I recently had the opportunity to visit the Island of Dominica (not to be confused with the Dominican Republic). Known as “The Nature Island of the Caribbean” it fits perfectly with my theme of “Beyond the Beach in Latin America and the Caribbean.”

Dominica lies between the islands of Guadeloupe to the North and Martinique to the South. And while it may seem to be just one of many Islands in the Caribbean, Dominica offers a radically different kind of island escape — one where lush rainforest, volcanic peaks, boiling lakes, and endless adventure take center stage. This is the Caribbean unplugged, where the beach is just the beginning — not the destination.

A Living, Breathing Landscape

Unlike many Caribbean islands, Dominica is volcanically active, which means you won’t just find beaches — you’ll find boiling lakes, hot springs, sulfur vents, and rich black sand shorelines.

• Home to the world’s second-largest boiling lake
• 365 rivers — one for every day of the year
• Towering rainforests, misty cloud forests, and rare parrot species
• No mass tourism — no cruise ports with chain stores or mega-resorts

This is a place where you hike, paddle, dive, soak, and connect with the natural world in ways other Caribbean destinations simply can’t offer.

Ultimate Hiking Destination

Dominica is home to the Waitukubuli National Trail, the longest continuous hiking trail in the Caribbean (115 miles). Here you can trek through multiple ecosystems in a single day — from waterfalls to volcanic cliffs, all in astonishing solitude.

Hikers can even receive their own Dominica Passport book to keep track of all the hikes on the Island. I say to my clients: Try them all!

The Best Caribbean Island for “Getting Off the Beach”

Dominica is for those who want more from their Caribbean holiday than a tan.

Here, you can:

Soak in natural hot springs deep in the forest

Hike to the Trafalgar Falls or through Morne Trois Pitons National Park

Kayak the Indian River, a jungle waterway used in Pirates of the Caribbean

Visit Indigenous Kalinago territory, one of the few surviving pre-Columbian cultures in the region

While most islands invite you to lie still, Dominica invites you to move, explore, heal, and wonder.

Where I Stayed

Secret Bay (Relais & Châteaux)

Secret Bay is not your typical Caribbean escape, it’s a place where every detail honors the land and culture, and where sustainability and luxury live in harmony. The resort began as a beautiful love story with the land, showing how Secret Bay is more than just a resort in a gorgeous place, but a representation of the land and the culture of Dominica.

If ever there was a resort that matched the island’s raw beauty and privacy, it’s Secret Bay.

• Cliffside villas with private plunge pools, gourmet kitchens, and open-air rainforest showers
• A philosophy of sustainability and barefoot luxury
• Personalized touches like a personal concierge, private chef, and yoga deck
• Ideal for honeymooners, eco-luxury seekers, and anyone craving disconnection with intention

Dining at Secret Bay

There is an amazing restaurant, Bwa Denn Kitchen onsite that has dishes inspired by the bounty of the islands while guests are surrounded by art from the collection curated by local artists. However, one of my favorite dining experiences was in the Botánica Farm-to-Table culinary Journey. We started with a nature walk by the chef through the organic gardens before sitting at table to enjoy the delicious creations foraged in nature and conversation around sustainability and food conscientiousness.

Coming soon is the exclusive Zing Zing restaurant, nestled in the tree tops and offered only to guests of the resort for a special occasion dining experience.

Secret Bay isn’t just a resort — it’s a sanctuary perched above the jungle and sea, where luxury and nature coexist in harmony.

🏆 Voted one of the World’s Best Resorts by Travel + Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler

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 InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa

Located in the north near Cabrits National Park, this full-service luxury resort offers a perfect mix of relaxation and soft adventure.

• Overlooks the tranquil Douglas Bay Marine Reserve
• Features a sprawling spa with traditional-inspired, personal cabanas, multiple restaurants, and oceanview suites
• Gateway to historic Fort Shirley, mangrove forests, and coral reefs
• Family-friendly, yet romantic enough for couples

It’s one of the best bases for exploring Dominica’s north coast — with the option to retreat into refined luxury at day’s end.

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Final Thought

In a sea of islands defined by beaches and cocktails, Dominica stands tall — rugged, wild, and real. Whether you’re soaking in a jungle hot spring, sipping champagne undersea, or watching the sunrise from your Secret Bay villa, you’ll discover a Caribbean you never knew existed.

Dominica isn’t the beach. It’s everything beyond it. I would be delighted to help you plan your trip to Dominica!

Just reach out to me at: heather@heatherlaneadventures.com and we will get you on your way!