Roseau, Dominica -
Traveling to Dominica for any reason is a grand
opportunity.
Add a steelpan music function to your itinerary and you are
in steelpan fan paradise. As we have said before
Dominica is truly one of the most beautiful places on the
planet. The breathtaking vistas of Dominica are
simply extraordinary. Everyone should visit Dominica at least once in
their lifetime.
Of course, from our perspective the
best time to do it is during one of their steel pan music
festivals.
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Scenic and beautiful Dominica |
This year the When Steel Talks (WST) crew traveled again from New
York's JFK International airport to San Juan, Puerto Rico on
a four–hour American Airlines morning flight, where we
then caught an American Eagle 110–minute flight to Melville
Hall Airport, situated on
Dominica’s northeast coast. We then traveled approximately 24 miles by
car through hills, valleys and winding roads from Melville Hall
to the capital of Roseau. Of course the Dominican experience begins
the moment our aircraft descends over the lush green covered
mountains and picturesque coast line.
Coming from a concrete jungle like New York City the
dichotomy of the situation is immediately and thoroughly
appreciated and apparent. Dominica is
the antithesis of the urban colossal called the Big Apple.
Tropical rainforests, natural botanical gardens, fresh air,
rivers, fresh produce — there is very little about Dominica
that is artificial. The trip from Melville Hall Airport to
downtown Roseau is in itself a stupendous experience -
one you are guaranteed not to soon forget.
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Fort Young view of Atlantic Ocean |
This time around WST stayed at the
Fort Young Hotel overlooking the Roseau Bay. As fortune would have it the
hotel also overlooks the Roseau Ship Berth on
Dame Eugenia Charles Boulevard where the Reunion Carnival
2008 - Pan by The Bay would be taking place.
The Fort Young Hotel gets 'two thumbs’ up from our staff.
Besides the breathtaking views from our ocean view rooms of Roseau
Bay, Fort Young provided everything necessary to ensure a
quality experience while WST were in Dominica.
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Breakfast at Fort Young at the Waterfront Restaurant |
Fort Young Hotel’s prime location is at the center of downtown
Roseau, Dominica’s capital. It is
within walking distance of the island’s
commerce and important business
headquarters; and its
proximity to Roseau Bay gives you the ultimate work,
business, education, relaxation and play experience.
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Gweneth Moorhouse & Henrietta Seraphin,
Roseau
Market Merchants |
The Dominican people are engaging,
bright, friendly and worldly, indeed as we soon found
out after visiting Roseau’s tourism market area (Old
Market Plaza) where one can find
intellectually stimulating conversations on any topic.
While visiting we met two charming merchants who were
particularly amazed that we were interested in their
concerns, thoughts and ideas, even beyond their national
agenda. They carry a wealth
of information.
Fort Young Hotel is a gateway to a
virtual history lesson, alive with the
energy and scenes that spawned an
unprecedented era of discovery.
Fort Young is where the enduring quality
of a grand hotel meets the style and
needs of a new age in a Caribbean
setting. It’s sleek, vibrant décor is the backdrop for easy repose, innovative dining and a network of communication technology to keep you in touch 24/7.
Step through the lobby’s doors and into the pulse of culture and innovation in downtown
Roseau, the Capital of Dominica.
Fort Young is hospitality in the modern age: chic,
courteous, and connected.
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Pan
By the Bay, steps from the Fort Young Hotel, Roseau, Dominica |
Do not pass up an opportunity to take in
a steelpan event in Dominica or chance to stay at the
Fort Young Hotel. We cannot wait to go back.
contact:
Fazl Khan, General Manager, Fort Young Hotel | email:
gm@fortyounghotel.com | tel: (767)
448-5000
contact:
Dominica Steelband
Association | Anna Raffoul, President
Related Articles:
More On Steelpan In Dominica |