A Full-Circle Journey Back to Secret Bay: One Family’s Story

When Caitlin and Mark first stumbled upon Secret Bay in 2012, they were simply in search of a new Caribbean destination to explore. Having made it a tradition to visit a different island each year, they booked their trip on a whim. But from the moment they stepped into their bungalow, they knew this wasn’t going to be just another stop, it was the start of something lasting.

“We walked into our bungalow and immediately looked at each other and said, ‘We need to add a few more days to this,’” Caitlin recalls. It was the first time they had ever arrived somewhere and immediately called the airport to delay their departure. Secret Bay, with its unmatched beauty and warmth, had captured their hearts.

They returned again in 2014, a rare move for two people who once made it a point to always discover somewhere new. Secret Bay had grown modestly, from four villas to six, but the sense of intimacy and wonder remained exactly as they remembered.

Then time passed, not by intention, but by life’s unfolding. The years that followed were focused on building a family, a journey that came with its own hopes and hurdles. After six long years, Caitlin and Mark welcomed their first child. Then came their second. Then a third. And now, more than a decade since that last visit, they’ve come full circle, back to Secret Bay, this time with their three children Everett, William, and Clara by their side.

For Caitlin and Mark, bringing their children back to the place that once meant so much to them as a couple was deeply meaningful. And for the kids, it was an unforgettable adventure. From kayaking and beach days to coral restoration projects, art classes, and even a treasure hunt, they embraced every moment.

“We wanted them to experience the same wonder we felt all those years ago,” Mark shared. “To see it through their eyes, that’s been the best part.”

Dominica, and Secret Bay in particular, remains unlike anywhere the family has ever been. What began as a spontaneous escape has now become a family tradition, and hopefully, one that won’t wait another 11 years to continue.