Secret Bay in Dominica: ROI payouts top $7.8M, final construction phase announced, and new wellness amenities unveiled

The Residences at Secret Bay — a managed, branded luxury resort and residential real estate offering on Dominica — has announced that since the launch of its program, total Return on Investment (ROI) distributions to villa owners have surpassed US$7.8 million.

This milestone reflects 15 years of operational stability, strong owner confidence, and a development strategy designed to keep delivering measurable growth across key indicators: demand for ownership, occupancy, and the expansion of the villa inventory.

Q1 2025 to Q1 2026 highlights: sales momentum, ROI and occupancy

For the period from Q1 2025 through Q1 2026, the project is showing outperformance across multiple fronts. Owner participation increased by more than 20%, while total ROI payouts over the year rose by nearly 70% to US$1.1 million. Average occupancy exceeded 81%, and the number of villas available to host guests grew by almost one-third.

Commenting on the results, Marvlyn James, Director of Sales and Marketing for The Residences at Secret Bay, said: “These results validate the strength of Secret Bay’s long-term vision and our commitment to creating value for owners. Consistent ROI distributions, a growing owner community, and continued expansion further strengthen Secret Bay’s position as one of the most compelling luxury investment opportunities in the Caribbean and beyond.”

Key performance metrics since Q4 2019

Among the headline achievements cited by the company:

• More than US$7.8 million in ROI distributions paid to owners since Q4 2019.
• Over 20% year-over-year sales growth: the number of shareholders rose from 208 in Q1 2025 to 251 in Q1 2026.

• Average occupancy increased from 73% to 81.1% year over year.
• Average ROI distributions grew from 5.28% to 6.08%.
• Total ROI payouts over the year rose by nearly 70% to more than US$1.1 million.

• The number of villas available for guest stays increased by approximately 32%: from 23 in Q1 2025 to 27 in Q1 2026.
• The project remains on track to reach 42 villas following completion of the final phase of construction in 2030.

Lifestyle ownership grows: demand shifts from “citizenship” to lifestyle

The company also points to an acceleration in lifestyle ownership. Over the past year, more than half of deals from new buyers were driven by luxury real estate and lifestyle value, rather than citizenship-related considerations.

Since the program’s launch, approximately 35% of owners have purchased villas as lifestyle buyers, while 65% have done so through citizenship-focused scenarios.

“We’re increasingly attracting buyers who choose Secret Bay for the quality backed by results, the strength of the investment case, and simply for Dominica itself. Lifestyle ownership is becoming the leading driver of new sales,” James emphasized.

Phase 7: Cliffside Enclave — the master plan’s final chapter

Development continues not only in infrastructure, but also in the villa mix. In Q3 of this year, Secret Bay launched Phase 7 — Cliffside Enclave, which will serve as the final chapter of the master plan. Once completed, the total number of villas across the resort will reach 42.

Cliffside Enclave will include 6 residences:

• 3 Ti-Fèy+ villas with two bedrooms;
• 3 Kampesh villas with three bedrooms.

Ti-Fèy+: 2,649 sq ft, 2 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, accommodating 4–6 guests, with prices starting from US$2,950,000.

Kampesh: a “treehouse-style” design spanning 3,618 sq ft, 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, accommodating 6–10 guests, with prices starting from US$3,950,000.

Both villa categories feature panoramic glass solutions, looking toward the gourmet kitchen, bedrooms integrated into the landscape, and the open sea horizon.

Villa inclusions: appliances and smart features

Each villa comes equipped with:

• Siemens kitchen appliances;
• De’Longhi Eletta espresso machine;
• CDA wine refrigerator;
• Culligan water purification system;
• Sonos wireless audio system;
• high-speed Wi‑Fi;
• smart home technologies.

Waterfront Villas and new wellness offerings: plans through 2027

Progress on nine Waterfront Villas is also highlighted, with construction scheduled for completion in fall 2027. To date, three residences have been sold, including two full-ownership villas and one in a shared-ownership format.

The collection is inspired by the iconic design of Mapou Villa, emphasizing striking cantilever architecture and uninterrupted ocean panoramas.

At the same time, Secret Bay is expanding its wellness program. By 2027, two new facilities are planned: Wellness Spa and Analog Spa. These projects will broaden recovery and treatment options, allowing guests to choose more diverse and personalized therapeutic experiences.

Zing Zing returns: a refreshed culinary experience and restaurant growth

This year, Secret Bay has brought back its signature restaurant, Zing Zing. One of the most intimate dining concepts in the Caribbean, evenings here host up to 20 guests for a six-course Discovery menu, spotlighting the freshest seasonal ingredients from Dominica.

The return of Zing Zing marks another milestone in Secret Bay’s evolution, complementing the success of its Bwa Denn culinary projects and strengthening the resort’s reputation as one of the region’s leading dining destinations.

Sotheby’s International Realty: supporting sales across international markets

The global visibility of The Residences program continues to grow thanks to Secret Bay’s strategic partnership with Sotheby’s International Realty. On the Sotheby’s side, sales leadership is provided by Dan Merriman, a luxury real estate market specialist for the Caribbean region, connecting opportunities at Secret Bay with qualified buyers across North America, Europe, and other key emerging markets.

The partnership is helping sustain strong sales momentum following the launch of Waterfront Villas in 2025. Sotheby’s will also continue sales for the future Cliffside Enclave, expanding the audience drawn to the unique combination of luxury hospitality, ownership, and investment potential.

Dominica as a “Nature Island”: why the resort model works for wellness

Secret Bay is located in Dominica, the island known as the “Nature Island of the Caribbean” for its exceptional natural environment and a sustainable development approach. Dominica is home to 365 rivers, the world-famous second-largest boiling lake, underground volcanoes, mountain ranges, waterfalls, hot springs, and beaches with black and white sand. The island is also home to the only continuously resident population of sperm whales in the world.

As one of the last truly untouched islands, Dominica enables travelers to fully immerse in nature-based wellness practices — and offers “dream-list experiences,” including whale encounters, world-class diving, and canyoning through pristine landscapes.

In July 2026, Dominica was named #1 island across the Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Bahamas in Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards, reinforcing interest in the destination among those seeking a paradise away from mainstream routes.

Conclusion: proven ROI, a clear exit trajectory, and premium service

The Residences at Secret Bay demonstrates a consistent track record of ROI distributions, clear ownership pathways, and a high standard of luxury service delivery. Secret Bay stands out with a rare combination of environmental responsibility, architectural excellence, and strong financial outcomes.

From the initial phase of six villas to the 27-villa format, the resort has grown alongside an expanding owner community—while preserving its exclusivity and service standards recognized by international attention.

Secret Bay is the only Dominica property affiliated with Relais & Châteaux. The resort continues to receive industry awards, including mentions from Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler, as well as Caribbean Journal. The residences have also appeared in publications such as The Wall Street Journal, Mansion Global, and Robb Report.

Today, Secret Bay is one of the most compelling examples in the Caribbean, where luxury hospitality blends with a branded residential format, long-term ownership opportunities, and a proven investment track record.

*Please note: the size of annual fees and Return on Investment (ROI) distributions depend on market conditions and the performance of the LLC/Villa operations. No specific returns are guaranteed. This disclaimer is provided as a notice that ROI distributions may change and may not be stable or predictable. We recommend that all interested parties seek independent professional advice.

If you’re considering Caribbean investments as a way to establish yourself abroad, look closely at income-generating investment programs with a clear ROI model—such as The Residences at Secret Bay in Dominica, where owner ROI distributions have already surpassed $7.80M. At Digital Nomad, we help you navigate options for Golden Visa and investment-based residency, so you can pick the right path based on your timeline, budget, and residence goals.

Our Telegram channel about various types of Greek residence permits, digital nomad programs, and the Greek Golden Visa: @digitalnomadgr