Dominica will change your view of the Caribbean

Forget all expectations of a Caribbean vacation. Dominica is an island like no other within the region. It is a paradise for nature lovers and travelers looking for adventure, sustainability, pristine landscapes and rainbows that paint the sky almost every single day – and That is what makes it so special.

With its dense rainforests and dramatic volcanic landscapes, thriving marine life and secluded resorts dedicated to each sustainability and luxury, Dominica shows you a special side of the Caribbean. Here’s what to anticipate while you visit the “Nature Island.”

See Dominica’s famous Twin Falls

You haven’t got to take an extended hike within the Caribbean heat to see one in all Dominica’s most famous attractions: Trafalgar Falls. A ten-minute walk along a well-maintained path will take you to a viewing platform where you possibly can see the famous twin waterfalls, which range in height from 40 to 80 meters. It’s a spectacular sight when the mist from the “Mama Falls” and “Papa Falls” covers the encompassing greenery. If you fancy an extended hike, you possibly can take a 20-minute hike along the trail that results in the bottom of the falls.

Floating through a gorge

One of the perfect things to do in Dominica is to drive through Titou Gorge. Known for its crystal clear, emerald green waters, this swimming hole is positioned in a deep gorge formed by a bed of lava that cooled and split in half.

Here, guides can equip you with a tube to aid you glide through the incredibly narrow gap between two stone partitions, where a secret waterfall awaits. The postcard-worthy cascade is a unbelievable place to take photos and luxuriate in the joys of standing beneath the rushing water. On your way back, look up and marvel at the plush foliage that covers the gorge, adding to the enchanting atmosphere.

Take a shower in a hot spring

Looking for a spot to warm up after swimming in Titou Gorge? Visit one in all Dominica’s natural spas in Wotten Waven. This picturesque village near Trafalgar Falls and Titou Gorge features natural sulphur hot springs where you possibly can soothe sore muscles in steamy open-air pools surrounded by verdant gardens. You also can treat yourself to a skin treatment within the mud pools. The mineral-rich mud will leave your skin soft and supple.

Hike to Syndicate Falls

If you are searching for an adventurous hike in Dominica, Syndicate Falls must be at the highest of your list. Located at the bottom of Morne Diablotin, Dominica’s highest mountain, Syndicate Falls is a hidden gem that’s as unforgettable to go to because it is to see up close.

The hike to the falls takes you thru one in all Dominica’s national parks and requires several river crossings where you have to balance on ropes stretched just above the water – an exciting but doable challenge that adds to the journey. A pair of non-slip water shoes (like this one from Xero Shoes) and a little bit of self-confidence must be enough to get through the 20-minute hike.

However, don’t be concerned in the event you get splashed on the method to Syndicate Falls, you will be completely soaked by the point you wade into the refreshing waters and feel the facility of the magnificent 30-metre waterfall filling the swimming hole.

Try one in all the one island-made gins within the Caribbean

Dominica appeared to offer the whole lot expats Amber Oxley and Simon Morris were searching for after they moved to the island through the pandemic. There was stunning scenery, loads of nature for his or her two sons to explore, and a community filled with friendly people. But there was one thing they couldn’t find: gin. (This is rum country, in spite of everything!)

So they decided to distill their very own gin on their eco-cottage property, using nine of the island’s lush plants, including bay leaves, cacao, nutmeg and cinnamon. In keeping with Dominica’s give attention to sustainability, Sea Cliff Gin is powered by solar energy and sold in recycled bottles collected across the island.

Make an appointment for a Gin tasting tour to sample the distinctively Caribbean-tasting liquor on the distillery. While you are there, you can even stroll through the garden where you possibly can touch, smell and taste the plants and flowers used to make the gin. Pro tip: ask for Sea Cliff’s alcoholic frozen gin pops!

Support coral conservation with a dive

Sperm whales will be the fundamental attraction of Dominica’s marine life, however the pristine reefs are equally impressive. While other reefs within the region have suffered from the damaging stony coral tissue loss disease, the reefs in Dominica’s deep bay have been preserved because of the efforts of conservationists corresponding to those at Nature Island DiveHer team monitors the health of the reefs, propagates corals on artificial “trees” that may be replanted on reefs, and treats diseased corals with amoxicillin to advertise healing.

They also integrate their coral disease control efforts into tourism. Book a diving or snorkeling trip with Nature Island Dive and you possibly can watch the instructors apply antibiotics to the corals in real time. They all the time carry syringes to benefit from their time underwater. Diving with them isn’t only a unbelievable method to explore Dominica’s underwater ecosystem, but additionally supports essential conservation efforts.

Take a ship trip to a bush bar on the Indian River

Water adventures usually are not only available within the sea, but additionally in Dominica’s lush wetlands. On the Indian River Rowboat Experience with Cobra ToursAn experienced boatman will take you on a leisurely cruise through a swampy riverbank known for its natural world. Your guide will indicate giant ferns, freshwater hibiscus, towering termite nests, crabs and birds. You also can take a brief detour to see the witch’s house from Pirates of the Caribbean 2.

Halfway through your tour, you will stop at a hidden bush bar to sample punch made with local ingredients like gooseberry and cinnamon – the proper drink before your relaxing sunset drive back to shore.

Stay in Dominica’s secluded, sustainable resorts

What sets Dominica other than other popular Caribbean islands is the accommodations. The boutique resorts here mix luxury with sustainability, giving guests a deep sense of place.

A typical example: Secret Bay. Perched on a tranquil cliff overlooking the azure Caribbean Sea, this six-star, all-villa resort features 22 unique villas that provide a mixture of indoor and outdoor living spaces. The villas, which range from one- to three-and-a-half-bedrooms, were built from sustainably sourced tropical hardwood and constructed to LEED standards to cut back their environmental impact. In addition to being eco-friendly, these villas are outfitted with high-end touches that may take your stay to the subsequent level, including private plunge pools, deep soaking tubs, outdoor rain showers, and high-end kitchens (complete with espresso machines). Your personal villa host can care for cooking and cleansing and arrange exclusive activities (like private picnics on the beach).

As comfortable because the villas themselves are, you will not need to miss the opposite amenities on Secret Bay’s 100-acre property, including two restaurants, two on-site beaches, a water sports lodge, nature trails, a lap pool and the Caribbean’s longest funicular railway.

If you are searching for a good more secluded experience, head to the southern tip of the island to seek out one other of the perfect places to remain in Dominica: Coulibri Ridge. Built on a former aloe vera plantation, this luxury eco-resort is powered by greater than 300 solar panels and is built from recycled and sustainable materials. All of the stonework you see on the property comes from the land itself.

Coulibri Ridge offers just 14 spacious studios and duplex suites. Each space is fitted with large windows that provide each ocean and Sulphur Spring Valley views, in addition to an out of doors rain shower or private plunge pool. Dim lighting and comfy furnishings make it feel like home. Plus, the kitchen is stocked with loads of healthy snacks to maintain you energized between meals on the two on-site restaurants. For deep leisure, book a treatment on the open-air spa overlooking the ocean. It offers incredible massages that may make you’re feeling a world away from the stresses of contemporary life.