We just enjoyed a relaxing "visit" to Mark Steele's friendly home/guest house, Beau Rive, in Dominica. I call it a "visit" because we soon felt that we were visiting a friend, rather than paying for a stay. Beau Rive is a relatively-new, small (only 8 rooms), quiet, and friendly place to spend either a few nights or a whole week. Mark's vision was to create the perfect small hotel, and he has definitely succeeded. We knew that we had found the right place when we first saw the amazing view of the coast and nearby mountains from our veranda. The rooms are simply furnished, classy, and clean.
The breakfasts (inclusive) and nightly-specials dinners were amazing too. Homemade yogurts, on-site fruit toppings, locally grown breadfruit, melons, etc., and local poultry with no hormones improved our diets that week.
An additional surprise was the presence of Mark's delightful 87-year-old mother, Josey, who played the grand piano we were surprised to see in the bar area. Josey entertained the 8th Army troops in Italy during WWII and she still enjoys playing for an audience.
We really appreciated the other eco-friendly aspects of Beau Rive too. Showering in rain water and using solar-heated water make an impact in the sustainable growth goals of Dominica.
Renting a car is necessary if you really want to explore the island, want to enjoy the local fish lunch spots, and aren't afraid to dodge some potholes, but Mark can also arrange for other tour options.
Beau Rive is just outside the Carib Territory where 3000 Caribs still live. It's close to the Kalinago Carib Village where we learned a lot about the Carib tribe.
We'll be back to visit Beau Rive some day. . . when the blood pressure needs lowering and we need to escape the real world.

Beau Rive is as individual as a fine restaurant. Everything about the place directly reflects the experience and personallity of the owner / builder / chef / concierge. Holiday Inn promises no surprises. At Beau Rive we found surprises. They were subtle and delightful. Beau Rive is a 'retreat' with great sheets, hot water, unconventional cuisine, tranquil view and privacy. No muzak, no souvenir shops, no hard sell. Could be enjoyed by all but truly appreciated by those of us who have had to live and work out of a hotel. /Tom Deevy

Famous Dominican-born writer Jean Rhys once wrote that Dominica to her is not like place, it’s more like person you can fall in love with. That’s exactly what we experienced at Beau Rive. View and sound of the ocean right down from your balcony, starry sky above your head at dinner (food is delicious fusion of Caribbean and European cuisine!), concentric rainbows over the rainforest after the rain, beautiful and tranquil place with very personal touch thanks to the caring owner Mark and his staff.
Every room is with view but if that’s not enough you can spend your time on balcony near the jazzy bar (there’s piano as well) or take plunge in nice swimming pool right in front of library/common room (you can find good music and reading matter there). Definitely Mark’s place is made with love and care for every detail, and we really hope to return.

As all of the other reviews will attest, Dominica is an amazing place and Beau Rive is the best the island has to offer. However, in my review I would like to commend Mark, the proprietor of Beau Rive. With the title of proprietor comes all other titles including, but not limited to, bellhop, concierge, front desk clerk, chef, bartender and plumber (I can't verify that because we didn't have any plumbing issues, but I'm sure he would have been the man to fix the problem). Mark excelled at every position. While Mark doesn't claim to be a chef, I would enjoy his cooking with anyone anywhere. Not to say that this renaissance man doesn't have a wonderful staff assisting him, but Mark headlines every aspect of the service. He is commited to making sure your stay is perfect, and his staff follows thru with that commitment.

As someone who is also in the hospitality industry, I can truly appreciate what Mark is doing. One night during our visit, we exchanged stories of building our businesses. His triumph as a foreigner coming to an isolated part of a lesser developed Carribean island and building a wonderful facility and outstanding reputation such as Beau Rive made my stories feel pale in comparison.

If you are going to visit Dominica (which we loved but know is not for everyone), do stay at Beau Rive. I would make this recommendation even if Mark was not there, but look forward to a good gracious host (and delicious food) because he is there.