Secret Bay, Dominica’s exclusive six-star, all-villa, Relais & Châteaux rainforest resort and residences, is pleased to debut its newest amenity and local attraction, Bwa Denn. An immersive cultural experience, Bwa Denn features food, art, retail, fitness, a kombucha brewery, an art gallery and more. The modern minimalist two-level structure centers around the art gallery, a concept that honours the memory of Dominican artist, Earl Etienne. Bwa Denn also features a contemporary Caribbean and Latin American art collection of over 100+ distinct pieces.
In addition to the gallery, the space includes a casual gourmet restaurant on the ground foor, a full-service bar, hip microbrewery, boardroom, fitness center, mini theater and cutting-edge wine cellar. The rooftop lounge and fine dining space with extensive ocean vistas are home to the resort’s signature “no menu” concept, while the kombucha brewery specializes in fermented local teas infused with fresh fruits, fowers and herbs.
“Bwa Denn further enhances the resort’s cultural offerings, providing guests and the local community with unparalleled access to Dominica’s rich artistic heritage and natural beauty,” said Craig Sands, general manager of Secret Bay. “It is a versatile, eco-friendly venue designed to host a variety of events, from intimate gatherings and corporate retreats to wellness workshops and cultural celebrations.”
Commenting on the art gallery’s inaugural exhibition of selected works by the late Earl Darius Etienne and the dedication of the space to her father, Earlyn Etienne said, “The Bwa Denn selection of works depicts a minimal fraction of his varied styles and genres of art, yet shows his ability to work with a variety of materials. The works on display which include Sensational sensay, self-portraits, early works, quadrille and bèlè dancing, the Erika story and Blès épi Bobo, reiterate how much of a prolifc artist he was.” Earlyn further spoke of her father’s love of carnival, his belief in rising over mediocrity, and his devotion to enhancing the Dominican art industry, having collaborated with many artists and represented Dominica in a myriad of shows and festivals in various countries. At the opening ceremony, Earlyn ended her address with her father’s own words, in which he stated: “My works are an expression of my experience in life…It is with humility that I extract from the Almighty and my fellow human beings to create my own visual world, using everything at my disposal. The integrity in One’s work is to seek and to tell the truth.”
Curated by local artist, Aaron Hamilton, the art gallery will feature rotating for-sale works showcasing paintings, sculptures, and mixed-media works that refect the diverse cultural tapestry of the region, and the vibrant creativity of Dominican and Caribbean artists. The gallery’s mission is to celebrate and promote the artistic talent of Dominica, offering visitors a unique insight into the island’s cultural identity.
Nestled within the lush rainforest and overlooking the serene Caribbean Sea, Bwa Denn embodies the resort’s commitment to sustainable luxury and immersive guest experiences.
Bwa Denn was offcially launched at a private ceremony on June 29, 2024, and will be opened to the public beginning July 15, 2024. Reservations are required at least 24 hours in advance for anyone wishing to dine or visit Bwa Denn.
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