INTR ODUCING . . .
DOMINICA D
All natural
“If it involves the great outdoors, Dominica can offer just about every activity going.”
BY ALAN ORBELL
ominica is an immensely green eastern Caribbean island of rugged volcanic peaks, lush
rainforests (covering two-thirds of the island), underwater springs and rushing rivers, one for every day of the year. The ‘Nature Island’ is a nature
lover’s paradise and is a haven for hikers, divers and adventure seekers and is also the only Caribbean destination with a walking trail that extends the length of the whole island. The Caribbean’s fi rst long-distance walking trail, the 115-mile long Waitukubuli National Trail takes visitors into the very heart of local communities and organic farms, through the island’s mountainous landscapes and rainforests, and past rivers and waterfalls. The Morne Trois Pitons National Park, an area of signifi cant volcanic activity (and the fi rst UNESCO World Heritage Site in the eastern Caribbean) offers no fewer than 300 miles of footpaths through the Valley of Desolation, a region of boiling mud ponds and small geysers; Titou Gorge; Emerald Pool and the island’s unique Boiling Lake.
Clockwise from left: The renowned Emerald Pool; just one of a 1,000 fl owering species; hiking to boiling lake; sweet welcome
The great outdoors If it involves the great outdoors, Dominica can offer just about every activity going. Aside from the hiking and diving, visitors can enjoy biking, bird-watching (including the Sisserou Parrot, easily seen on Dominica’s fl ag!),
26 Febuary 2013 •
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canyoning, horse riding, sea or lake kayaking, river tubing and zip-lining. Dominica’s outstanding natural
diversity is shown by it being home to more than 170 bird species, no fewer than 1,000 species of fl owering plants, 74 identifi ed species of orchids and some 200 types of ferns. With the island’s rugged mountainous terrain and abundant rainfall, Dominica boasts a number of majestic waterfalls.
Dive deep As well as its land-based natural wonders, Dominica is equally well known for its diving opportunities, offering volcanic vents, sea walls, colourful reefs, soft corals, sea turtles, sperm whales and a myriad of different tropical fi sh and sea creatures. The three best-known areas are Soufriere Scott’s Head Marine Reserve, which has the most popular underwater features, the Cabrits National Park, particularly renowned for a large variety of rare fi sh, and the ‘Champagne’ dive site where divers can swim through warm bubbling waters created by geothermal vents. Well-known in the UK for its banana exports, Dominica is a mix of French, English and Spanish infl uences and is the only Caribbean island with a remaining population of pre-Columbian Indians, some
3000 of them in the island’s northwest Kalinago territory. With traditional art and crafts the mainstay of the community, tourists are warmly welcomed to the area’s hamlets.
Cottage to resort Whilst Dominica is renowned for its portfolio of small eco-friendly properties – the tourist board’s website lists some 15 cottages and apartments – the island also boasts around 14 hotels and three resorts. The newest of these resorts is the 28-room/suite Rosalie Bay which opened in 2010 and is an eco-luxury and wellness retreat in the foothills of the Morne Trois Pitons where the Rosalie River meets the Atlantic. Dominica’s other top-end
resorts are the 35 rustic-luxury cottages – elevated on wooden posts – of the Jungle Bay Resort & Spa in Pointe Mulattre and the cliff-top Secret Bay in Portsmouth with its sustainable luxury villas and bungalows for just 10 people. Guests can also reserve a personal chef. Away from the dominant theme
of nature, Dominica also hosts a number of festivals well worth using as an additional sales tool. These include Carnival in February, the Hike Fest in May, Jazz ‘n Creole in May/June, Dive Fest in July and the World Creole Music Festival in October.
FACTFILE
GENERAL INFO Tine Zone: GMT – 4
Visas: none required Curency: East Caribbean Dollar £1 = 4.3 XCD (Jan 2013) Climate: Tropical, moderated by northeast winds and rainfall. Average daytime temperatures range from 26 °C (78.8 °F) in January to 32 °C (89.6 °F) in June. Useful contacts:
dominica.dm 001 767 448 2045
BOOK IT Western & Oriental
offers seven nights in Secret Bay, Dominica from £1,665 room only in the Ti-Fey or Mapou One bed bungalow. 020 7666 1234,
wandotravel.com/holiday/ dominica/secret-bay
diveworldwide.com explore.co.uk ramblersholidays.co.uk thomson.co.uk/cruise thomsoncaribbean.co.uk
GETTING THERE The two main
gateways for Dominica are Antigua and Barbados (served by British Airways and Virgin Atlantic) with onward connections by LIAT.
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