Picard Beach Cottages are set in gardens just behind a long sandy beach in Prince Rupert Bay, on Dominica's northwest coast. It's in a quiet location and the view is up the bay to Portsmouth and across to the historic Fort Shirley (from where the British defended the island against invading French troops) in Cabrits national park. In the distance, part of Guadeloupe can be seen on clear days, emerging to the left of the twin peaks of Cabrits.
I arrived there in a tropical downpour and as I dried off in the reception area, a happy French couple were telling me that the previous night they saw a Leatherback turtle come ashore to lay its eggs (the season runs from April to September). Just up the bay, they had been using the Cabrits dive centre to scuba in spots around the northwest, and had gone off exploring on their own around the island. Nearby is Mount Diablotin, Dominica's highest peak at over 4000 feet, the Syndicate trail from where there's a good chance to see the endangered Sisserou parrot (featured on Dominica's national flag), Indian River for kayaking, along with a beautiful coastline and hilly forested countryside. On the opposite coast is Calibishie and the Carib Territory, and Roseau is on the coast road heading south.
We said goodbye and five minutes later the rain stopped as abrubtly as it had started.
As I walked around the gardens, water dripped off tropical plants, as an intense sun dried off everything else.
The eighteen cottages are set under shady palms and a huge Samman tree, with forest behind. Some are just behind the beach, while others are nestled in lush gardens. Built of wood in a simple style, they were conceived with the self-catering in mind, each having a kitchenette and dining area, along with double en-suite bedrooms and a veranda. Next door is the Le Flambeau beachside restaurant which serves breakfast through to dinner. And there is also a natural botanicals spa in a cottage by the beach.
While filming Pirates of the Caribbean, the crew and cast stayed at Picard Beach Cottages.
Veranda of a garden cottage.
Veranda of a beach cottage.
A good place to relax and read a book.
Le Flambeau beach restaurant.
Flower of an African tulip tree on the black sands.
A stay here is ideal for those who simply want to relax by the beach or to use it as a base for diving in the northwest and exploring the island.
Cottages cost between US$120 and US$220, depending on season and grade of accommodation.
For further information, please visit www.picardbeachcottages.dm
For further information, please visit www.picardbeachcottages.dm
For the related article about Portsmouth, Cabrits and the Northwest, please see Northwest Coast
