You pride yourself on getting into the hottest restaurants, newest hotels and destinations no one at the latest cocktail party has been to yet. So, of course, you’ve been to every luxury island and notable resort in the Caribbean. Chances are, though, you haven’t been to Dominica. You’re not alone either; even your most well-traveled friends likely haven’t been to this isle. The time to go is now, though. This is the guide to hands down, the best of Dominica.

Dominica is one of the last frontiers of unspoiled enclaves in the Caribbean, with just enough infrastructure, but not so much that it takes away from the authenticity and unmatched nature. But things are changing; with a new international airport underway and construction of luxury condos and hotels in the works, Dominica is about to become a buzz word in travel. The start of this is direct flights from New York City, which means before anyone else gets there, you’re on the next plane out.

A Lay of the Unspoiled Land

There are so few places in the world where there aren’t strip malls, fast food chains or at least a Starbucks. You can count Dominica as one of those. Part of the reason that development hasn’t overrun Dominica is because it was historically darn hard to get to. Flights would run once or twice a week from Miami or Puerto Rico. Now, New York is on that list, with direct flights from Newark. Yes, that will move the needle on development in Dominica — which is needed.

But the true game-changer will be the new international airport, that will likely open in 2027 or later. This will bring Europe directly to Dominica, and for good and bad, it won’t be the same. The point is that now is the time for the adventurous and nature-loving to head to Dominica. It’s the last unspoiled frontier in the Western Hemisphere.

Top Sights to See

Unlike other Caribbean islands, you don’t come to Dominica for the beaches. There are some nice black sand and stretches of white-ish sand on isle. However, this isn’t the white powder and turquoise waters of Turks. The coast is often rocky, and the volcanic soil tends to darken the sand. But what its lacks in beach time, it makes up for in waterfalls, gorges, red rock formations, jungle, mountains and rainforests.

Titou Gorge

On the top of the list of this guide to Dominica: you cannot come to the isle without seeing Titou Gorge. Yes, the waterfalls are impressive. But, swimming through a gorge for about a quarter mile to stand below a raging waterfall is one of those moments.

Champagne Bay

This is a snorkel excursion that takes you to water that bubbles like Champagne. Off the shore of a rocky beach, you head out by boat to crystal clear waters filled with marine life. You need calm seas for this, so as soon as Mother Nature cooperates, you should plan this excursion.

Other Top Sights

One of the top tips for Dominica is to leave your fancy clothes at home. The best way to see Dominica is in a pair of hiking shoes and your bathing suit. Also, bring water shoes, as they come in handy on the rocky beaches. Be ready to jump into the water at any point in time.

Red Rocks
Spanny Falls
Emerald Pool
Trafalgar Falls
Point Baptiste Beach 
Scotts Head
Boiling Lake
Whale Watching 

Bush Bar

This isn’t a specific bar on the island, but rather a series of roadside shacks that serve bush rum. Everyone and their grandmother on the isle makes their own rum, which is essentially grain alcohol. The rum is infused with everything from bugs to herbs from the land. It’s a cultural activity to experience a bush bar at least once during your stay.

Where to Stay

In this guide to Dominica, there are only two hotels that we would recommend. Both are highly recommended though, so you’re not going to lack for top accommodation.

The InterContinental Cabrits Resort & Spa

For an island that is completely unspoiled, the InterContinental brings an international level of high-end accommodations to Dominica. Even if you had no interest whatsoever to see Dominica’s nature, the InterContinental is a draw to come to the island. For a girls’ or guys’ adventure weekend, family trip, couple’s getaway, or traveling with entourage, the InterContinental ticks all the boxes for a destination hotel. This is a grand scale luxury resort with a massive pool, luxurious suites, top spa, and a variety of restaurants and bars.

In terms of price points, it gives the same level of luxury as resorts on Anguilla and Antigua, but at a fraction of the price. With a direct flight from New York, the hotel is one of the best values in the Caribbean. For those families that wonder how anyone affords a luxury vacation nowadays, the InterContinental is the answer. The InterContinental is the option when you want a modern hotel with top service.

The Rooms

The resort is essentially brand new, and because flights were limited, there is little wear and tear on the resort. There are an array of beautifully appointed contemporary rooms, where you can connect suites for your group. The rooms themselves, as well as the larger villas and specialty suites, shine for longer stays. The baths in the suites are notably impressive. Many have outdoor tubs that allow you to take in the ocean views.

Spa

The spa is an impressive outdoor complex of thatched roof treatment rooms and outdoor relaxation areas. In one section, you can slather yourself in complimentary body and face masks and sit in special loungers to soak it all in. Their sauna isn’t a cavernous room — it’s glassed in, floor to ceiling. If you have a large group, wedding, or event, the spa is made to accommodate entourage.

Secret Bay

Whether or not you stay at Secret Bay, their restaurant and art space are a must-stop on a visit to Dominica. Unlike the other restaurants outside of the neighboring InterContinental, Secret Bay is a proper fine dining experience on the isle. The main restaurant is housed in a concrete building, which was constructed in the past few years.

Intuitively, you would think that such a contemporary building would be out of place in the middle of nature. But instead, it both blends in and stands out among the trees. The building is tastefully done in a brilliant way to bring modern luxury to Dominica. There is local art on display throughout (which is mostly for sale), and a dedicated shop and gallery space on the second floor. The food is good; though not necessarily the reason you would come to Dominica. However, they’ve brought in a French chef who creates tasting menus in the more formal restaurant, along with more casual fare in the everyday.

The rooms are all individual tree-like houses that are reached by funicular. The accommodations are indisputably luxurious. Secret Bay is for those looking for a romantic retreat and to be immersed in nature. You’ll often run into iguanas roaming the property and up in the trees.

The Restaurant Scene

This wouldn’t be the guide to Dominica without the best restaurants on the isle. The local restaurants on the isle are mostly converted homes, where the chef brings out home-cooked meals. There are no chains, no strip malls, or even malls for that matter. When it’s in season, you can get a lobster for around $30-$40 USD. Cash is key on Dominica, as most restaurants don’t take credit cards.

River Rock Cafe 

The River Rock Cafe is one of those magical places where the chef takes the most basic ingredients and it’s the best meal you’ve had in your life. The popular dishes are shrimp in a red curry sauce with a side of shredded cabbage. No amount of writing will do justice to the food. River Rock Cafe is right by the Trafalgar Falls, and overlooks a smaller fall and ravine on its back deck.

Red Rock Cafe

Not to be confused with the River Rock Cafe — while the names are similar, the settings are not. On the way, either on arrival or to when you depart, Red Rock Cafe is another unexpected surprise. The charming open-air restaurant is family-run, and the owner and her daughters are often gathered when the kids return from school.

The restaurant exists because it’s the gateway to the Red Rock. When you go through their backyard fence and walk through the woods, within 5 minutes, you’re on a large red rock formation. Red Rock overlooks two bays, and leads you to inevitably ponder how something like this can exist.

Bell Hall

This is a roadside shack that is walking distance from the InterContinental. Their specialty is bush rum — the food is probably secondary to the drinks and social hour. It’s an easy place to mix with the friendly locals.

Keepin it Real

This is the part of Dominica that could have been a local joint in Jamaica. Witching hours are Thursday evenings, when there is live music. Set right on the ocean, you appreciate those views even more during the quiet days. And the evenings are for when you mix it up with the locals.

Chez Wen

This converted house is where the Atlantic meets the Caribbean, and where you can get the most generous serving of lobster on the isle. Prime seats are on the back porch, to overlook the calmer Caribbean side.

Zeb & Zepis

More so than any restaurant in Dominica, Zen & Zepis is the finest food you can get. Run by a French owner and his local wife, Zeb & Zepis is the definition of charming. Out front, there’s a display of local vegetables and fruits that are weighed for purchase on a vintage scale. Menus are written on the blackboard and change every day, based on the available ingredients. If you’re going to eat goat or more exotic meat dishes, this is the place to do it. Otherwise there’s an array of French-Caribbean-inspired dishes that are farm-and-sea-to-table.

FAQs

Q: Are there direct flights to Dominica?

A: There are direct flights to Dominica from Miami on American Airlines, and now also from Newark Airport on United Airlines.

Q: What are the most luxurious hotels on the island of Dominica?

A: The most luxurious hotels on Dominica are the InterContinental Cabrits Hotel & Spa and Secret Bay.

Q: What are the top restaurants on the island of Dominica?

A: The top restaurants on the island of Dominica include Zeb & Zepis and Chez Wen. For our full list, check out Galavante’s top restaurant recommendations in our guide to Dominica.

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