnacles, drop-offs and abyss depths, along with a dynamic seascape of forested coral gardens, vibrant sponge life, seahorses, frogfish, flying gurnards and much more. A true natural wonder, Dominica boasts Champagne Reef, a result of bubbles rising up through the sand from underwater hot springs — all evidence of the island’s volcanic origins.

While diving has always been a hallmark of Fort Young Hotel’s offering, with its new boats, the resort can now accommodate larger groups and also lead whale watching excursions. In addition to being one of the region’s top dive destinations, Dominica also attracts visitors wanting to witness the island’s sperm whales who reside there year-round.

“Dominica is a world-class dive destination and we’re excited to offer visitors the opportunity to experience our unique marine life and points of interest,” said Lawrence. “These dive operation enhancements align perfectly with the Fort Young Hotel’s principles, as the operation follows sustainable diving practices such as responsible diver behavior, reef-friendly practices and proper waste disposal to minimize negative impacts on the marine ecosystem.”

Lawrence is a Dominica native and an experienced Senior Technician and Dive Operator. Among his qualifications include: Hyperbaric Chamber Technician/Trainer, Emergency First Response Instructor, Master Scuba Diver Trainer and Boat Captain with experience in biophysical assessment of benthic ecosystems.

Along with its new dive operation, Fort Young Hotel is introducing 60 new guestrooms, adding to the recently refurbished 40 Oceanfront rooms and suites. The new guest rooms, named the Fort Collection, bring the total room count to 100. Among the new rooms are Fort Mountain View rooms and Fort Ocean View rooms, both located on the newly constructed and renovated historical section of the property. The Fort Mountain View rooms offer breathtaking views of Dominica’s capital and the surrounding mountains while The Fort Ocean View rooms feature private balconies from which to enjoy the sea breeze and stunning sunsets. Both room categories are furnished with one king bed or two double beds, along with all the comforts of modern luxuries, and may be interconnected, providing flexibility for families and groups.

In addition to adding more guestrooms, the resort is unveiling a host of new curated amenities, including two new dining options, a gym, a rum & wine cellar and an art gallery, among others.

Fort Young Hotel is the Caribbean’s first “All-Inclusive, Island-Included,” granting guests access to the island’s “amenities” — from hiking, snorkeling and shore diving to walking tours and visits to local eateries — cultivating community and creating a truly immersive island experience. With this new model, guests can take advantage of the convenience of an all-inclusive stay while enjoying the best of Dominica’s land, sea and city adventures with guides and tour operators from our local community. This unconventional model reflects the resort’s commitment to a sustainable and locally-focused economy.

And, further underscoring Fort Young Hotel’s dedication to sustainability, the resort recently earned Green Globe Certification, one of the highest standards for sustainability worldwide. Only the second property in Dominica to earn this accolade, the resort is recognised for its multiple community initiatives and committed management team.

Fort Young Hotel is offering divers a special package to celebrate the new operation. The “Diver’s Paradise” offer includes: Stay for 7 nights and pay for 6; daily breakfast; roundtrip airport transfers; 5 days of 2-tank diving; waterfari tours; unlimited shore diving; and, all taxes and park fees. Rate from US$1,428 per person based on double occupancy in our Fort Mountain View room. To book, email: reservations@fortyounghotel.com.

For more information, visit https://www.fortyounghotel.com/. For enquiries contact reservations@fortyounghotel.com.

About Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort

Located on the water in Roseau, Dominica’s capital, Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort is the Caribbean’s first All-Inclusive, Island-Included resort. The country’s only downtown hotel, Fort Young Hotel affords guests unmatched proximity to the “Nature Island’s” vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, exhilarating activities and some of the island’s most prized attractions, like Trafalgar Falls, Middleham Falls, Freshwater Lake, segments of the Waitukubuli National Trail, and world-renowned diving. Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort offers a luxurious sense of seclusion, fine dining and meeting facilities. Fort Young Hotel can be reached at 767-448-5000 or info@fortyounghotel.com.