Dominica Travel Guide, the Caribbean’s Nature Island – Vogue.com

Tucked away between Guadeloupe and Martinique is unadulterated Dominica (pronounced dom-ah-nee-ka ). Because its often confused with the Dominican Republic and lacks direct long-haul flights, the destination has predominantly remained under the radar. But with few places left in this world that feel unspoiled, the country truly stands out. A favorite of Vogue s Fashion News Director, Chioma Nnadi who used to live on Martinique and brought her family and friends to Dominica twice because she loved it so muchshe blissfully sighs when I tell her Ive just returned from the verdant island. Everything about Dominica is kind of magical. The fact that it feels like a small village, but has so many natural and unexpected wonders packed into one island, is beyond anything I have ever seen before. If youre expecting a picture-postcard Caribbean beach scene with powdery white sand, then you wont find it [there], but thats also what makes it special, she raves. With two-thirds of Dominica covered in rain forest, 365 rivers weaving their way around the land, and a number of volcanoes and waterfalls, youll wonder whether or not youve been transported back to the Jurassic period. Dont expect to come here for white-glove service the way you would in St. Barth's or Grand Cayman , but rather to get a taste of what local, unsullied life is like. Seeing how the indigenous Carib communities, which still build very traditional wooden houses literally on stilts, live was super-memorable, recalls Nnadi. Now, whos ready to pack their bags for the Caribbeans Nature Island?

Hike Waitukubuli Trail The longest in the Caribbean, coming in at 115 miles, its recommended that you walk one segment a day, which would lead to a whopping two-week hike through the mountainous terrain. Its no easy feat, but for the truly ambitious, its a scenic bucket-list endeavor that will put you face-to-face with sulfur springs, local farmers, and picturesque waterfalls.

A waterfall cascades into the ocean. Photo: Courtesy of Christina Liao

Sail Around the Island For those who want a quick glance of Dominica without all the work of a grueling 14-day trek, hop on a speedboat and motor your way around. On the northern end youll come across Douglas Point, otherwise known as Split Rock, named after the slab of stone that halved underwater upon separating from its cliff, as well as a waterfall that cascades directly into the ocean.

Visit Boiling Lake Be forewarned that this is known as one of the most difficult hikes you may ever endure. Located in the Morne Trois Pitons National Park, the islands UNESCO World Heritage Site, it takes about six hours round-trip and requires scaling steep inclines and trudges through sludgy mud and multiple rivers. Its strenuous, but for the avid hiker, totally worth it when it comes to the panoramic views of the rain forest and a pit stop at a natural Jacuzzi before reaching the worlds second largest boiling lake.

A canopy of trees shrouds you from the beating sun as you travel up the Indian River. Photo: Courtesy of Christina Liao

Paddle Through the Indian River Dont worry, your guide will be the one doing the rowing, but the calm and serene Indian River is a must for fans of Pirates of the Caribbean, where a few scenes of Dead Mans Chest were filmed. The original witchs hut is no longer there; however, a replica stands in its place and tourists would be none the wiser if they werent told it wasnt the real thing. Enjoy cruising underneath the canopy of trees, and channel your inner Jack Sparrow at a riverside bar upstream.

Whale and Dolphin Watching While theyre most prevalent in April during mating season, Dominicas resident population of sperm whales can be seen year-round. Head to the southern end of the island to catch glimpses of the largest toothed whale, as well as a myriad of dolphins as they playfully jump in and out of the water.

Go Bird-Watching or Forest Bathing For those who have the patience or want some quiet time in the backwoods, consider heading up to Syndicate Forest with a man known as Dr. Birdy in search of the endemic Imperial Amazon parrot, the elusive blue-headed hummingbird, and more. Or, for those who need to decompress and are hoping to shut their mind off from the outside world, consider forest bathing , in which host Terri EarthDancer says the goal is to reimmerse ourselves in the hidden power of nature.

KeepinIt Real, a great spot for a rum tipple and fresh seafood. Photo: Courtesy of Christina Liao

KeepinIt Real A small shack on the beach in Toucari with five tables and a rolled-up hammock stretching across a quarter of the restaurant, its the perfect spot for some homemade rum punch (a ubiquitous tipple on the island) and fresh fish off the grill, dressed simply with vinaigrette and served with rice, plantains, and vegetables.

Iguana Caf Owned by a Rastafarian man and his wife, this little shop (two tables and one narrow countertop) doesnt look like much from the outside, but the food is packed with soul and flavor. Seafood is a must here, and if you get to choose the sauce thats used in your entre, go with the coconut pumpkin optionyou wont be disappointed.

Pagua Bay Bar & Grill On an outdoor deck overlooking the Atlantic, regular diners here will tell you everything on the menu is good. Stop by for a quick lunch of fish tacos, but if you plan on having dinner, make sure to phone ahead, as its reservations only.

Sunset Bay Clubs Lobster Palace As its name suggests, this spot is known for the delectable crustacean, and although their size resembles that of a large langoustine rather than a full-size lobster, they are freshly caught and portions are generous.

A view of Secret Bay, an intimate hotel in Dominica. Photo: Courtesy of Secret Bay

Perched on a cliff on the northwest side of the island is Secret Bay , an intimate property consisting of eight tree housestyle villas and bungalows, all outfitted with terraces and several with heated infinity plunge pools. The eco-hideaways made from sustainable materials (which, by the way, were all assembled by hand) integrate harmoniously with the lush surroundings, while each of the villas expansive balconies allows you to sink into nature even more. Fall asleep to the waves crashing against the rocks and wake up to singsongy chirping and butterflies fluttering around the trees before a chef arrives to prepare your breakfast. Here, things are done a little differently. Save for a couple of decks, there arent any communal spaces. Meals are served in the comfort of your accommodations; a yoga instructor will stop by if youre in the mood for a morning stretch; and a masseuse will pop in for your afternoon treatment (ask for Margaux LaRocque, who really hones in on your problem areas)its all about making things as convenient as possible for the guests. But if you do want a change of scenery, head down to the Souce Shack, where you can have a drink and watch the cooks at work; venture over to the black-sand Tibay Beach; or grab a kayak (paddleboards and snorkeling gear are also available) and make your way to Secret Beach, where a strip of soft white sand only accessible by water awaits you. Its truly a romantic getaway, where you can do as much, or as little, as you want.

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Dominica Travel Guide, the Caribbean's Nature Island - Vogue.com