Coulibri Ridge

This fall, Coulibri Ridge, the Caribbean's newest sustainable resort, invites travelers to go off the grid and dive into luxury during its official grand opening. The 14-suite, 285-acre resort will welcome guests starting October 22, following a soft opening that demonstrated that discreet luxury and genuine sustainability can truly go hand in hand. Coulibri Ridge's "Grand Opening Package" is available to guests to stay seven nights, pay for five, from November 1 - December 14, 2022.

Coulibri Ridge: An Eco-Focused Research Project Brought To Life

Coulibri Ridge is the result of more than 20 years of research, environmental testing, infrastructure building, and community engagement to ensure the highest degree of sustainability, respectful development and community collaboration. It is the brainchild of Quebec-born entrepreneur Daniel Langlois. Langlois traveled the globe throughout his career in software technology, and, the contrast between wealthy and poor communities in many places left him pondering why sustainable practices like solar energy were not typically in place to help the world's vulnerable citizens. As a result, he began researching sustainability and eco-friendly building practices before searching for a location to put his ideas into action. Langlois and his partner Dominique Marchand first visited Dominica, the "Nature Island," in 1997, fell in love with the island's natural beauty, and decided to build their dream. (Hear more about the journey to create Coulibri Ridge in Langlois' own words here.)

Perched atop a mountain ridge in southern Dominica near the village of Soufrière, Coulibri Ridge harnesses the region's most prevalent natural resources - the sun, wind, and rain - to power an island experience like none other. Coulibri Ridge is fully off-grid, using solar energy as its main power source, supplemented by wind turbines specially designed to have minimal impact on local flora and fauna. Rainwater, collected primarily through the resort's unique roof design and purified by ultraviolet light and copper ionization, is funneled to guest suites and two shared, chlorine-free pools. Drains and gutters collect rainwater and grey water can be used to irrigate the resort's gardens and a small farm set to open in 2023.

Sustainable Design, Sustainable Community

Inside the suites and all common areas, guests will find recycled teakwood, and ceilings are constructed from 100% recyclable, mold-resistant aluminum. The resort's meticulously planned exterior, designed to stand up to hurricanes, earthquakes, and humid conditions, was built to be integrated into the natural landscape, allowing guests to truly feel connected with the land. The resort's exterior was developed from hand-chiseled stone sourced from the property, constructed entirely by local community members who continue to service the resort in all capacities.

A strong focus on community is an integral part of Coulibri Ridge's DNA. The resort was conceptualized and constructed to support the local community and offer opportunities for locals to become part of its success. This symbiotic relationship was particularly apparent in 2017 when Coulibri Ridge was nearly ready to welcome its first guests. Unfortunately, Category 5 Hurricane Maria had other plans. While the resort suffered minimal damage due to its deliberate design, the village of Soufrière was decimated. During this challenging time, Langlois and Marchand took the opportunity to temporarily step back from Coulibri Ridge and use what they learned in creating the resort to help the local residents rebuild and become more resilient.

Accommodations

Coulibri Ridge boasts four categoriesof spacious residential-style suites complete with full kitchens. The Seaview Studio offers 600 square-feet of interior space and a 350-foot terrace complete with a sofa, hanging chair and two sun loungers - perfect for taking in sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea.

The Morne Fou Loft boasts 950 square-feet of interior space and a 400-square foot seaview terrace. The luxurious Sky Penthouse duplexes provides 1,000 square-feet of interior space and two terraces - one overlooking the sea, Martinque and the Morne Fou mountain peak, and a second overlooking the lush Sulphur Spring Valley. Four Sky Penthouses feature an outdoor rain shower, and three have private infinity pools, both with stunning views.

Amenities

Two large infinity pools are available for all guests, along with a gym, yoga pavilion, spa facilities for private treatments, and two dining rooms - Mesa and Vista. Experienced staff lead explorations throughout the property's expansive land, including tropical gardens, an orchard and 18^th century estate ruins. Off-grid doesn't necessarily mean offline. High-speed WiFi is available throughout the resort, and two light-filled boardrooms with ocean views that can host up to 14.

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