Saffire Freycinet
Jungle Bay is the brainchild of Dominican born entrepreneur & sustainable development expert Samuel “Sam” Raphael. Sam, who was born on Dominica and grew upon St. Croix in the US Virgin Islands, pursued higher education in International Studies at The American University of Washington DC. In 1984 Sam returned to St. Croix where he began a successful business career primarily in real estate development that has culminated in the development of Jungle Bay, one of the Caribbean’s most exciting resorts.
According to Sam, the concept for Jungle Bay came about during his fifth grade field trip to Cinnamon Bay Campground in St. John, US Virgin Islands, in 1972. At the time Sam was living on his childhood home of St. Croix where his family had migrated to from Dominica in 1968. The environmental awareness of this class trip had such an impact on 11 year old Sam that he adopted the concept of conservation and environmental preservation as his life’s philosophy.
Almost thirty years later, in the height of a successful career as a real estate developer “with a difference” Sam, accompanied by Glenda (this power couple actually got married barefoot on a rock on the nearby White River) left their comfortable life of close friends, relatives and their golf villa on St. Croix and returned to one of the most remote parts of their native island home to turn their dream into reality. In addition to operating Jungle bay Sam spends his time promoting youth entrepreneurship, aviation and sustainable development projects throughout the Caribbean.
Sam has become one of the preeminent sustainable tourism developers in the Caribbean and has been named a top sustainable tourism leader by Virgin Holidays, Conde Nast Traveler Magazine and others.
Jungle Bay features tastefully designed stone and hardwood villas overlooking the marine sanctuary of Scotts Head and Soufriere. The resort is nestled within beautiful forests of tropical trees, banana plants and flowers, and in harmony with nature. Villas are spacious, luxurious, featuring luxury furnishings. Access the units through footpaths allowing you to explore the tropical plant life along the way to your private villa.
Sea kayaking
Enjoy paddling & snorkeling (directly from the kayak’s) in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea surrounded by a scenic coastline of mountains and coconut trees. EASY-MODERATE
Snorkeling at famous Champagne Beach
At Champagne Beach, swim through unique underwater volcanic bubbles while you explore the diverse sea-life at Dominica’s premier marine reserve. (Sea horses, turtles and a variety of tropical fish are often sighted!). Another 10 minutes drive will take you to Soufriere for a fruit picnic on the beach and for enjoying a relaxing bath in warm bubbles from the underground; volcanic gasses seep through the ocean floor, cooled by the sea’s waves flowing in over a stone wall, creating a perfect soaking temperature. EASY
Snorkeling at Scotts Head
Scotts Head is the island point where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea. The natural geographic formations from ancient volcanos has created the ideal place for coral and sea life to prosper. Snorkel the turquoise waters in the Soufriere-Scott’s Head Marine Reserve (SSMR) to see the amazing colorful fish, sponges and coral and more that makes this one of the top award-winning marine reserves in the Caribbean. Myths from the Kalinago peoples span throughout this part of the island. EASY
Scuba Diving
Jungle Bay partners with an excellent and safe scuba dive operation in the area. 1 and 2-tank dives are available – see our Dive Package and let us know if you have any questions. Please remember to bring your dive certification card.
Whale and dolphin watching
Recreation Hub /Activities Center
The spacious lounge includes complimentary internet access, pool table, table tennis table, board games and a book exchange. Fun for all ages.
Yoga Studios
Jungle Bay features two indoor yoga studios which are 2,500 square feet each featuring dramatic views of the Caribbean Sea. Daily yoga classes are hosted here as well as business events or other functions as needed.
Walking Trails
Jungle Bay is set amongst breathtaking tropical trees and flowers. Ask at the Reception and our Guest Services team will direct you to the self-guided walking trails where you can explore. Several other daily guided hikes and activities around the island are offered.
Banana Plantation
Dominica is famous for some of the most flavorful bananas in the world! Visit our own banana plantation and see the various stages of banana plants growing — located between the yoga studios and the spa.
Heritage Antiquities
The property which Jungle Bay sits upon is called Morne Acouma. It has a rich history and today still features interesting artifacts located near the spa. In the late 1800’s Morne Acouma was a famous lime plantation. Lauchlan Rose in the UK devised a method for preserving juice without alcohol and so he invented the world’s first concentrated fruit drink patented in 1867. During that time all merchant ships were required to travel with lemon or lime on board and thus Rose’s Lime Cordial was an important commodity which still lives on today as a refreshing beverage. The lime would be harvested from Morna Acouma, placed in buckets then travel down a series of pulley systems (in essence a zip line) to the waterfront below in Soufriere Bay where merchant ships would take the citrus fruit to London, England. When you visit Jungle Bay we invite you to stop and visit this fascinating heritage site and afterwards enjoy some refreshing fresh lime juice in the Pavillion Restaurant.
Dominica is located in the Eastern Caribbean, mid-way down the chain of Caribbean islands known as the Lesser Antilles, between the French islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique. The island is an emerging ecotourism destination which is serviced exclusively by commuter flights and ferry services from other nearby islands.
The island has two small airports. Douglas Charles Airport (DOM), the primary airport, is located in the north east of the island near the town of Marigot. Douglas Charles Airport accommodates propeller driven and Dash Eight aircraft. Canefield Airport (DCF) is a smaller commuter airport near the capital city of Roseau. Canefield accommodates smaller aircraft typically. It is located near the capital city of Roseau, which sits on the southwest side of the island.
