Fantasizing about discovering a location where it seems time stood still? Where visitors can experience unforgettable beauty and limitless adventures with its lush rainforests, breathtaking waterfalls, and volcanic peaks. Well, this is Dominica, (pronounced Dom-in-EEK-a) one of the Caribbean’s best-kept secrets.
Snuggled between Guadeloupe and Martinique, Dominica stands apart from her neighbors with her untouched landscape and coined name, the Nature Island of the Caribbean. If the lush scenery is not enough to captivate travelers, then some relaxation will be. Global travel authority Lonely Planet announced its ‘Best in Travel’ list for 2023, with Dominica ranking as one of the top destinations to unwind.
Authentic Nature
Deemed a haven for adventure travelers seeking a vacation full of natural and exhilarating experiences, there is no shortage of activities on this incredible island. Hikers will take great pleasure in Dominica’s 480 km of hiking trails (ranging from easy to advance) and romantic secluded bays. Trails that take hikers to endless streams and postcard-like waterfalls, including boiling mud ponds and small geysers. In addition to hiking, there is also zip-lining, canyoning, kayaking, horseback riding, snorkeling, diving, and plenty of opportunities to see whales, dolphins, and sea turtles.
But Dominica isn’t just for adrenaline adventure enthusiasts – it’s also a place to unwind and relax. With its therapeutic waters, secluded outdoor spas, and lush green foliage, Dominica offers a serene escape from the stresses of daily life. Visitors can take leisurely boat trips to see the island’s flora and fauna up close, sunbathe on beaches featured in the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, or unwind on shimmering black sand beaches.
Discovering the island
Must experiences:
Soufriere Outdoor Centre: Specializing in sea kayaking and snorkeling tours
Trafalgar Falls
Sulphur Springs/Hot Spa in Wotton Waven
Cobra Tours: Indian River & Bush Bar boat tour
Point Baptist Beach
Toucari Bay
Scott’s Head Pinnacle
Where to Stay
Dominica is one of the Caribbean’s most exotic and romantic escapes for destination weddings and honeymoons. The island offers a variety of tailored accommodations to cater to different tastes, ranging from sustainable eco-lodges, boutique hotels in the mountains and beach cottages, to upscale resorts, all of which make for exciting venues for couples desiring a romantic and luxurious stay. Many resorts on the island offer an array of honeymoon packages, each of which is personalized. It should be noted that in Dominica’s “No-Day Residency” period, couples can get married the same day they arrive on the island (given that all documents are sent in advance). Wanderlust Caribbean Boutique Hotel, Jungle Bay Resort, and Coulibri Ridge are just a few exceptional places to stay, to enrich your Dominica experience.
Wanderlust Caribbean: Set in the coastal village of Calibishie, Wanderlust Caribbean Boutique Hotel offers five private oceanfront accommodations featuring stunning coastal views. This private boutique hotel specializes in fully customized adventure holidays, featuring personalized island-wide tours and cultural immersions with their guests. The owners of the hotel (a husband-and-wife duo), also offer tailored travel concierge services, in addition to being tour guides on your bespoke adventure. This is ideal for active guests who want the ultimate Dominica experience.
Jungle Bay Resort: Overlooking the Caribbean Sea, this award-winning 60-villa boutique retreat specializes in adventure, spa pampering wellness, romance, and diving. The hotel combines “barefoot luxury with ecological & social responsibility”. Whether you seek an opportunity to indulge in a wellness-focused getaway (yoga, personal rejuvenation, meditation) or prefer to experience as many tropical or marine life adventures as possible, Jungle Bay focuses on you making the most of your time in paradise.
Coulibri Ridge: Nestled in the mountains in southern Dominica, this discreet 14-suite off-the-grid upscale resort set on 285 acres, redefines luxury and hospitality. Private tours and excursions throughout the island allow guests to discover the richness of Dominica’s culture and enjoy its pristine natural beauty. In addition to their varied customized services, Coulibri Ridge also offers these new experiences focusing on wellness and romance: Après Sea: Turn the popular winter ski activity to the water with a late afternoon snorkel followed by champagne toast as the couple sails into the sunset. Go Chase Waterfalls: Enjoy a romantic hike for two that includes a gourmet picnic at a peak overlooking one of Dominica’s gorgeous waterfalls. “Coulibri Ridge is a special place for honeymooners as they can truly get away from it all. Our guests enjoy a tremendous level of privacy thanks to our location and design. Tucked into the lush Sulphur Spring Valley, our spacious suites feel miles away from day-to-day life, especially our Sky Penthouses with private pools that are perfect for two. Our adult-focused concept and boutique size allows for personalized service and plenty of space to roam and explore the grounds together without distraction,” said resort owner and manager Dominique Marchand.
An island designed to showcase its authenticity and unparalleled beauty; Dominica is a destination that will leave you wanting more.
**This article was first published in the Ottawa Wedding Magazine and was given permission to post on the author’s site.
Vegas wouldn’t be complete without visiting Freemont Street and taking in breathtaking sunset views from @stratvegas Tower. 😍😍
Experiencing a ride to the top of the Tower, at 1,149 feet tall - the tallest freestanding observation tower in the United States for a 2nd time, did not disappoint!! 😱😍
Several years ago I experienced the thrill of the X-SCREAM roller coaster - it "teeter totters you over the edge of the Tower from 866 feet high, propelling riders head first 27 feet over the edge of the tower. After being shot over the edge, passengers are dangled weightlessly above the Las Vegas Strip before being pulled back and propelled again. " 😱😱🎢 It was a BLAST, but this time around, I was a viewer... perhaps on my next visit 😉
Seeing the Vegas views and watching the incredible visual display of the @spherevegas was incredible.
Indulgence of any kind is a good one in my book, and indulging in a carnivorous feast at the award-winning Bazaar Meat by José Andrés, Las Vegas was EPIC!!🤩🤩😋
The attention to detail from both the back and front of the house was beyond exceptional. It was a true celebration of meat! 🥩🥩
I was in a very addictive meat trance - I loved every dish.🦪🥩😋😍
For the outstanding carnivore feast, these are the dishes that I feasted on:
✳️ Buttered Potato Purée: butter, butter, more butter, some potatoes.😱😍 So silky smooth, it should be illegal!!
It was a bucket list item of mine to eat at this award-winning restaurant by this outstanding chef and humanitarian. 😊😊
Chef @chefjoseandres is founder of @wckitchen World Central Kitchen - first in the frontlines providing fresh meals in response to humanitarian, climate, and community crises. A real inspiration 🙌
Hello Arizona, and your jaw-dropping natural wonders! 😍😍
I didn`t think I could make the long bus ride from Vegas to Arizona to see the beautiful Canyon "X" in 40° degree heat... but I made it. It was hot, BUT it was sooo worth it!!
Light peaking through the incredibly beautiful and surprisingly smooth Canyon X was just spectacular. It`s amazing what nature can create. Canyon X is a hidden treasure in the heart of the Navajo Nation.
The 2nd photo displays why the canyon is called Canyon "X" - the opening of the canyon with the sky in the backdrop naturally forms the "X" formation.
Overall, the canyon trip surpassed all of my expectations, and I`m happy that I had the opportunity to see the canyon up close and be in the moment, on the sacred land. 😍😍
From Nevada ➡️ Utah ➡️ Arizona to visit and explore incredible natural sights, including the famous Horseshoe Bend.
It was an incredible day seeing this sight up close.😍😍
The stunning Horseshoe Bend in @visit_arizona also referred to as the "east rim of the Grand Canyon". A geologic masterpiece sculpted by the Colorado River. I must admit that I was nervous taking these photo, as there are no rails or gates to prevent any accidents...and it`s very slippery. 😱
It was the perfect day to explore and get away from the glitz and bright lights of Vegas...atleast for a brief time😉😂
An evening out to @anabellaskitchenandlounge was exactly what I needed...friendly hospitality, tasty flavourful dishes, and the perfect ambiance to enjoy a beautiful outing. 😊😋
Amongst the appetizers, I chose their HIGHLY addictive zucchini crisps, which were the bomb!! This is one dish where you wish they had endless offerings!! 😍😍
Another tasty appetizer was their arancini - simply flavourful. And the piece de résistance was their refreshing grilled Halloumi Salad. It was watermelon sweet and Halloumi salty...Simply perfect! They nailed this salad with all the different flavours.
Yesterday afternoon, I had the privilege of attending the "buffets des chefs," a delicious gathering at the French Embassy @franceaucanada in partnership with the Disciples d’Escoffier Canada. @disciples_escoffier_canada 🇨🇵🇨🇦
This tasty celebration included Disciples d’Escoffiers, chefs from @lecordonbleuottawa and @maisonoddo 👨🍳👩🏼🍳
The culinary event also included @veroniquerivest renown sommelier and owner of @soifbaravin being awarded as Knight in The Order of Agricultural Merit (Ordre du Mérite agricole) for her constant promotion of oenology and French wines and terroirs. It is an order of merit bestowed by the French Republic for outstanding contributions to agriculture and food/gastronomy. Bravo!! 🍷🍷👏 👏
Another special moment included the induction of Ambassador Michel Miraillet as a new Disciple. When a new Disciple is inducted, he then undertakes to respect the Escoffier Spirit by taking this oath: "I vow to pass, serve and honor the cuisine, its culture and its continuing evolution".🎖🎖
Guests were spoiled with an endless assortment of French appetizers and delectable sweets, all with whom were created by talented chefs who are driven by passion. 😍👩🏼🍳👨🍳
Those who know me know I`m weak for tasty popcorn and @fromfarmtotablecanada spoiled me with theirs!! 🍿 😋
Proudly Ontario-made and woman-owned, From Farm to Table Canada has debuted their limited-edition CNE Kettle Corn in collaboration with the Canadian National Exhibition @letsgototheex for the 2024 season.Their beautiful package illustrations captures the fun that we have, when at the CNE 🎢.
It`s the perfect blend of sweet and salty - my favourite!! 😍
They are available in two sizes: Family Bag and Grab & Go. Sold online as well as in retail chains and many independent stores.
This must-have snack for the summer is available until Labour Day.
A couple of evenings ago, I had the pleasure and honour of being invited by my alma mater, @lecordonbleuottawa to witness Chef @antonyannick70 be awarded France`s L`Ordre du mérite agricole, the highest civilian honour from the embassy @franceaucanada 😃
This distinction recognizes the contributions of Chef Yannick to promote French culture in Canada and Ottawa specifically - through his work as a chef and instructor at Le Cordon Bleu Institute in Ottawa.
Special moments of the evening included Ambassador of France to Canada, Michel Miraillet sharing with guests the numerous accomplishments that Chef Yannick Anton has accomplished over the years. Simply remarkable!!👏👏 A very touching and inspiring moment came when Chef Yannick Anton gave praise and gratitude to his mentors, who helped him attain his dream in the culinary industry. He also reminded the graduating class of chefs to always have a vision and to never let it go.👨🍳👩🏼🍳😍
And it wouldn`t be a celebration without some tasty treats that exude French flare! They even had chocolate graduation hats - very cute and apropo 🎓🎓
I had the pleasure this week to dine at @raphaelperuviancuisine AND what an experience!! 😋
Fresh exotic ingredients combined with warm hospitality made for a great evening out.🔥🔥
The Mahi Mahi`s flavours and interesting crunch texture by the chulpe (Peruvian dried corn kernels) was my favourite!!😍 The causa de pulpo 🐙 and the anticuchos 🥩 were also just as tasty. And to wash it all down, I tried the Ica cocktail with its flaming sugar cube - strong but equally addictive 😉
Looking forward to tasting more of their dishes! 😋
It helps when an interesting destination is discussed and tasty dishes are shared!✈️🍽
Big thanks to @phillydiscover for informing me on the unique attractions that Philadelphia has to offer and to @playfoodwine for their exceptional hospitality!😋
A delicious fish cake followed by the braised beef cheek and ramp gnocchi hit all the right notes. However, I couldn`t help myself from indulging on their grilled Sourdough Bread With Caramelized Butter...Ridiculously ADDICTIVE 🔥 😋😍
A recipe for tasty success - this is what A Taste for Life Ottawa is all about.
Last evening, generous restaurants like @faunaottawa opened their doors to patrons who dined and donated to support people living with HIV in our communities.
What more could you ask for?! Stellar dishes while supporting a great cause!!☺️
Fresh meaty Malpeque oysters 🦪🦪 and tasty tempura mushrooms 🍄 as appetizers to a mouth-watering meat fest. Say hello to a 80 day dry aged ribeye for 2 and the tastiest duck breast I`ve ever had!!😲😋😋😍
Because those dishes weren`t indulgent enough, a basque style cheesecake had to be tasted!!😂😋
A great cause and annual tradition that I`m proud to support and be a part of! ❤️
Learning about new destinations and different cultures is always a blast! 😃
Several evenings ago, I had the pleasure of being invited to the Embassy of the Czech Republic😍
Learning about their culture, their unique travel experiences, and surprisingly, how inexpensive this country is, when compared to other European destinations, is always good💰💰
To start the Czech Tourism event, guests had the pleasure to hear from Czech Republic Ambassador of Canada, Martin Tlapa.
Tasty libations and Czech dishes were enjoyed by the guests. Even though I enjoy my 🍾 bubbles, I enjoyed tasting Czech`s prized beer 😉🍻
Sophistication, opulent decor, and beautiful luxury desserts - this is @delyseesottawa 🍰🍮 . Read The Food Tease column in the Spring/Summer issue of @luxeottawamagazine on how Delysees`s Creative Director, Fred Naggar, successfully left awe-inspiring footprints in the fashion world to embark on a new adventure with his wife - the world of high-end desserts.😋🍰😍 . Sweets for the sweets... Enjoy! . #foodblogger #foodporn #travelblogger #dessert #dessertsofinstagram #luxury #luxurydesserts #delysees #creativedirector #parisienne #frenchsweets #frenchdesserts #published #thefoodteaseeats #ifwtwa1 #travelmediaca #tmac
Play golf⛳️? Planning a wedding💍? Enjoy live jazz 🎷🎹? And let`s not forget, enjoy spa services💆🏼♀️and tasty dishes?😋 Then the @brookstreetott is worth experiencing!🤩 . Whether it be for business and/or for pleasure, the @brookstreetott has you covered. . During my recent stay, I was informed that all guests` rooms will be renovated in the next couple of months. By September 2024, the renovation project will be completed. 🤩🤩 . Now lets talk about the tssty dishes: veal ribeye, Beef carpaccio, tuna sushi and a tasty breakfast of poached eggs Benedict poutine...and let`s not ignore my tasty libation...an extra dirty martinis with extra olives!!🍸🍸😋😋 . Weekend getaways are perfect for some R&R!!😊 . #foodblogger #travelblogger #foodporn #foodpornshare #hotel #getaway #indulge #brookstreet #brookstreethotel #weekendvibes #jazzlounge #hotelexperience #beingatourist #supportlocal #thefoodteaseeats #thefoodteasedrinks #thefoodteasetravel #travelmediaca #tmac #ifwtwa1