Hotel The Champs

The Champs Hotel has panoramic views over wooded hills, the Caribbean Sea, and Portsmouth town’s neighbouring village of Picard, on the north-west Caribbean side of Dominica. This seven-bedroom, simply-furnished, comfortable and charming boutique hotel reminds us very much of the small Greek island hotels which our clients love. This is a home away from home, and only a 55-minute drive from either the airport or the ferry port.

You won’t be disappointed! You will receive a warm and personal welcome from Lise, the owner, and Sabrina, the manager, and her team. Nothing is too much trouble - they all really want to show you the magical island of Dominica at its best. The location, with all the rooms having balconies and sea views, is superb - both from the pool area and, especially, from the second-floor bedrooms. The panoramic restaurant occupies the top floor.

Picard Beach, ideal for swimming, snorkelling and sailboarding, is a 3-minute drive down Banana Trail and it would take 15 minutes to walk (a little longer on the way back, uphill). There are restaurants close at hand (if you can tear yourself away from Chef Tarnita’s offerings! She cooks five or six evenings a week). It’s home cooking, using as many local ingredients as possible, with an international touch. Vegetarians are well catered for, as are those with allergies if advance notice is given. The menu is changed frequently and includes fish, red meat, chicken and seafood meals; for snacks, there are burgers, quesadillas and pizza.

Hans and Lise opened the doors of their little hotel in November 2008. In their words: “After visiting many islands in the Caribbean, we immediately felt at home on our first day in Dominica. The sun, the sea, the nature, the friendly people. To be able to wear flip flops and shorts 365 days a year feels very relaxing.” We could not agree more!

ACCOMMODATION

• Seven rooms including superior and garden rooms

FACILITIES AND AMENITIES

• Restaurant (midday meals on request; evening meals served on five or six evenings each week)
• Personalised breakfast
• Bar
• Swimming pool and pool deck
• In-room massage on request, payable locally
• Comprehensive advice on what to do and see on the island

Hotel activities from hotel

• Walks can be arranged with Dr Birdy for those interested in birds and the natural world of the island; they need to be pre-booked
• Whale watching
• Hike segment 13 of the Waitikubuli Trail, Penville to Capuchine (guide recommended)
• The walk down from Syndicate to the Picard River (also part of the Waitikubuli Trail)
• Visit Cabrits National Park, Portsmouth and take an Indian River Tour
• Visit Red Rocks and the Pointe Baptiste Chocolate Factory
• Visit Batibou Beach and go snorkelling
• Take a 3-hour coastal tour on a small boat
• Enjoy a short tour to Paradise Valley, in Borne, with its botanic gardens (circa 2 hours)
• Drive the Northern Link Road with a stop at the cold sulphur spring, Soufriere, and Bea Nef Falls

Note: If guests have not hired a car, then a transfer to the beginning of the hike can be arranged, with collection at the end. Most of the above activities are within a 30-to-40-minute drive from the hotel.

Superior Room

(24.4 and 32.1 sq m) These rooms all have king-size beds which can be separated into two single beds if preferred. The larger superior rooms can take an extra sofa bed. All superior rooms are on the second floor, and provide the best (270-degree) panoramic views. Rooms are air conditioned and feature a ceiling fan, a desk and a sofa. Bathrooms have showers. A safe, fridge and complimentary tea and coffee making are also provided. WiFi is free.

Garden Room

(22.6 sqm) These rooms are a little smaller - but very comfortable, with panoramic sea views and the feel of living in a garden with a pool. These rooms are located on the lowest floor, next to the swimming pool. Beds are queen size. Equipment includes a ceiling fan, air conditioning, free Wifi, fridge, safe, kettle and complimentary tea and coffee making facilities. As is the case in all rooms, the balconies are not private, but every balcony is equipped with two chairs and a table. The superior XL rooms also have a fan on their balcony as well as a towel/swimsuit drying rack. All mattresses are 13” Serta double pillow toppers.