© Dominica Department of Tourism
While requiring more effort to reach and offering less visitor infrastructure than other Caribbean destinations, this Eden-like escape inspires, rejuvenates and rewards like few places anywhere. Flying from the U.S. requires connection through hubs including Barbados, St. Maarten, and Puerto Rico, with continuing service to Dominica’s two airports on smaller regional carriers.
Arrival is into paradise found, especially for adventurers, hikers, and divers. Originally called Wai’tukubuli (“tall is her body”), which is the name of the 115-mile trail running the length of the island, Dominica (Latin for Sunday, as anointed by Columbus) is home to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Morne Trois Pitons National Park. Guided excursions reveal the park’s teeming biodiversity, soaring volcanic peaks and Boiling Lake, the world's second-largest hot spring.
Nearby, 22-acre eco-luxury and wellness retreat Rosalie Bay Resort offers 28 rooms and conference space. In Portsmouth, clifftop Secret Bay and its exquisite tree-house bungalows and villas has attracted global accolades as a premier boutique hideaway.