Dominica defies the Caribbean cliché on so many levels. The fact that there is no mass tourism affords visitors total tranquilly and the freedom of its stunning white- and black-sand beaches.
Known as ‘nature island’ for a reason, Dominica attracts off-grid travellers and eco-adventurers alike, all in search of a unique travel experience. Its Boiling Lake, Champagne Reef, rainforest-shrouded volcano, sulphurous hot springs and superb diving, promise to soothe the soul and set the pulse racing in equal measure – it even has the Caribbean’s longest hiking trail.
The island is making a remarkable comeback following the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria in 2017. Many properties have now reopened, while many new developments and resorts are planned to launch in 2019 and 2020.
Total harmony
The Cabrits Resort and Spa Kempinski Dominica is proud to be the first hotel chain to open on the island. Surrounded by Dominica’s Cabrits National Park, the subtle design of this peaceful, secluded five-star luxury resort is in perfect harmony with this stunning, volcanic island. The resort is committed to protecting the integrity of this pristine paradise, while offering an enriching, contemporary, eco-tourism experience. The resort features world-class accommodation with superior hospitality as well as access to the island’s countless rivers, waterfalls and natural boiling springs.
The 151-room resort, with its breathtaking panoramic view of the Caribbean Sea, invites guests to indulge in luxury with amenities such as a full-service spa, international cuisine and a state-of-the-art fitness facility. It also has two floodlit tennis courts, four hot and cold-water pools, and meeting space for executive retreats and intimate weddings. This unique hotel opens November 2019.
A second hotel, part of the Marriott Autograph Collection, will open its doors on the island in 2020. The Anichi Resort and Spa is an environmentally sensitive, eco-chic haven that inspires quiet introspection and playful discovery. An elegant introduction to an immersive island experience, Anichi fuses indoor and outdoor elegance with authentically curated touch-points that celebrate the soul of Dominica’s vibrant culture and its indigenous peoples. Located across 12 acres of prime property at picturesque Picard Beach, Portsmouth, the 128-room resort blends tropical foliage with impressive, world-class architecture. Well-appointed guest suites with private dip pools are married with pool lounges, swim-up bars in infinity pools, specialty restaurants, a lavish ballroom, and a spa oasis, to position this unique resort as Dominica’s most desired destination.
Better than ever
And let us not forget the recently reopened Jungle Bay, a high-level eco-resort renowned for its unsurpassed natural beauty. This legendary Caribbean property makes its return less than two years after the hurricane. Now in a new location on the south-western corner of the island, it officially welcomed its first guests into their collection of eco-friendly luxury villas in June 2019. With a decor inspired by nature, 30 units are open with a mix of two room types: full villas as well as villa rooms, and offers adventure boot camps, yoga retreats, drumming and cooking classes, waterfall excursions and a spa with 14 treatment studios. This is all set within tranquil gardens, an orchard and a banana plantation. A variety of packages are also available, including jungle adventure, wedding, honeymoon, diving and wellness retreats.
Whether visiting for a few days or a few weeks, these resorts make the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate mind, body and soul in the ‘nature island’ of the Caribbean – Dominica. Θ
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