Silks Hotel (formerly Habitation Chabert) - Dominica

Imagine the remotest scene from Mutiny on the Bounty, add a touch of Gauguin's French Polynesia and a step back into pre-Colombian Caribbean, and you've got Silks Hotel (formerly Habitation Chabert). 15 minutes from Melville Hall and Marigot village, it is the only occupant of an expansive bay tucked between beach, river, the Carib reserve and rain forest. It's the kind of exquisite setting you might associate with Pirates of the Caribbean - and rightly so, since many of the cast stayed here while filming.

The history of this converted 17th century thrice-turreted rum distillery takes quite some beating. Originally restored as a private residence/walled mini-fort by some floating European count in the early eighties, this little gem took on a certain Gallic chic when it was converted into an inspired guesthouse. Sculptures and thoughtful art punctuate the tropical palms. The atmosphere is further enhanced with the sounds of the rain forest, the babbling of the Pagua river and the distant roar of the Atlantic rollers.

This hotel is less than four km (three miles) from the Rain Forest and Carib Territory. An outdoor swimming pool, botanical garden, and barbecue on the beach are among the amenities offered. Wireless Internet access is complimentary in public areas, and a business center and conference facilities are available on site. Both secured valet and self parking are complimentary.

This single-story hotel has four guestrooms and one suite accessible via exterior corridors. Each room offers complimentary daily newspapers, in-room safes, bathrobes, and air conditioning. Hair dryers and irons/ironing boards are available on request.