
Roseau, Dominica — GEMS Holdings Limited, an impact-driven Caribbean-based company dedicated to managing and developing world-class, sustainable luxury properties and businesses in the hospitality and tourism markets, announced today a partnership with Dan Austin, a visionary leader in adventure travel. He will join Secret Bay and Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort in an advisory role to support the properties in expanding their reach within the adventure travel and tour operator market. In his new role, Austin will work closely with the properties to refine and expand curated guest itineraries, strengthen guide storytelling and training, and build global partnerships that help more travelers discover what makes Dominica so remarkable.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Dan and the expertise he brings to Secret Bay and Fort Young Hotel,” said Gregor Nassief, CEO of GEMS Holdings Ltd. “Dan has extensive experience and deep passion for immersive and adventure travel, and we know guests will benefit from his prowess.”
With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Austin founded and led Austin Adventures, one of the world’s premier adventure travel companies before its successful sale. Now, through his advisory work, he leverages his deep industry knowledge, extensive global network, and passion for experiential travel to help companies establish themselves as leaders in the adventure tourism space.
“I’ve spent my career shaping immersive adventure experiences, and I see incredible potential for Secret Bay and Fort Young Hotel to become premier destinations for adventure travelers,” said Austin. “Dominica is an untapped gem for those seeking authentic, high-end adventure, and I’m excited to work with these world-class properties to develop offerings that resonate with today’s adventure-seekers. The wild beauty of Dominica has always been here. What’s next is about making it even more immersive, seamless, and soul-stirring for the travelers who seek it.”
Through this collaboration, Austin will provide strategic guidance on itinerary development, guide training, and tour operator relations, ensuring Secret Bay and Fort Young Hotel become go-to destinations for adventure travelers worldwide.
Fort Young Hotel is ideal for adventure travelers seeking an immersive, high octane experience on the “Nature Island.” Its unique All-Inclusive, Island-Included model goes beyond meals and drinks to offer guests curated excursions like hiking to waterfalls, scuba diving, and experiencing the local community through cultural tours. With its prime waterfront location and easy access to the island’s natural wonders, the hotel serves as both a basecamp and gateway for unforgettable exploration.
Secret Bay offers travelers a curated selection of thrilling activities and once-in-a-lifetime experiences that connect guests with the island’s raw natural beauty. From canyoning to swimming with sperm whales to night snorkeling and more, a stay at Secret Bay is designed to create a deep connection to Dominica’s diverse ecosystems, from its lush rainforests to its vibrant marine life.
Read more about Austin and his new role at Secret Bay here and at the Fort Young here.
About GEMS Holdings Limited
GEMS is an impact-driven Caribbean-based company dedicated to owning, managing and developing world class, sustainable luxury properties and businesses in the hospitality and tourism markets. The GEMS portfolio includes Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort, Secret Bay, The Residences at Secret Bay and Tibay Villas. www.gems.dm
About Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort
Situated on the water in Roseau, Dominica’s capital, Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort is the island’s landmark resort and the Caribbean’s first All-Inclusive, Island-Included resort. The country’s only downtown hotel, Fort Young Hotel affords guests unmatched proximity to the “Nature Island’s” vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, exhilarating activities and some of the island’s most prized attractions, like Trafalgar Falls, Middleham Falls, Freshwater Lake, segments of the Waitukubuli National Trail, and world-renowned diving. Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort offers a luxurious sense of seclusion, fine dining, spa services and meeting facilities. Fort Young Hotel can be reached at 767-448-5000 or [email protected]. https://www.fortyounghotel.com/
About Secret Bay
Secret Bay features a limited collection of freestanding, secluded and sustainably crafted villas that are immersed in nature and positioned on a breathtaking clifftop overlooking the azure Caribbean Sea. Offering architectural residential-style villas, fine dining, wellness facilities, night and day access to remote beaches, an art gallery, a lap pool with full-service bar, recreational equipment, an outdoor gym, a funicular and a wealth of transformational experiences, Secret Bay provides guests with the ultimate six-star hideaway experience. In 2019, Secret Bay was accepted into Relais & Châteaux, becoming the first and only property in Dominica and just one of seven properties in the Caribbean to be affiliated with the elite brand. Secret Bay was recently recertified with Green Global Certification and has received numerous accolades in its 13 years in operation. Secret Bay can be reached at 767-445-4444 or [email protected]. www.secretbay.dm