If you’ve been to almost every island in the Caribbean, chances are it’s Dominica that’s missing from your list. There’s a good reason for that too, and that’s it’s darned complicated to get there if you live anywhere but Miami. And even from Miami, it isn’t easy-breezy either. Is it worth it? With our guide to Dominica, you can be the judge.
Where to Stay
The beauty of the island of Dominica is that it’s not overrun with development. There are two options that give you two distinct Dominica experiences. Secret Bay is located on a remote part of the island, and has standalone villas set into the hillside of the rainforest. It’s a Relais & Chateau property that represents the best of the designation, where the service and experience are anything but corporate. Villas have plunge pools, private chefs and your own host to make your Dominica adventure happen. You’re not meant to interact with other guests at Secret Bay, but rather have your own private Dominica.
At the Intercontinental Cabrits, you are set right on the beach in a grand yet elegant setting. The accommodations are contemporary, modern and chic, where you have full-service resort amenities. This is where you can bring a group of friends to enjoy creature comforts like cocktails by the waterfront pool all day. It’s also where you can take your family, as it’s the most luxurious full-service of all the resorts on island.
Secret Bay
InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa
What to See
The essence of Dominica is its unspoiled nature, and some of the most beautiful scenery in the Caribbean. There’s no Nikki Beach (though there’s a time and place for that) but there are rainforests, waterfalls and beaches that make the country so special. These are the top sights to put on your list while you’re in Dominica. Just make sure to bring good hiking shoes, a bathing suit and lots of sunblock and mosquito repellant.
Boiling Lake
Roseau
Champagne Reef
Ti Tou Gorge
Spanny Falls
Jacko Falls
Trafalger Falls
Waitukubuli Trail
Champagne Bay & Soufriere
Scott Head
Wotten Waven
Where to Eat
Your trip wouldn’t be complete without trying some authentic Dominica cuisine. The cuisine is influenced heavily by African, French and English, cultures that all made their mark on the island of Dominica. The indigenous population is Kalinago, which adds something unique from the other Caribbean islands. The national dish is Callaloo soup, a one pot dish with smoked meat or crab.
Calabash Restaurant at Jungle Bay
Lacou Melrose House
The Palisades Restaurant
Purple Turtle Beach Club
Sunset Bay Club Lobster Palace
Zing Zing Restaurant
Zamaan Restaurant
Where to Beach
Dominica’s pristine beaches are part of what make it a vacation destination. Just ask Johnny Depp; he famously starred in parts of Pirates of the Caribbean at Dominica’s own Hampstead Beach. Because the island is smaller and less populated than most other Caribbean islands, many of the beaches are unspoiled, making them perfect for a relaxing day by the waves. So break out the sunscreen, these are the best beaches to visit in Dominica:
Hampstead Beach
Batibou Beach
Toucari Beach
Champagne Beach
Mero Beach
Purple Turtle Beach
