Sea Cliff Eco Cottages and Gin Distillery

It’s the view that takes your breath away. Hills covered with tropical forest, simply huge versions of your colourful indoor house plants back in the UK, but growing wild outside, the blue sea stretching to the horizon and those endless skies, complete with scudding clouds. And you know that you will wake up each morning and that stunning view will still be there, perhaps looking just a little different day by day.

Set in two acres of lush vegetation, the five Sea Cliff cottages are rather special. Four have sea/ocean views and the one-bedroomed garden cottage is located within tropical gardens. Like many of those we have spoken to on the island, Amber and Simon, who own the property, fell in love with the island and its people and are always excited to share the beauty of the location in which they are lucky enough to live. They - and their dedicated local staff, who they count as friends as well as employees - lend a personal touch to everything; it’s an ingredient often lacking in larger properties.

There is much to explore in the local area. The volcanic red rocks are a 5-minute drive away, Hodges, a natural black sand beach, is a five-minute walk down a trail from the cottages, where a river meets the sea, making it possible both to swim in the ocean and in the crystal-clear waters of one of Dominica’s 365 rivers. Turtle Beach, a beautiful white sand beach, is but a 5-minute drive.

Number One beach, used in one of the scenes of the Pirates of the Caribbean film, is a 10- minute drive, and Batibou beach, Dominica’s classic palm-fringed Caribbean crescent beach, is a 15-minute drive followed by a 20-minute walk, and worth making the effort. Pointe Baptiste Beach, a 15-minute walk away, is a hidden gem, with the intriguing chocolate factory just a five- minute drive. If you are looking for a forest hike followed by a cool fresh-water swim, then try the Chaudière Pool, where kingfishers and Jaco parrots are to be seen. And, of course, within a 15- minute walk, there is the charming seaside village of Calibishie, with its colourful houses, provision stores, beachside bars and restaurants.

But let’s not forget the small batch gin distillery, buried amongst the gardens and inspired by the abundance of Dominica’s botanicals. After a lot of experimenting, and the purchase of a small still, Amber and Simon have created a very special gin from nine carefully-chosen botanicals grown in the tropical gardens of both the cottages and in the gardens of local farmers. The distillery is powered by solar energy, and the bottling process uses recycled materials. The end product is a delightful gin with notes of pink grapefruit, bay leaves, cinnamon, cocoa and nutmeg, which is successfully marketed locally. Needless to say, tastings can be arranged locally! An excellent tonic is also available. Definitely a bottle of gin that you will wish to buy and take home with you…it not only looks beautiful, but is a delightful G&T to enjoy…

ACCOMMODATION

• Five cottages - four have sea/ocean views and one is located within the tropical gardens

NOTE: There are no televisions – there are much better things to do and see! There are no air-conditioning units, but there are ceiling fans - the sea breezes keep you cool. All the cottages come with a curated mini library featuring many Caribbean authors. There is also a menu of books for sale written by Caribbean authors and published by a local independent publisher, Papillote Press. There is free WIFI in all the cottages.

FACILITIES

• The staff can advise on what there is to see and do locally, and where to shop, and what to buy. They can book guides and taxis. There are very good instructions as to how to get from A to B in Dominica. You can simply feel at home and watch the tropical plants grow around you, while enjoying the sea views from your cottage.

Luxe 2 Bedroom Cottage

This designer, 2-bedroom cottage has louvre shutters and doors, opening on to a unique, oversized deck which creates a very large, covered living area. The delightful space is furnished with ocean-view lounge seating, an ocean-view dining table for 8 people, a built-in grill and a hammock area with views over the lush tropical garden. One bedroom has a double bed and there is a double-width bunk bed in the second bedroom. The kitchen is fully equipped, with a stove, oven, fridge freezer, stove-top kettle, coffee maker and simply all the pots, pans, tableware and cutlery that you might need to cook a full meal using the abundant local produce.

Ocean View Studio

This two-person studio has spectacular views, down to Hodges Beach and palm-fringed islands and then up to forested mountain peaks. The studio has a wooden cathedral ceiling, is light and airy, and opens to a spacious, covered balcony cooled by trade wind breezes from which you can watch ospreys and frigatebirds and see - and hear - the Atlantic breakers crash below. The studio has a double bed. The kitchen is similarly equipped as per the Luxe 2-bed cottage (above). The bathroom is equipped with a shower.

Hexagon Two Bedroom Cottage

This cottage has a wooden cathedral ceiling, and the living area opens on to a spacious covered balcony with ocean and mountain views. Built on two levels, there is a separate entrance below to the second bedroom, bathroom and kitchenette. The bedrooms are both furnished with double beds. Kitchen equipment is as per the Luxe 2-bed. Additionally, this cottage has a washing machine. Both bathrooms are equipped with showers.

Garden One Bedroom Cottage

This one-bedroomed cottage is surrounded by tropical gardens; an ancient mango tree shades the private outdoor dining table and grill. The living room is light and airy, and has a wooden cathedral ceiling. The bedroom has a double bed. The kitchen is equipped as per the luxe 2 bedroom cottage. The bathroom is equipped with a shower.

Ocean View Two Bedroom Cottage

This cottage has a similar layout and views as the Hexagon 2-bedroom cottage. One bedroom has a double bed, and the other a double width bunk bed. The kitchen is equipped as per the luxe 2 bedroom cottage; additionally, there is a washing machine. The bathroom is fitted with a shower. On the lawn in front is a grill and an outdoor table.