Dominica, known as the Nature Island, offers a dramatic landscape shaped by volcanic activity and resilient regrowth after Hurricane Maria. The island’s interior is marked by dense rainforests, while its coastline features rugged cliffs and black sand beaches.
Upon arrival, the winding roads reveal the island’s mountainous terrain, with lush vegetation covering the hillsides. The scent of damp earth and tropical flora fills the air as you travel through the island’s heart.
The Cabrits Resort & Spa Kempinski Dominica, situated on the island’s northwest coast, represents a new level of luxury. Its design aims to complement the natural surroundings, with architecture that blends modern sophistication with the island’s environment. The resort’s location adjacent to Cabrits National Park provides a unique setting, offering sea views and direct access to Douglas Bay.
Dominica’s natural beauty is evident, from its 365 rivers to its extensive hiking trails.
The resort’s lobby features floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the ocean, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor feel. The interior design incorporates light woods and stone elements, reflecting a contemporary aesthetic that harmonizes with the tropical setting.
Accommodations at the Kempinski include rooms, suites, and duplexes, all designed to maximize ocean views. Each room offers luxury amenities, including spacious bathrooms and private balconies. The decor is described as Caribbean-chic, combining muted tones with colorful accents and streamlined furnishings.
- Explore Dominica’s natural wonders, including its rivers, waterfalls, and hiking trails.
- The Cabrits Resort & Spa Kempinski Dominica offers a luxurious base for experiencing the island.
- Dive or snorkel in the clear waters to appreciate Dominica’s marine life and coral reefs.
| Dining Experience | Location | Cuisine Style |
|---|---|---|
| Cabrits Market | Resort | Gourmet buffet with grilling station |
| Kwéyòl Beach Cafe | Poolside/Beachfront | Alfresco a la carte |
| Bonsai | Resort (scheduled to open 2020) | Pan-Asian |
Exploring the Nature Island
Hiking and Natural Landscapes
Dominica’s reputation as the “Nature Island” is well-earned, boasting a remarkable 365 rivers and the Waitukubuli National Trail, a 114-mile path that spans the island’s length. This trail offers an extensive network for hikers to experience the diverse terrain, from coastal paths to rugged mountain ascents.
The island’s interior is characterized by dense rainforests, and waterfalls are numerous. Iconic natural attractions include Boiling Lake and Trafalgar Falls, which visitors can access via guided excursions. The lush foliage has shown remarkable resilience, quickly recovering after past hurricanes.
Diving and Marine Life
The waters surrounding Dominica are renowned for their clarity and abundance of marine life, making it a prime destination for diving and snorkeling. Despite damage to some coral reefs from past storms, many areas remain pristine and teeming with diverse aquatic species.
Champagne Reef is a unique snorkeling spot where volcanic vents release thermal bubbles, creating a natural effervescent experience. Here, you can see a variety of fish and corals. Dive operators offer excursions to other notable sites, such as the walls near the Cabrits Resort & Spa Kempinski Dominica, which feature intact sea fans, large sponges, and various marine creatures like eels and lobsters.
After Hurricane Maria, the local dive industry faced significant challenges with the destruction of shops and boats. However, dedicated individuals have worked to rebuild and continue offering dive experiences.
Landmarks and Cultural Sites
Roseau, the island’s capital, offers a glimpse into Dominican life with its colorful architecture and local markets. The city provides a contrast to the island’s wilder natural landscapes, showcasing its cultural heritage and daily routines.
Boat rides along the Indian River, south of the Cabrits National Park, are a recommended activity. This serene journey takes you through mangrove forests, offering a unique perspective of the island’s aquatic ecosystems. Local guides often share insights into the river’s significance and the surrounding flora and fauna.
Resort Amenities and Experiences
Accommodations and Design
The Cabrits Resort & Spa Kempinski Dominica is designed to integrate with its environment. The architecture emphasizes open spaces and natural light, with expansive windows offering views of the Caribbean Sea and the surrounding parkland. The resort’s commitment to environmental considerations is evident in aspects like its use of local materials and efforts to preserve the natural beach.
The resort features multiple swimming pools, including a lap pool, a main pool with a swim-up bar, a spa pool, and an adults-only option. These pools provide ample space for relaxation and recreation, compensating for the often rugged nature of the island’s natural coastline.
Dining and Relaxation
Dining options at the resort include Cabrits Market, offering a gourmet buffet with fresh seafood and local produce. The Kwéyòl Beach Cafe provides alfresco dining with a la carte options, featuring dishes like Dominican Freshwater Shrimp Salad and local fish fritters.
The RumFire Bar is a focal point for evening relaxation. It features a fire pit overlooking the ocean and an extensive selection of spirits, including local bush rums infused with fruits and herbs. These infused rums are a traditional Dominican specialty, often believed to have medicinal properties.
Kempinski The Spa promises a high-end wellness experience, with treatment rooms housed in bungalow-style structures set within the natural landscape. The spa’s design, accessed via boardwalks, aims to provide a tranquil and restorative atmosphere.
Rivers in Dominica
Dominica truly lives up to its “Nature Island” title. Even with a luxurious resort as a base, the call to explore the wild landscapes, dive the vibrant reefs, and hike through the rainforest is undeniable. It’s a place where nature’s resilience is as impressive as its beauty.
The resort’s black sand beach at Douglas Bay, while narrow, is swimmable once you navigate the rocky shore. The seafloor beyond is soft and sandy, with clear, inviting waters. Future plans include a watersports outfit offering activities like snorkeling, diving, and paddleboarding directly from the hotel’s dock.
Local toads, known as the crapaud, are referenced around the property through decorative statues, adding a touch of local iconography. The resort focuses on integrating natural elements into its design and operations, as seen in its decision not to import sand for the beach due to environmental concerns.
Arrange boat trips along the Indian River through the hotel concierge; it’s a highly recommended way to experience this unique mangrove ecosystem.
Dominica offers a compelling blend of natural splendor and developing luxury tourism. The island’s recovery and growth, particularly after the impact of Hurricane Maria, showcase its enduring spirit and commitment to preserving its unique environment.
The experience of seeing an end-to-end rainbow framing the emerald mountains at sunset served as a perfect reminder of nature’s power and beauty. It is a powerful invitation to revisit Dominica and witness its continued recovery.