Dominica might be known as “The Nature Island,” but for me, it was a destination that lingered in my mind long after a fleeting encounter with Sporcle quizzes. The prospect of a new, unspoiled locale with a five-star resort, the InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa, finally provided the push needed to turn that long-held curiosity into a reality.
Dominica’s lush interior and the Caribbean Sea offer a duality of adventure and relaxation, with resorts like the InterContinental providing a luxurious lens through which to experience it all.
The resort’s design features contemporary aesthetics with neutral tones and pops of green and blue, directly inspired by Dominica’s natural beauty.
Arriving at the Oasis
Pulling up to the Resort & Spa felt like stepping into a postcard. A distinct black octopus door handle greeted me, a unique touch that hinted at the attention to detail throughout the property. A chilled rum punch was offered upon arrival, a welcome gesture that immediately set a relaxed tone.
Checking in was swift, drink in hand. Heading to my ocean view premium room, I was struck by its generous size, especially for a solo traveler. The king-size bed was plush, and the bathroom’s privacy shutters, adorned with an island-inspired aesthetic, added a thoughtful touch.
The room opened onto a balcony overlooking the resort’s pools and the deep blue expanse of the Caribbean Sea. It was the perfect spot to unwind. The resort offers a range of room types beyond the premium rooms, including suites with private pools like the Emerald Pool Suite and the opulent Presidential Villa, complete with a personal chef for tailored island-inspired meals.
Resort Amenities That Impress
The is more than just a place to stay; it’s a destination in itself, largely thanks to its impressive array of amenities. The frog statues flanking the main pool are a whimsical nod to Dominica’s history with “mountain chicken,” a type of giant ditch frog, now a protected species. It’s these kinds of unique details that make the resort stand out.
There are four pools to choose from, including an infinity pool with breathtaking mountain views. The swim-up bar is a highlight, perfect for enjoying a cocktail while soaking up the sun. Adjacent to the pool area, the Kwéyòl Beach Restaurant and Bar serves up casual dishes with a Creole and Cajun influence.
Dominica’s “mountain chicken” is a protected species, so while you can’t taste the local delicacy, you can appreciate its cultural significance through decorative elements like the frog statues at the resort.
The Cabrits Spa and Wellness Center is an absolute must-visit. I opted for the luxury mud pit body treatment, a truly natural experience that left my skin feeling incredibly smooth. The treatment concluded with a refreshing coconut water, homemade granola, and fresh passion fruit.
Culinary Delights on Property
Fueling your adventures is never a problem at InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa, with several dining venues conveniently located on-site. Cabrits Market offers a delightful breakfast buffet featuring fresh tropical fruits, pastries, and the warmly spiced Kako tea, a local cocoa drink.
For more casual fare, the poolside Kwéyòl Beach Restaurant and Bar offers Creole- and Cajun-influenced dishes alongside American pub favorites like burgers and wings. These pair perfectly with a handcrafted cocktail or a classic rum punch.
Rumfire Bar quickly became a personal favorite. The outdoor patio, complete with a fireplace, provides an ideal setting for watching the sunset. The bar serves a variety of tapas and an impressive selection of craft cocktails. Sipping an espresso martini made with spiced rum while watching the sun dip below the horizon was a truly memorable moment. They also offer rum tastings, allowing you to savor flavors like ginger, lemongrass, and scotch bonnet.
For a more elevated dining experience, Bonsai presents sophisticated interpretations of local island flavors. The seafood dishes are particularly recommended, offering a refined taste of the island’s fresh catch.
- Explore a range of dining options from casual poolside fare to upscale island-inspired cuisine.
- Don’t miss the rum tasting experience at Rumfire Bar for a taste of local flavors.
- The Cabrits Spa offers unique treatments that connect you with Dominica’s natural resources.
Exploring Dominica’s Nature Island
While the resort offers plenty to keep you occupied, venturing out into Dominica is essential to truly grasp its “Nature Island” moniker. The island’s dramatic landscapes, from lush rainforests to volcanic formations, offer adventures for every type of traveler.
Movie buffs might recognize Titou Gorge, a stunning natural gorge with a waterfall that served as a filming location for “Pirates of the Caribbean.” For an accessible hike, the majestic Trafalgar Falls provides relatively easy access to impressive cascades.
Scuba divers and snorkelers will be thrilled by Champagne Reef, where natural volcanic springs create a constant stream of underwater bubbles, a truly unique aquatic experience.
Above water, Dominica continues to amaze. It’s home to the world’s second-largest boiling lake, though reaching it is a challenging hike best undertaken with a guide. For a more relaxing natural experience, the Wotten Waven hot springs offer a perfect opportunity to soak and rejuvenate. The Ti Kwen Glo Cho hot spring, with its continuously flowing natural thermal water filling an outdoor bathtub, was a personal favorite for a tranquil soak.
For challenging hikes like the one to the Boiling Lake, always hire a local guide for safety and the best experience.
Getting to and Around Dominica
Reaching Dominica is part of the adventure. International flights arrive at Douglas–Charles Airport (DOM). Direct flights from the mainland U.S. are limited, with American Airlines offering three per week from Miami. Alternatively, you can fly into San Juan (SJU) and take a connecting flight to Dominica via Silver Airways.
Typical flight time from San Juan to Dominica.
Other connection options include Caribbean Airlines, with a layover in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, or Winair via Saint John’s, Antigua and Barbuda.
Once you’ve landed, the Resort & Spa can arrange a transfer from the airport. The drive is about an hour long and can be quite bumpy and winding, showcasing the island’s rugged terrain. But rest assured, the destination is well worth the journey.
The roads on Dominica can be steep, narrow, and winding, especially outside of the main routes. Drive cautiously and allow extra travel time.
Lily was fascinated by the winding roads, pointing out all the lush greenery from her window. Michael, always the navigator, kept track of our progress, while Ethan mostly napped. Arriving at the resort, being handed that first rum punch, felt like the perfect reward after the journey.
Dominica truly offers a unique blend of natural beauty and luxurious comfort, making it an unforgettable destination for any traveler seeking both adventure and relaxation.