Papillote Tropical Gardens, Roseau: Hours, Address, Papillote Tropical Gardens Reviews: 4.5/5
Papillote Tropical Gardens
Papillote Tropical Gardens
4.5
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Wander through the Papillote Tropical Gardens. Flowering jade vines of an unbelievable shade of blue, huge pink or red ginger blossoms, aroids, begonias, bromeliads,ferns, indigenous orchids and heliconias form sumptuous compositions to tempt artists, botanists, gardeners and photographers. Frogs and other creatures live contentedly with 30 kinds of bird and 19 species of butterfly amongst hot and cold waterfalls and soothing hot mineral pools.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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3 within 3 miles
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17 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
121 reviews
Excellent
83
Very good
29
Average
6
Poor
1
Terrible
2
lovethesahel
Portsmouth, NH13 contributions
Friends
The Papillote gardens are open and magical. The area by the lower falls still in cleanup stage, but a federal walk is well worth the visit. A mixture of the taller waterfall —now more visible — whimsical sculptures and gorgeous plantings is unique and beautiful. A guided tour includes information about traditional uses of plants, as well as rare specimens.
Written January 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Neil F
Bath, UK46 contributions
Papillote Tropical Gardens is a 14 acre garden of rainforest plants and tropical flowers, developed since 1969 by Anne Jno Baptiste and her husband. The love and care which has gone into this project comes through in the wide range of beautiful plants throughout the garden. The atmosphere is magical and hard to describe (and to photograph); I can only say it's a wonderful place to sit or walk.
I was fortunate enough to meet Anne Jno Baptiste at the garden. I told her it reminded me of La Mortella, the famous garden in Ischia, and she said that some years ago, the designer of La Mortella had brought a party of people to see Papillote. I think that says a great deal about this garden.
Far and away the best botanic garden I saw in Dominica. My only regret was that I wasn't able to spend longer there.
I was fortunate enough to meet Anne Jno Baptiste at the garden. I told her it reminded me of La Mortella, the famous garden in Ischia, and she said that some years ago, the designer of La Mortella had brought a party of people to see Papillote. I think that says a great deal about this garden.
Far and away the best botanic garden I saw in Dominica. My only regret was that I wasn't able to spend longer there.
Written April 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
bootsieWestYorkshire
West Yorkshire48 contributions
Friends
This is a very small quiet place away from a cruise trip. We absolutely loved it. We booked our lunch and then did a tour of the gardens which will take about half an hour - beautiful plants and flowers, small water falls, hummingbirds.
Then we had lunch which was very good local fair - don't be afraid of the prices on the menu, they are in local currency not US dollars but they will accept US dollars or credit cards.
Finally we had a relaxing hour soaking in their hot spring pool watching hummingbirds feeding on the ginger flowers close by. This cost us 4 dollars each extra.
Our driver then took us on a small tour of the area. You will need to get a taxi - ignore all at the cruise port - go to the museum just across the road and ask for a man named Jean-Marie - everyone knows him. He is a very kind helpful man. If he is already booked that day he will sort you out another driver - we had a man named Jones who was also very kind and helpful. I asked if we could have a fresh coconut drink. He took us to a petrol station and there was a man with a pickup truck full of coconuts he had pick that morning. He charged us a dollar for each and they were the best I have had.
This was a far better day than if we had gone with a cruise trip, we saw far more and came back to the ship very relaxed
Then we had lunch which was very good local fair - don't be afraid of the prices on the menu, they are in local currency not US dollars but they will accept US dollars or credit cards.
Finally we had a relaxing hour soaking in their hot spring pool watching hummingbirds feeding on the ginger flowers close by. This cost us 4 dollars each extra.
Our driver then took us on a small tour of the area. You will need to get a taxi - ignore all at the cruise port - go to the museum just across the road and ask for a man named Jean-Marie - everyone knows him. He is a very kind helpful man. If he is already booked that day he will sort you out another driver - we had a man named Jones who was also very kind and helpful. I asked if we could have a fresh coconut drink. He took us to a petrol station and there was a man with a pickup truck full of coconuts he had pick that morning. He charged us a dollar for each and they were the best I have had.
This was a far better day than if we had gone with a cruise trip, we saw far more and came back to the ship very relaxed
Written May 11, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
debkayscu
garland, tx171 contributions
Friends
Wow, what can I say. The people that work here are exceptional! From the time I first emailed them until we left 5 star treatment. After I emailed they offered to secure a taxi (Big Mama) who was waiting at the pier when we arrived. After a 15 minute taxi ride we arrived at Nirvana. Our guide Marcel was an experienced guide who showed us around on a private tour, teaching us about the rain forest. We were allowed to try many plants/fruits and enjoyed the beauty. There are waterfalls, trees with hundreds of hummingbirds and small birds around. It is a beautiful place which words cannot describe adequately. After our 1 1/2 tour we were shown to changing rooms (very clean) to change into our swimsuits then for the next two hours we enjoyed the warm/cold pools and explored under the waterfall. We booked this outside the cruise line and couldn't believe we had the whole place to ourselves. They ask you what you want for lunch and have it ready when you are done. You eat on a covered patio with great view. What a bargain. The food was also fantastic, offering a variety of local dishes. The soup was so good as was everything on my plate. This was by far the best excursion of our trip and came at a time when we needed a relaxing day. Floating in the pool with the hot water was the bomb! Then jump out into the cool pool. Would definitely do this again and again.
Written December 14, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Nancy P
Philadelphia, PA155 contributions
While researching options for our cruise port stop in Dominica, I discovered the "Interlude for a Day" package at the Papillote Gardens. The day included a guided tour of the botanical gardens, unlimited time in the hot and cold spring pools, and lunch. Marcel took us on a tour of the gardens, pointing out the different plants and providing us with detailed (but always interesting!) information about these botanical treasures. I took over a hundred photos of the beautiful plants and scenic vistas! After the tour, we used the clean and private changing rooms to put on our bathing suits for lounging in the pools. I loved the serenity of the setting; relaxing in the pools with only the sounds of the birds and the waterfalls was magic. After a delicious lunch (choice of fish or chicken) and a fantastic and potent rum punch, we were sorry to have to leave. We would love to return to stay at the resort someday!
TIPS: Wear sneakers or other good walking shoes as some of the botanical tour is on uneven terrain...but nothing difficult and Marcel was always there with a hand! Also, we purchased some rum punch in a "to go" plastic bottle and were able to enjoy a glass at sail away!
TIPS: Wear sneakers or other good walking shoes as some of the botanical tour is on uneven terrain...but nothing difficult and Marcel was always there with a hand! Also, we purchased some rum punch in a "to go" plastic bottle and were able to enjoy a glass at sail away!
Written April 25, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DonnaMarkM
Edison, NJ42 contributions
Family
Visited the week of Christmas, 2014, while on a family cruise. The weather was spotty when we first arrived and I am very glad we decided to stay. You're in the rainforest, afterall, a few sprinkles didn't matter. The manager, Marcel, gave us a tour of the gardens, stopping many times along the way to talk about the plants, giving us a try of several like cocoa and cinnamon bark and to tell us how the plants are used holistically. Amazing lushness and so fun to see how large our houseplants at home would grow within the right environment. The waterfalls at the base were beautiful, and next to hot and cold mineral baths. We took in the mineral baths there until lunch time. Lunch was held on a covered open air patio with views of the gardens and distant views to the sea. (Wish I chose the fish over the chicken, as the chicken was bone-in.) There are changing rooms next to the bathrooms by the mineral bath pool just below the restaurant. Small gift shop by the entrance with local handicrafts, too. Would definitely come again. On a hillside, so lots of stairs but manageable.
Written January 10, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
CustomerService121
Houston, TX4 contributions
Solo
I asked a local where to have lunch and Papillote was recommended with a suggestion I take a bathing suit. Took the local bus from Roseau and 10 minutes later I was in paradise. This is more than just lunch - beautiful gardens, hot mineral pools & waterfalls, great food (try the Sweet & Spicy Shrimp and their Fish lunch cooked in banana leaf). I planned on just lunch but ended up spending the afternoon in the afore mentioned bathing suit basking in the wonderful hot pools and relaxing to the sounds, sights and scents of nature. (A small fee is charged for day use of the gardens & pools) The staff was charming and the garden tour is a private botanical lesson in itself. This island has many unique & beautiful places but this was one of the best days I spent in Dominica!
Written July 8, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Avatar627
Chicago, IL162 contributions
Couples
We paid US $10 each for the garden tour at Papillote after eating lunch there -- and it was well worth it. Our extremely knowledgeable guide showed us numerous local plants growing on the property, explaining their uses in cooking and medicine. The mineral pools are also unique (but we didn't partake). Lunch was good too, although don't go there if you are in a hurry. Papillote is a little hard to find but worth seeking out - and much more interesting than the "official" Botanic Garden on the island. It's also not far from many of the more popular trailheads.
Written November 27, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bigbearfatman
Portsmouth, New Hampshire24 contributions
Couples
We found this place on the internet prior to traveling to Dominica on a cruise ship. We did the interlude package which was $60.00 a person which included all day at the hot pools and the water falls. The price also included an incredible hour and a half tour of all the plants on the property. Finally, the package included lunch and beer or rum punch. We had an incredible day and felt totally alone on the property. This was the best excursion we have ever taken.
Written January 18, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
paul w
burntwood8 contributions
Couples
We arrived in Rosaeu , off a P and O cruise , we wanted to go to Papillote gardens ,we asked at information centre , they told us where to catch the local bus , it was waiting there for people to arrive , we were told that the more people that use the bus , the cheaper it becomes . At Papillote gardens we saw may Humming birds , the gardens were nice , but the highlight were the hot tubs , natural spring water , slightly greyish water , containing minerals , and the water was really nice and warm , I had forgot my trunks , so I went in my shorts .there is a cafe , but we didn't eat , just had a drink .we then walked back to the Cruise shop , a nice walk down a quite road , all downhill , looking at all the views . The walk back took us about one hour and twenty minutes , I was told before I went that it was too far to walk , but I disagree
Written September 14, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
chris l
Queanbeyan17 contributions
How long should we allow for a taxi ride from the Visitor Centre to the gardens, an independent wander around the gardens and a taxi ride back to the Visitor Centre?
oc pat
Ocean City, MD130 contributions
This place sounds very lovely. So is the Trafalgar Falls the falls that is part of the Interlude package? If not, is there a cost to see the Trafalgar Falls? Is there a means to change clothing after and before getting into the spas? What time does the prearranged bus take us back to the cruise ship? How rough is the terrain in getting around the property?
hannaclara
Roseau, Dominica4 contributions
The Trafalgar Falls are about a 15 minute walk from Papillote and a Government site pass of $US5 is required. Papillote has 2 waterfalls on premises and this is included in the Interlude package
We do have a changing room and can organize a return to the ship when you wish
There are concrete walks throughout the garden but many steps up and down
glosno
Toronto, Canada3 contributions
We will be arriving in Roseau by cruise ship on Sunday, December 25th (Christmas Day).
1. Will Papillote Gardens be open for visitors? 2. Will the restaurant be open for lunch? 3. Will transportation be available to and from Roseau? Please advise the approximate U.S. $ cost for each item # 1, 2, 3. Thank you.
hannaclara
Roseau, Dominica4 contributions
Yes the Gardens will be open on Christmas Day. We generally charge US$10 for a guided walk. I will see if he will come in on that day Alternately you can wander on your own
The restaurant will be open and you can choose from the lunch menu which includes light snacks
We can arrange round trip transport at US$20 per person
paul w
burntwood8 contributions
Could some one please advise me of cost of a taxi from the cruise terminal to Papilotte gardens , also is it okay to walk back from the gardens to the cruise terminal , is it safe to do so , , I have looked at a map , so I know the directions , and it looks about three miles , we do like walking .Thank you to anyone who can help we will be visiting in early November
.Paul
Corinne B
24 contributions
Hi, the taxi fares from the cruise terminal to Papillote are likely to be variable since most taxis are self employed. However, it could be $30-50 EC, so please negotiate. In terms of walking back, Papillote and Trafalgar Falls are located high up the mountain, so unless you are prepared for a steep descend initially I wouldn't recommend it. The locals are friendly and helpful so you should be safe, although as in any strange place you should exercise care and caution. Other than that have a safe and enjoyable visit.
craigaddie
San Francisco, CA10 contributions
What are the driving directions from Roseau?
Thanks,
Jessica
Julie D
Bala Cynwyd, PA44 contributions
Head out of town on King George V street, follow past Botanical Gardens and take road toward Trafalgar, there is a smaller road to the right called Paillotte Road, follow through little town and you will head towards Trafalgar Falls. The garden and restaurant are on the left before you get to the Falls.
Inez587
Rochester, NY5 contributions
Do you have a tour other than the "interlude"? We will be on a cruise ship and would be interested in an afternoon tour...1-2 hours, perhaps. What would be the cost? thanx.
Deedeemi
Maumee, OH2 contributions
How do we arrange a day visit to the gardens? We are cruising to Dominica in late November.
hannaclara
Roseau, Dominica4 contributions
The Tourist Reception Center is across the street from the Roseau Cruise Ship Berth and we can send a taxi to meet you there to take you to Papillote which is about a 10 minute drive from Roseau. We offer an"Interlude" package or any parts thereof
Deedeemi
Maumee, OH2 contributions
We are cruising to Dominica in late November and were interested in booking a tour of the Gardens and arrange transportation to and from the pier. Having difficulty getting correct contact information and pricing to book. Also want to be sure the gardens are open for tours as we were concerned about the hurricane that hit Dominica recently.
Thank you
hannaclara
Roseau, Dominica4 contributions
Thanks, Bres for this information. The gardens are actually in great shape. The Tourist Reception Center is across the street from the Roseau Cruise Ship pier and the receptionist can arrange transport to Papillote
Helene S
Houston, TX1,763 contributions
How did you arrange your tour from your week on the cruise?
hannaclara
Roseau, Dominica4 contributions
We would be happy to have you at Papillote for a day.
The Tourist Reception Center is across the street from the Roseau Cruise Ship Berth and we can have Maclean's ((Big Mama) taxi meet you there at 10AM. Send us an email
Frequently Asked Questions about Papillote Tropical Gardens
- Papillote Tropical Gardens is open:
- Sun - Sat 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- We recommend booking Papillote Tropical Gardens tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Papillote Tropical Gardens tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Papillote Tropical Gardens:
- (0.02 mi) Papillote Wilderness Retreat
- (1.21 mi) Cocoa Cottages
- (5.35 mi) Mermaid's Secret - Riverside Retreat
- (6.61 mi) Jungle Bay Dominica
- (0.67 mi) Ti Kwen Glo Cho
- Restaurants near Papillote Tropical Gardens:
- (0.11 mi) River Rock Cafe & Bar
- (0.73 mi) Le Petit Paradis
- (3.74 mi) Kozy's Niche
- (2.23 mi) Zeb Zepis Bistro
- (3.93 mi) Le Petit Paris Bakery and Restaurant