TRAVEL | POSTCARD FROM
DOMINICA
POSTCARD FROM DOMINICA
A magical land of rainforest-cloaked mountains and deep ravines, fiery volcanoes, rushing rivers and sparkling waterfalls, Dominica embodies raw nature. With so many outdoor activities, dozens of sulphur hot springs and healthy, home-grown food, ‘The Nature Island’ offers an alternative wellness holiday.
Words by Natasha Were.
HIKE the interior. The towering mountains, criss-crossed by clear rivers
and waterfalls, are a paradise for hikers. The island has dozens of trails, ranging from easy to advanced, but the ‘must-do’ hike for the brave is the seven-hour round trip climb to the Boiling Lake – a 200-foot wide cauldron of roiling, bubbling water heated by magma below the surrounding rock.
DIVE in crystal clear seas, teeming with colour and life. Dominica’s steep mountainsides don’t stop when they reach the shore. They continue underwater as walls and drop-offs, and tropical vegetation gives way to vibrant corals and sponges that, in turn, attract a multitude of fish, turtles and rays.
SOAK in the island’s ubiquitous hot springs. Enterprising locals have harnessed the power of the ever-present volcanic activity and the geothermally heated water and created natural outdoor spas. Ti Kwen Glo Cho is one such spot where you can soak in deep bathtubs of hot water in a clearing in the forest.
RAPPEL down sheer rock faces, wade through rivers, jump into fresh waterfall pools, hike through steamy forests, and so much more – it’s all part of the ultimate adrenaline rush that is canyoning in Dominica.
GO whale watching. The deep, sheltered waters off the west coast of Dominica are one of the only places in the world where female and juvenile sperm whales are known to reside year-round. As a result, the chances of spying these ocean giants are 85%, and sightings of spinner and bottlenose dolphins are almost guaranteed.
MEET the Kalingo, the indigenous people of Dominica, who fled to the remote eastern side of the island when European explorers and settlers arrived. Today, around 3000 Kalinago live between eight villages in the Kalinago territory, keeping their ancient traditions and practices alive and living simply off what the sea, sky and soil provide.
EAT like a local. The majority of the food in Dominica is locally farmed, foraged or fished, guaranteeing fresh, healthy flavours. To truly eat like a local, make your way to Pearl’s Cuisine in downtown Roseau where, in addition to fresh fish, callaloo soup and rotis, the menu features more unusual fare, such as bullfoot soup, fish and pig snout broth or breadfruit pie.
SLEEP surrounded by pristine rainforest and wake to views of the marine reserve at Jungle Bay. With two yoga studios, a spa, a restaurant serving local, organic food, and rooms and villas filled with local, artisanal furniture and fabrics, it’s everything an eco-resort should be.