Coulibri Ridge Hotel review, Soufriere, Dominica
Set on a mountain ridge in the south of the beautiful Caribbean Island of Dominica, Coulibri Ridge is a stunning, intimate, off-grid eco-resort surrounded by sulphur springs on one side and the ocean on the other.
The brainchild of Canadian Daniel Langlois, it is groundbreaking in design and operates using only solar and wind power, utilising the island’s natural assets while retaining luxury and elegance. And with are 200 acres of lush wilderness, mature tropical gardens and fields, an orchard, a farm and 18th century estate ruins to explore, it is one of the region’s most attractive and eco-conscious resorts.
The resort generates all of its electrical needs through solar and other sustainable energy technologies on-site.
Interiors are neutral, and materials used for floors, ceilings, doors, and furniture are from renewable sources or are fully recyclable. The breath-taking resort has 14 suites consisting of 1000 square foot sky penthouses with rainwater plunge pools, 950 square foot Morne Fou lofts and 650 square foot sea view studios. There are two swimming pools which use copper ion technology for purification and two excellent restaurants.
Who For
Offering fabulous accommodation and first-class dining, Coulibri Ridge is ideal for those eco-conscious travellers in search of luxury that does not impact the environment. Coulibri Ridge is close to all the natural wonders Dominica has to offer and is well-suited for adventure seekers, birdwatchers, hikers and scuba divers. Children are welcome, with adjoining rooms available. Steep steps throughout the resort mean it is not suitable for those with mobility issues.
With privacy and intimate romantic spots, honeymooners and couples will love the atmosphere and seclusion at Coulibri.
Accommodation
Coulibri Ridge 14 spacious air-conditioned studios and duplex suites, ranging in size from 930 square feet (86 m2) to 1,550 square feet (144 m2).
All units have large terraces with exceptional sea views of Martinique to the south and are equipped with custom kitchens and furnishings. Seven duplex suites also have an additional north-facing terrace offering views of the Sulphur Spring Valley, and of those, four suites have an outdoor shower garden, and three have a private pool.
I stayed in a breathtaking duplex Sky Penthouse with 1,000 sqft of interior living space and two terraces: one terrace overlooking the sea, Martinique and Morne Fou and one overlooking the Sulphur Spring valley.
It was located on the upper floors of the villa buildings. The pool, floating above the ridge, offers stunning views of the Sulphur Springs valley as I stepped through the terrace door.
The lower floor of the duplex has a full kitchen with an island and sitting stools, a dining table with four chairs, a powder room, as well as a high-ceilinged living room area with a sofa and ottoman. The television (equipped with an Amazon Firestick) can be angled so it can be seen throughout the living areas.
There is also a south sea view terrace with a sofa and table. On the top floor with its endless sea views, is the bedroom with a comfortable California King bed, a bathroom with a shower and two sinks, as well as the work area overlooking the valley. There is air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, a coffee machine, minibar offerings, a laptop-sized safe, organic toiletries and bathrobes.
Food and Drink
Breakfast and lunch are served in the bright, informal Mesa restaurant with lots of fresh tropical fruits and the option to try local Caribbean specialities. Later, you can enjoy a cocktail and gourmet dining beneath the stars at rooftop Riva overlooking an infinity pool. Chef Damien Mason creates original dishes using produce grown on-site or from local suppliers and farms.
Coulibri Ridge grows a wide variety of organic produce on-site, including bananas, mangoes, avocados and cacao and a variety of vegetables with an emphasis on farm-to-table dining to highlight Dominica’s variety and support the resort’s sustainable, off-grid operations. Vegans and vegetarians are well catered for.
Facilities
An outdoor yoga pavilion and spa provide airy tropical spaces where guests can engage with nature in a serene setting. Treatments at the spa include massages, scrubs, and facials, and feature locally made products using island ingredients. There is also a fully equipped gym.
The resort offers serenity and rejuvenation packages which include 3 or 5 days of yoga, meditation out outdoor activities and tailored spa treatments. A lush revival package also includes a culinary experience with a cookery class.
Fitness packages include exercise classes, kayaking and hiking to the breathtaking Middleham Falls and massages for muscle relaxation and recovery.
Walking around the property is an adventure in itself. Steep stone steps, which were hand-carved by local workmen using traditional methods, connect the six main buildings. Rainwater, collected through the unique roof design, undergoes a purification process and is used throughout the resort.
How much
Seaview Studio – US $755.00
Morne Fou Loft – US $950.00
Sky Penthouse with Exterior Shower – US $1,100.00
Sky Penthouse with Private Pool – US $1,200.00
What’s nearby
Go whale watching at Scott’s Head – Dominica is the only country in the world where sperm whales live all year round. Hire e-bikes from the resort to explore the local rainforest. Plunge into thermal waters at Wooton Waven hot springs. Hikers can access trails in Morne Trois Pitons National Park, waterfalls (like Middleham Falls), and the Waitukubuli Trail, the longest hiking route in the Caribbean. With 14 segments, it gives an up-close experience of Dominica’s incredible biodiversity.
Water sports, including kayaking, diving, and fishing, are on offer in Soufriere Bay, where you can also visit lovely Champagne Beach. Explore the village of Soufriere and nearby Roseau for culture and a glimpse of local life. Try canyoning, abseiling or waterfall rappelling in the beautiful waterfalls, rivers and lakes
Verdict: If you are an eco-conscious traveller looking for sustainable luxury in a beautiful Caribbean setting, Coulibri Ridge should be on your list. It is stunning, contemporary and stylish while offering a completely off-grid experience. Staff are welcoming and helpful, and several exciting adventures and outings can be arranged. Alternatively, the resort is so peaceful and calming that you may just want to sit and enjoy the natural beauty of the island, known as the Caribbean’s nature island.
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