A swimming pool with lounge chairs and a view of the ocean.

Dominica, the Nature Island that leaves you wanting more

By on November 29, 2023

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.

Dominica’s Point Baptist Beach with its stunning lush landscape.

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.

Enjoy an outdoor massage at Dominica’s Jungle Bay Resort.

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.

Nothing but stellar experiences and hospitality at the luxury Coulibri Ridge resort
  • 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.
A swim with a view at one of Jungle Bay Resort’s lounge pools.

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.

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. 

Get yours today and enjoy!!🍿🍿
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 🎓🎓

Bravo Chef!!😊
Muy Caliente!!🔥🔥🌞🌞

With the insanely hot weather, nothing is more refreshing than this tasty Brazilian lemonade with some @bacardi Gold
Rum for the win!!🤩😋

And let me tell you, a pitcher was made...as it's THAT delicious!!

At this rate, I will finally start to enjoy the summer heat...providing I have my 'special' lemonade!😉

Cheers!

#foodblogger #travelblogger #cocktails #cocktailporn #brazilianlemonade #braziliandrink #summerdrinks #bacardi #rum #summerheat #summerheatwave #lemonadeforadults #thefoodteasedrinks #ifwtwa1 #tmac #enjoylife #enjoythemoment
After a long day, a rich and tasty avocado, egg and bacon salad was the way to go!!🥑🥚🥓😍😋

And the pièce de résistance, triple-cream Brie with @artisinbakery baguette - the perfect match for such a meal. 

At this rate, indulgence should be my nickname 😉

#foodblogger #foodporn #travelblogger #foodphotography #indulgence #longday #avocado #triplecream #baguette #frenchcuisine #enjoylife #luxelife #thefoodteaseeats #thefoodtease #ifwtwa1 #fwt #tmac
Sophistication, opulent decor, and beautiful luxury desserts - this is @delyseesottawa 🍰🍮
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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.😋🍰😍
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Sweets for the sweets... Enjoy!
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Happy Easter, everyone!!🐣 🐰
Enjoying my family's Easter tradition of our colourful egg fight...I didn't win, but there's always next year 😉
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Friday night, I had the privilege of attending the 2024 Canadian Culinary Championships - Mystery Wine Challenge - People's Choice Award🥇🥇@greatkitchenparty
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Congratulations to all the chefs involved in this intense competition. The chefs needed to create a dish to pair with the mystery wine. Each chef was given a tricky budget of $550 for the 250 guests. I was witnessing creativity at its best!!😋
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The winning dish🥇 (centered in the middle of the photo) was created by JP Dublado: Red Deer Resort and Casino, Red Deer AB
Dish: beet & soy cured albacore tuna - ponzu gel - tomato water - puffed wild rice - beet green oil
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Amazing talent from all the chefs as they paired with the mystery wine (a 2021 Lailey Vineyard Zweigelt)🍷🍷
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#foodblogger ##foodgram #foodcompetition #travelblogger #CCC2024 #greatkitchenparty #peopleschoice #peopleschoiceawards #underpressure #foodandwine #underbudget #onbudget #culinarycompetition #thefoodteasedrinks #thefoodteaseeats #ifwtwa1 #tmac
Planning for your BIG wedding day💍 and looking for something different than the traditional bachelorette party? 🎉🎉
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Then you need to read my solo Montreal getaway article featured in the latest issue of @ottawawedding magazine.
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Special thanks to @montreal for the beautiful experiences.
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Amongst the amazing activities:
● High Tea at the Ritz-Carlton 🍾🥂
● Pampering at the Scandinave Spa 💆🏼‍♀️and at Le Germain Hotel 
● Visiting the beautiful light show at the Botanical Gardens ⚘️✨️
● Culinary experiences at the Foxy restaurant and discovering local restaurants during a food tour😋😋
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Solo getaway or with a friend or two, any reason to visit and experience Montréal is a good one!! 😍🤗
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With its countless cultural activities and experiences, one can easily enjoy this beautiful city! And let's not forget their food scene... that alone is reason enough to visit!!😍😋
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I think it's time for you to discover, and for some, REDISCOVER Montreal! 🤩🤩
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