ROSEAU, Dominica — Dominica’s Ocean Oasis Hotel is just a few weeks away from celebrating its first year of operations. However, the property marked a special milestone on October 30 when it hosted its first wedding.

Ocean Oasis Assistant General Manager Natalie Clarke beamed with pride as she shared the news with Caribbean Pulse and a group of Trinidad and Tobago-based journalists, content creators and travel advisors who were visiting the Nature Isle for a familiarisation tour hosted by the Discover Dominica Authority.

The visit formed part of Contour Airlines’ introduction of flights between the Trinidad’s Piarco International Airport and Dominica’s Douglas–Charles Airport.

“It was beautiful,” Clarke said as she led the group into the Elysian Lounge, which was being returned to its usual splendour as a multipurpose space where hotel guests and visitors can enjoy the ambience, have a cocktail or cold beer, and take in views of the Caribbean Sea.

“I can tell you from the feedback from the guests last night and the bride and groom, they love every aspect of it. They love the location, they love the closeness to the city. It was beautiful.”

While declining to share too many personal details about the nuptials, Clarke revealed that the couple approached Ocean Oasis about hosting their wedding at the Elysian Lounge around two months before the big day. They also wanted the event to coincide with the festivities during Creole Month.

“Our bride and groom, they are Dominican, but they live overseas, so it’s very important to come back at this time during Creole Festival and have aspects of Creole as part of their wedding and to have it here at the hotel,” Clarke said.

Clarke said the hotel offers couples and other clients booking the lounge a full-service experience, working with a local event planner who can organise everything from décor, menus and backdrops to the wedding officiant.

However, those booking the space, which can accommodate up to 150 people, are also free to work with another vendor if they prefer.

Clarke told Caribbean Pulse that the property’s first wedding had initially been scheduled for August with another couple. However, they encountered challenges that led them to change the venue.

The Elysian Lounge is one of two meeting rooms at the hotel. The smaller space, known as Kampeche, is better suited to press conferences, corporate meetings and similar gatherings.

Rental of the lounge starts at US$545 per day.

Clarke noted that the hotel works with clients to give them the time they need to set up the space and make their special occasions memorable.

The Elysian Lounge is also becoming a venue for other events.

Clarke revealed that the launch of Dominica’s World Creole Music Festival was held there.

The space is set to host a 77th birthday celebration on November 14, the same day the hotel marks its first anniversary.

Another birthday celebration is scheduled for December.

Ocean Oasis Hotel is located in Castle Comfort, along the Roseau waterfront, and is locally owned by Floyd Capitolin.