Often confused with the Dominican Republic (which is more than 600 miles away and 60 times as large), Dominica is the Caribbean country you’ve probably never visited but should—as soon as you can. 

Afloat between Martinique and Guadeloupe, the 289-square-mile Nature Island (as it bills itself) is the definition of lush, its landscape pierced by 10 volcanoes and blessed with 365 rivers, several waterfalls, 300 miles of hiking trails, and a 200-foot-wide “boiling lake” (a vent in the earth’s surface through which volcanic steam and water escape) that’s the second largest in the world. Add to its considerable natural assets a population of around 70,000 gentle and welcoming souls. Then throw in nonstop service from Miami (up to four times a week via American Airlines, depending on the season), and you’ve got a largely undiscovered Paradise that’s easier than ever to get to and perfect for outdoor adventures.

Wondering where to stay? Options range from family-run bed-and-breakfasts to treehouse boutique hotels and, since 2019, an international branded luxury resort, Cabrits Resort and Spa Kempinski. The island’s newest rooms, however, are on its southern tip at Coulibri Ridge. Opened last October, the 14-suite oasis is an off-the-grid mountain retreat that merits a spot on your Dominica short list. 

Here are five reasons why.

Serious Sustainability

Believe the hype. Coulibri Ridge was built with sustainability at its core—a construction process that took a whopping 15 years. The result is a retreat that’s completely powered by the sun (via solar panels and a trio of “mini-grids,” each with 288 recyclable non-lithium batteries); the wind (there are two turbines on property); and purified rainwater (200,000 gallons are stored in the resort’s cisterns). Even better, Coulibri Ridge produces enough power to potentially share it with the neighboring community of Soufrière, a real benefit on an island that was without electricity for months following 2017’s Hurricane Maria. 

One reason construction took so long was that the building exteriors are made entirely of volcanic stone that was already on the property (once a citrus plantation), which was hand-chiseled by local masons to make the cut-stone walls. All the resort’s lights and faucets—even the outdoor showers—are motion-activated to reduce waste. And, in a region where the tourism industry employs so many foreign workers, I found it refreshing that the staff is all Dominican, with 40 percent of them from Soufrière.

The Sweetest Suites

True confession: I was one of those people who believed that sustainability required sacrificing the creature comforts (air-conditioning; butler service; high-thread count bed linens, and streaming services) I’m accustomed to. Wrong. Suites here—studios, lofts, and one-bedroom penthouses—couldn’t have been further from the no-nonsense, functional-but-not-fun level of rusticity I’d associated with eco-resorts. 

My penthouse, in one of five three-story buildings, was a bi-level roost featuring a kitchen, two terraces, an outdoor shower, living room, and dining room on the open-plan entry floor. Above: the air-conditioned bedroom and en suite bathroom. A spacious 1,000-sq. ft., the penthouse is ideal for long stays (the record so far is 18 days) and remote work, facilitated by complimentary high-speed WI-FI throughout the property. My home away from home offered mountain views from every window and was oriented to take advantage not just of the sun’s energy-giving rays but also of the constant cooling breezes, so I never felt warm, even downstairs.

For personalized service, each suite is looked after by an attendant who functions as a housekeeper and butler, organizing spa treatments (yes, there’s a spa!), off-site excursions, and dinner reservations. (To further minimize waste, each morning guests are sent the evening’s menu and asked to make their choices.) 

True Luxury

When it comes to luxury, Coulibri Ridge checked so many of the boxes I associate with fancy hotels. From the spa—a two-cabin oasis with a mountain-view plunge pool and outdoor bathtub—to its pair of infinity pools and restaurants, the sleek gym and complimentary electric bikes, the experience feels every bit like a splurge rather than a sacrifice. 

Rates here (starting at $700 a night for a studio, depending on the season) are in keeping with the luxury category, and also reflect the expense of running a hotel on a lesser-traveled island. For many travelers they’ll be expensive, but a stay here won’t (literally) cost the earth.

Superb Cuisine

If you think the menu will be all nuts, grains, and berries, think again! Sure, vegetarians, vegans, and plant-based peeps will be thrilled with Dominican chef Damien Mason’s menus, featuring produce from Coulibri’s acreage, where cacao, soursop, avocado, mango, orange, lime, guava, and banana trees flourish on land “mowed” by eight cows. But in its pair of restaurants, Mesa (for breakfast and lunch) and Vista (dinner), the focus is on local fish, meat, chicken, and seafood—with minimal imported meat and vegetables—so carnivores will be satisfied, too. 

Breakfast (included in the room rate) is a tropical bounty comprising a fruit plate, banana muffins, banana chia pudding or granola parfait, croissants, and local juice (trust me; order the ginger-lime). And that’s just the beginning. Skip the scrambled eggs and order the Dominican special. It varies daily and offers a great way to sample local fare, including puffy deep-fried bakes with salted cod fish or cheese, smoked herring, cinnamon-dusted fried plantains, and sauteed local spinach, accompanied with a steaming cup of “cocoa tea.”

For dinner it’s more of the same, “same” being the finest and freshest local food, creatively conceptualized by chef Mason and his brigade. Begin with curried christophine, a delicately flavored Caribbean squash. Grilled garlic lobster with spicy pineapple salsa is a melt-in-your-mouth main course. And the spiced coconut rice pudding bears no resemblance to any of the flavorless pretenders you’ll find in your hometown supermarket. (Tip: Pack your stretchy pants.)

A Lofty Location 

Coulibri Ridge is—you guessed it!—set on a mountain ridge, high above the Caribbean. So, it’s not a good fit for beach lovers or sand snobs (arguably, neither is Dominica). But it’s perfectly suited to visitors who want an uncommon island experience in a truly peaceful environment. 

Just under two hours’ drive from Douglas Charles Airport (DOM) in the island’s northwest, it’s a winding and mountainous adventure to get to this property. But with every hairpin turn and hilly ascent you get further away from your everyday cares and closer to the tranquility the resort delivers. 

At this altitude, the weather changes quickly, a warm downpour one minute, the sun bursting triumphantly through clouds the next. Constant cooling breezes feel like silk against your skin, and the tiny bats that live on the property mean there are no pesky mosquitoes to irritate it. At Coulibri Ridge, beachfront thrills are replaced with mountain highs. 

And it feels like the perfect exchange.

The post 5 Reasons to Visit Dominica’s Coulibri Ridge appeared first on Islands.

With plenty of food, music, and dancing on the itineraries, Discover Dominica Authority is bringing back all three of its iconic, crowd-pleasing festivals that celebrate the heritage of the island in 2023. Located south of Guadeloupe and north of Martinique in the Eastern Caribbean, this destination is known as the Nature Island thanks to its abundant rainforest, lush tropical surroundings, and towering mountains against the backdrop of the sea. And visitors flock to here from all over the world to take part in its cultural festivals.

Many islands celebrate their version of carnival, but none do it like Domenica’s Mas Dominik, scheduled for February 20-21. Dubbed ‘the Real Mas’ for its authenticity, islanders commemorate their African and French roots with a 48-hour party of street parades, during which locals and visitors perform and enjoy lively music and display artwork. This is the most original—and some will say, best—carnival in the Caribbean, as travelers often come weeks early to join the pre-carnival preparations and festivities including Calypso shows, individual village events, and pageants. 

Dominica’s 12th annual Jazz ‘N Creole festival will be held April 30 at Fort Shirley in Cabrits National Park to celebrate the island’s Creole influence and traditions. This family-friendly event treats visitors to an entire day of music by famous artists. The party starts the week prior with jazz-themed activities held across the island and comes to a peak as featured artists take the stage, playing the sounds of the island’s iconic music that will have attendees dancing in their seats.

Creole influence again takes center stage in the fall with the World Creole Music Festival running October 27-29. This event coincides with Dominica’s annual independence activities and features three days of live music including styles like Cadence-lypso, Kompa, Zouk, Soukous, Bouyon, Zydeco, and Afrobeat, among others. Also known as the “Three Nights of Pulsating Rhythm,” this festival has become a signature Caribbean event that attracts visitors from all over the world.  

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A 285-acre resort perched atop a mountain ridge in southern Dominica, Coulibri Ridge is now welcoming guests to experience the perfect blend of luxury and sustainability. Known as the “Nature Island,” Dominica is the rightful home for this 14-suite enclave that celebrates sustainability, respectful development, and community collaboration. Guests are invited to experience this distinct property with Coulibri Ridge’s “Grand Opening Package,” offering seven nights for the price of five, and available from November 1 through December 14, 2022.

Coulibri Ridge was designed to take advantage of the island’s natural resources of sun, wind, and rain. The resort is powered by solar energy, supplemented by eco-friendly wind turbines. Rainwater is collected on the rooftops and then purified by ultraviolet light and copper ionization for use in guest suites and in the chlorine-free pools, as well as irrigating the tropical gardens and orchard.

Guest rooms are artfully decorated with recycled teakwood from the local region. The resort’s exterior was meticulously designed to withstand the harsh conditions of hurricanes, earthquakes, and humidity, while integrating into the natural landscape.

The residential-style suites at Coulibri Ridge are available in multiple configurations ranging from 600 to 1,000-sq. ft. All include spacious accommodations with full kitchens and outdoor terraces that offer stunning views. 

Resort amenities include two infinity pools, a gym, yoga pavilion, and onsite spa.  Trained staff members lead walking tours throughout the property including 18^th century estate ruins. Two dining rooms, Mesa and Vista, offer menus featuring produce that is grown right on the property to further support the resort’s sustainability initiatives.

Quebec-born entrepreneur Daniel Langlois designed Coulibri Ridge to operate as a modern, self-sufficient eco-resort that supports the local community and offers opportunities for residents to become part of its success.

The post Inside Coulibri Ridge, Dominica’s Newest Eco-Friendly Luxury Resort appeared first on Islands.

Check out music festivals in tropical locations like Dominica, an epicenter for everything to do with Creole-inspired music and its unique genres. More interested in learning about the environment while immersing yourself in it? Join the Sea & Learn foundation on the small island of Saba for its annual, month-long visit. San Francisco also offers a completely free festival at beautiful Golden Gate Park.

If all that seems too tame for you, there’s also the thrilling Phuket Vegetarian Festival where devotees perform self-mutilating piercings (typically in the cheek or lip) during what is also known as the Nine Emperor Gods Festival.

Whatever your fancy, read on for the best places to travel in October.

Felabration — Lagos, Nigeria

Travel to Lagos, Nigeria, for a music festival dedicated to the life and work of one man: Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. Felabration hosts a variety of artists from hip-hop, R&B, jazz and the Kuti-derived Afrobeat genre. It lasts the week of his birthday and takes place at New Afrika Shrine in Ikeja, Lagos State.

In addition to celebrating his musical work, Felabration also celebrates Kuti’s work as a human-rights activist. He fought aggressively against an oppressive Nigerian government in the 1970s, and, to honor that sentiment today, Felabration hosts competitive debates around topics like poverty and corruption. The Felebration Symposium also invites professors and local politicians to speak.

Felebration ’22 runs from Sep. 28 to Oct. 4.

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival — San Francisco

Nowadays, music festivals usually cost a pretty penny or some volunteer hours to gain entry. With the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass music festival in San Francisco, that isn’t the case; in fact, the festival is completely free.

Plan a trip to Golden Gate Park for what originated as a “Strictly Bluegrass” festival in 2001. By 2004, however, Founder Warren Hellman, co-founder of multi-billion-dollar equity firms, added “Hardly” to the name, as artists from other genres began performing at the festival, too.

Hellman’s vision was to avoid corporate sponsors, so he always funded the festival. Despite his death two months after the 2011 iteration, the festival will remain free until 2026, thanks to the endowment Hellman left.

Hardly Strictly Bluegrass attendees are encouraged to be environmentally friendly and bike or use public transportation to the festival. No hard alcohol is allowed, but you’re still allowed to bring your own beer and wine.

The festival goes from Sep. 30 to Oct. 2.

Phuket Vegetarian Festival — Thailand

If you have an appetite for southeastern-Asian, vegetarian food, you should consider heading to amazing Phuket for the vegetarian festival. Be warned, though: This isn’t a festival dedicated to meat-free eating. It is, perhaps, one of the most intense celebrations in the world and is not for the squeamish or faint of heart.

The festival’s other name is the Nine Emperor Gods Festival. Unmarried men and women known as “masong” invite the spirits of the gods to enter their bodies under trance and proceed with extreme, self-mutilating body piercings (usually around the mouth area) and burning-coal walks. The masong are not allowed to eat meat, drink alcohol or have sex to maintain pure thoughts and a clean body.

Those strict requirements, in turn, help fill the streets with food stalls selling vegan delicacies (dairy isn’t allowed either), like boiled noodles, steamed-rice dishes and fresh spring rolls. The environment is hectic, as fireworks and firecrackers are constantly firing off, especially on the last night. So, be sure to wear long sleeves, close-toed shoes and earplugs.

The Phuket Vegetarian Festival/Nine Emperor Gods Festival takes place from Sept. 25 to Oct. 4.

Suwannee Hulaween — Live Oak, Florida

Combine your love for Halloween with a variety of music, friendly vibes and the natural world, and you get Suwannee Hulaween. It’s a music festival in Live Oak, Florida, started by the band the String Cheese Incident and set in a naturally enclosed, wooded environment with a lake.

There are four stages, but, if you need a break from the music, there’s also other activities. Attendees can join yoga classes, learn to balance on a slackline, partake in music meditations or go on guided nature walks. Live Oak is also less than two hours by car from beautiful Cedar Key, so there’s always an opportunity for an extended vacation.

Some names on their lineup for 2022 include Portugal. The Man, Gorgon City, and Rainbow Kitten Surprise, among many others.

Suwannee Hulaween goes from Oct. 27 to Oct. 30.

Sea & Learn — Saba

October is a big month for the tiny Caribbean island of Saba. Just a 12-minute flight from St. Maarten, Saba is home to less than 2,000 people and a vast, mostly untouched ecosystem. It’s known as the “Unspoiled Queen,” and, each October, the Sea & Learn non-profit foundation hosts a month-long event dedicated to eco-education and enhancing “your environmental awareness.”

A host of experts are invited to Saba, and, every other night, each expert presents a topic. Those experts also visit Saba schools with the Saba Conservation and Child Focus program to teach the local youth about their home. Tourists and local adults alike are invited to join in the myriad dynamic, educational events, as all, with the exception of the school program, are free to the public.

World Creole Music Festival — Dominica

Join the local population on Dominica in build-up celebrations to their November independence day all throughout October.

Interested in a variety of Caribbean music genres? Check out the three-night World Creole Music Festival (WCMF). These genres derive from a combination of influences from Creole-speaking countries. You’ll hear sounds from the Cadence-Iypso, Kompa, Zouk, Soukous, Bouyon and Zydeco genres. Food, drink and snack vendors are within the festival grounds, too.

Dominica’s WCMF takes place Oct. 28 to Oct. 30. And don’t forget about the many other concerts and celebrations taking place throughout the month. All said, it’s certainly a great way to discover Dominica.

Diwali — Fiji

At the end of October, Hindus celebrate their festival of lights, Diwali. With much of the population having Indian heritage, Fiji celebrates this holiday, too, but with a touch of South Pacific culture. The holiday is so ingrained in Fijian culture that even non-Hindus of the 300-island nation join in the festivities.

It’s literally a blast all over the country, as fireworks are shot off and houses and businesses are festively lit. Hindu families perform “puja” ritual prayers to the Hindu goddess of wealth, fortune and prosperity, Lakshmi. To echo that sentiment, people go on mini shopping sprees.

Diwali in Fiji takes place this year on Tuesday, Oct. 25. There are plenty of amazing resorts to choose from as well.

Goblins and Giggles — Orlando, FL

Looking to stay close to home? Head to Orlando for one of the best Halloween celebrations in Central Florida at a resort that really knows how to maximize holiday experiences. Goblins and Giggles actually kicks off on September 9, so guests have plenty of time to plan ahead and squeeze in as much spooktacular fun as the Gaylord Palms Resort and Convention Center offers.

Families can book the weekend package, which includes room and tickets to the Ghoul School show, or the premium Saturday package, which includes the same, as well as passes to the Monster Mash Bash. And every young guest will also receive the booklet for the Halloween Hide and Seek Scavenger Hunt, which promises special prizes.

The post Best Places to Travel in October appeared first on Islands.

Set within Dominica’s vibrant capital of Roseau, Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort is the island escape many travelers dream of. This intimate, boutique-style resort opened in 1964 and has a storied history—the land first housed a military fort in 1699. But today’s guests are treated to modern luxury amenities with oceanfront rooms that offer breathtaking views and elevated comforts of home.

Now all-inclusive, Fort Young offers guests the vacation experience of a lifetime, all for one easy price. But this is not your typical Caribbean all-inclusive resort, where guests rarely stray off property. Instead, travelers are encouraged to get out and explore, and there’s no shortage of activities on this island where nature is the main attraction.

Visitors can participate in a lionfish catching expedition, hike to Trafalgar Falls and Titou Gorge, relax at a local thermal spa, visit the rainforest, and experience world-class scuba diving right off the resort’s dock. Of course, just relaxing on the tropical beach is always an option. But nature lovers will want to explore the island’s 365 rivers, deep canyons, high-altitude lakes, and volcanic national park.

There’s no shortage of dining options from sophisticated fare to relaxing seaside ambiance, all featuring authentic Dominican cuisine meticulously prepared to showcase the chef’s locally sourced ingredients. Bala’s Bar is the spot to enjoy a sunset cocktail before heading to a candlelit dinner at the resort’s fine dining restaurant. Bala’s Friday Night Cocktails and Conversations invite guests to meet and greet and mingle over libations.

The resort aims to be more community-focused, with an emphasis on sustainability, hence the ‘All-Inclusive, Island-Included’ program. This is the first resort in the Caribbean to focus on cultivating community through a truly immersive experience that engages local service providers to host authentic island tours and excursions, including visits to local artisans and cultural events.

As part of its commitment to sustainability, the resort has implemented smart energy and waste practices to ensure low impact on the surrounding natural environment.

The post Dominica’s Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort Aims to Raise All-Inclusive Expectations appeared first on Islands.

The first lesson I learned upon landing in Dominica last month came from the group of Germans sharing my shuttle to the new Cabrits Resort & Spa Kempinski Dominica, newly opened in October 2019 on the island’s northwest coast.

After flying long haul across the Atlantic (and admittedly enjoying perhaps one too many rums during an extended airport layover in St. Martin), the women were leaning heavily into the winding turns in the darkness as our van made the roughly hour-long drive from Douglas Charles Airport on the east coast of the island through its serpentine, mountainous middle.

Note to self, I thought—wait till you arrive at your hotel to enjoy that Caribbean welcome drink. Getting around Dominica is rarely a straight shot, and all the more of a hardship with a head buzz. But staying sober for the ride wasn’t my main takeaway from the women.

“Look at the moon reflecting on the ocean, how beautiful,” gasped one through the jetlag that was surely setting in under the cover of Caribbean darkness. “Banana trees,” exclaimed another, with the same enthusiasm as I’d have for, say, a redwood or aspen tree.

As a Floridian with the Caribbean more or less in my backyard and ocean all around when I’m home, I guess I’ve grown accustomed to paradise views. But already, seeing Dominica’s inky outlines in the darkness through the eyes of others had me full of giddy anticipation at what daylight would bring.

Located smack between the French Antilles islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique in the Eastern Caribbean, English-speaking Dominica took a walloping blow from Hurricane Maria in 2017. It was the worst recorded storm ever to hit the island, and the devastation was profound and wide spread, closing hotels (some of which have only recently reopened) and uprooting residents from their homes and livelihoods across the island.

So, as I sped along the coastline the next morning from Roseau, Dominica’s colorful capital, on a dive boat with Creole Divers Dominica, it was amazing to see the mountainsides thick and lush with foliage.

“After the hurricane, all of the leaves were gone from the trees,” Harry Dresens, originally from Holland, told me. “It was amazing how quickly it grew back.” Hurricane Maria left the local dive industry mostly sunk, though, with shops and boats decimated after the storm, along with many of the hotels. Eager to get back in the water to dive and with an eye on helping locals rebuild, too, Dresens and his Dutch wife, Pamela Van Drie, decided to launch a small dive business with a local Dominican dive master, Gus Bernard, who was captaining our boat this day.

Once Gus and I had strapped on our tanks and let the air out of our BCDs to descend under the water’s surface, I could see broken corals along the top of the reef. But as I tagged along behind him further down the wall, the views were pristine and undamaged—waving sea fans and barrel sponges big enough to stick your head inside, and eels, lobster crabs and snapper peeking back at me at every turn.

Nature is everywhere on Dominica, it turns out. And with 365 rivers (one for every day of the year, the tourism board loves to proclaim!), rushing waterfalls and a 114-mile-long hiking trail (the Waitukubuli National Trail) that stretches the island’s full length, Dominica more than earns its self-appointed moniker as the Nature Island.

I admittedly didn’t have much time to check out all the island offers during my short visit to see the Cabrits Resort & Spa Kempinski Dominica and the level of luxury it’s bringing to the table as the island’s first true five-star hotel. And while the resort won’t appeal to every kind of guest, it’s a game changer on the jetset front for an island long considered the Caribbean’s best-kept secret.

The 151-room property sits right next to the forested headland home to Cabrits National Park and overlooks a long, if narrow, sliver of black sand beach at Douglas Bay. There was no shortage of controversy when Kempinski announced plans to open in this pristine, undeveloped spot along the coast, my taxi driver, who spent several years working as a park ranger, told me. But even he had to admit that the hotel’s design interfaced well with the surrounding nature.

My first thought upon entering into the airy lobby, with its floor-to-ceiling windows spotlighting the sea, was that it felt very nearly Bali-esque, with a lovely sense of the outdoors and incredible sea views streaming in. My new German friends, however, told me they felt the design—modern and clean lined, with lots of light woods and stone elements—was very much in keeping with the overall Kempinski feel.

Most Americans may not be familiar with the German-owned brand, but Kempinski hotels are a fixture across Europe, Africa and Asia. The only other Kempinski property in the Caribbean, however, is the Gran Hotel Manzana Kempinski La Habana in Cuba’s capital (Kempinski plans to open another property on Cayo Guillermo in Cuba in 2020).

The rooms, suites and duplexes are spread across several ocean-facing buildings, angled for both privacy and to maximize views. My room had typical luxury hotel comforts like an espresso maker, large soaking tub, a shower bigger than some Manhattan kitchens (with dual shower heads) and a balcony with comfortable chairs overlooking the property’s enormous centerpiece pool.

The decor could be termed Caribbean-chic, with the perfect mix of muted and colorful tones, streamlined furnishings and large sliding glass doors to bring the views right in.

The Kempinski went all out on its pools, which include a lap pool, the main pool with a swim-up bar, spa pool and an adults-only pool. I presumed it was because Dominica is not exactly known for having fabulous beaches along its rocky and often rough coastline, and the stretch where the hotel sits is no exception. That said, the Kempinski’s small beach is totally swimmable. Once you get past the rather rocky shore, the seafloor beyond is sandy and soft and the water clear and inviting.

Soon, a watersports outfit will open at the property and offer things like snorkeling and diving excursions, SUP and other water sports from the hotel’s dock. I liked learning that the resort didn’t truck in sand from elsewhere to make a fake beach here due to environmental concerns. And if you’re wondering what the large statues of frogs around the property are, they reference a native Dominican toad, the crapaud.

Your dining options at the hotel are limited in number (three) but varied and delicious in variety of foods. Not usually a buffet girl, I gravitated toward the gourmet one at Cabrits Market, which had a grilling station featuring fresh seafood and meats, tasty salads and island fruits and fresh cheeses and charcuterie, too. Kwéyòl Beach Cafe, between the pool and the beach, offers alfresco and covered spaces where you can dine a la carte on things like Dominican Freshwater Shrimp Salad, Accras de morue (Caribbean fish fritters), club sandwiches, burgers and the like.

I didn’t get to try the Pan-Asian restaurant, Bonsai, which will open in 2020 in a pretty, air-conditioned space near the buffet.

During my visit, our nights always ended with a night cap or three at RumFire Bar, which has a cozy fire pit facing the ocean and an even more-warming wall of spirits (they dub it the “barmacy”) where you can sample the island’s famed local bush rums—alcohol spiked with fruits and herbs of Dominica that include cinnamon, guava, mango, starfruit and much more. And all the better that each beverage deems to have a curative quality.

Still putting on the finishing touches during my visit, Kempinski The Spa promises to be the finest on the island, with a handful of private bungalow-style treatment rooms that look like tree houses and are accessed by boardwalks overlooking the dedicated spa pool. My therapist, Maggie, was from Indonesia and had previously worked at a Kempinski property in the Seychelles. After an hour at the mercy of her magic fingers, I decided that Maggie alone would be worth traveling back to the Kempinski for.

I’d clearly been swept away by all of the hotel’s creature comforts, and who could blame me? The place is decadent. The hotel is so big on pampering and airy aesthetics, in fact, it can be tempting never to leave it and just succumb to the sea breezes and indoor-outdoor good life (always the danger of a luxury property).

But Dominica is one island that you definitely want to venture out into and explore—even if only to out to snorkel Champagne Reef (where air bubbles effervesce up from volcanic vents), dive arguably the healthiest reefs in the Caribbean or see one of those 365 wild and wonderful rivers (boat rides along the Indian River, just south of the hotel, are not to be missed and can be arranged by the concierge).

For one of my last sunsets in Dominica, I strode past the Kempinski’s gorgeous main pool, waved to the folks enjoying cocktails at the swim-up bar and plunged headfirst into the calm sea. When I surfaced and turned to look back toward the black sand beach, an end-to-end rainbow was framing the crinkly, emerald mountains beyond it and stretching nearly the length of the hotel.

I took it as an invitation to come back to Dominica to see how nature continues to recover and reclaim her rightful place on the Nature Island.

The post Inside the Stunning New Cabrits Resort & Spa Kempinski Dominica appeared first on Islands.

The Nature Island of the Caribbean is getting its first-ever five-star resort. Cabrits Resort & Spa Kempinski is set to open in Dominica on Oct. 14. It’s the luxury-hotel brand’s second Caribbean property.

“Bringing this project to fruition is another remarkable milestone for Kempinski Hotels,” resort General Manager Michael Schoonewagen said. “We are especially proud of this property because it will give travelers the chance to experience Dominica like never before by bringing together the timeless opulence of Kempinski with the destination’s pristine, untouched landscape to create a transcendent experience where luxury meets nature.”

Cabrits Resort & Spa has been designed to reflect its natural surroundings. Dominica is a mostly unsettled island with three national parks, two forest reserves and the Syndicate Parrot Reserve. The resort itself is surrounded by Cabrits National Park, hence the name.

In turn, guests will be engulfed in a natural, environmentally friendly atmosphere. Off-property activities include bird-watching, watersports (like snorkeling and diving) and hiking to the world’s second-largest hot spring, one of 365 rivers, a bevy of waterfalls or one of the island’s unique beaches.

Back at the resort, there are 151 guestrooms and suites, each positioned to have an ocean or mountain view. Also available are suites, two-bedroom duplexes and villas. Each room comes with a terrace, climate control, a flat-screen TV, WiFi, in-room espresso machines and a safe.

For those looking for an extensive and more luxurious stay, there is the presidential villa. In addition to its ocean views, there is dedicated butler service, a private-lobby entrance, two bedrooms, two-and-a-half bathrooms, a dining room, a private spa room with a sauna and a terrace with a grill and private pool. Guests staying in the presidential villa can also request a private chef.

For on-property food options, there are three restaurants: Cabrits Market (the resort’s signature restaurant with multiple buffet stations), Kweoyl Beach Café (a Creole beach bar-inspired, sea-view restaurant) and Bonsai (a Pan-Asian alternative). The Rumfire Bar also offers outdoor and indoor seating for guests who want to spend the end of their day sipping on classic cocktails and original concoctions made from local Caribbean products.

Among the resort’s most significant amenities is its 18,000-square-foot Kempinski Spa. The treatment menu is influenced by Dominican culture, and guests can choose from indoor or outdoor experiences.

Cabrits Resort & Spa also offers space for gatherings and celebrations. There is more than 8,000-sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor event space, providing venues on the beach, by a pool or on a lawn. In total, there are four pools, six beach cabanas and two tennis courts. There are also three meeting rooms, a boardroom and an outdoor amphitheater.

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Two years after the devastation caused by Hurricane Maria, Dominica’s Jungle Bay has reopened to the public. The resort is offering special soft opening rates through the end of July, after which the rates will increase slightly.

Following Hurricane Maria, Jungle Bay expanded from 35 villas to 60. The villas allow guests to overlook the Soufriere Scotts Head Marine Reserve. Each villa comes decorated with palm tree-inspired lamps hand-made in Dominica, bamboo furnishing, hand-painted bedding, a jungle-spa bathroom with a raindrop showerhead and more.

Jungle Bay offers two versions of its accommodations: the full villa and villa rooms. The full is an 800-sq. ft. accommodation with a king-sized bed and a chaise lounge; a villa room can come with one or two beds and is 400 square feet. Additionally, guests can opt for either the basic villa rate or the inclusive jungle wellness adventure package.

Whereas the basic villa rate provides Jungle Bay’s standard, luxury accommodations, the adventure package includes a bevy of other convenient, nutritious and relaxing perks.

Included in the package are deluxe scenic transfers to and from the airport or ferry, island-fresh meals and tropical fruit juices, 30-minute daily spa treatments, yoga classes and a choice of a scheduled daily tour, including snorkeling, hiking and sightseeing.

Jungle Bay also hosts escape weddings, honeymoons, scuba dives, yoga and wellness retreats, corporate retreats and hiking groups.

At 289 square miles, Dominica is the largest of the Windward Islands. In addition to its 91 miles of coastline, Dominica also boasts a host of beautiful, natural landmarks. The “Nature Island of the Caribbean” has waterfalls, hot-sulfur springs, a boiling lake, four cold, freshwater lakes (two located 2,500 feet above sea level) and 365 rivers and streams. There are also over 1,000 species of flowering plants, and 172 species of birds have been recorded.

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Snorkeling at Stingray City offers an opportunity to enjoy the water and its hungry inhabitants in a relaxed environment. Feeling a little more adventurous? Take a quick hike and a short swim before eventually snorkeling in Waterlemon Cay. Dive a little closer to the bottom (say, 10 to 25 feet) to see the Molinere Underwater Sculpture Park off Grenada. Perhaps the best part about snorkeling in the Caribbean is that many of its beaches provide easy snorkeling access from the shore.

Whatever you’re looking for in your next snorkeling trip, one of the Caribbean’s many islands is sure to help make that desire a reality.

Stingray City – Grand Cayman

The “city” is a shallow sandbar that’s home to dozens of Atlantic Southern stingrays, who glide serenely around you in the shallow water, waiting to be fed. It’s quite a hoot to have one of these 5-foot-wide rays casually flap by and gently suck a strip of fish from between your fingers. During winter’s cruise-ship season, the city can be packed with boats and people, but a summer visit is likely to deliver a somewhat more intimate experience.

Waterlemon Cay – St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands

First, brush up on your skills on the underwater snorkeling trail in Trunk Bay — signs help you ID the species you’re seeing, from elkhorn and brain corals to puffer and parrot fish — then graduate to farther-off-the-beaten-path Waterlemon Cay. Getting there is half the fun: Start on the shore in Leinster Bay and, carrying your snorkel gear, hike the short, flat, island’s-edge trail to Waterlemon Beach. From there, it’s a short swim in turquoise water out to the reef-surrounded cay — and a bonanza of turtles, rays, sea fans and iridescent fish.

Tobago Cays Marine Park – The Grenadines

For great odds on spotting sea turtles, these five uninhabited cays surrounded by impossibly turquoise water are the place to go. The water off the beach at Baradel Cay, where boats are prohibited, is a favorite hangout of green turtles. When you tire of watching them munch the sea grass just a few feet below you, head over to Horseshoe Reef, which fringes open ocean. Keep an eye open for spotted eagle rays winging by while you check out the endless variety of coral, sea fans, sea whips and reef fish.

Underwater Sculpture Park – Grenada

Underwater sightings here include a newspaper correspondent working at his typewriter; a man cycling on a salvaged bike; a circle of local kids, holding hands; and a still life of a vase and fruit on a table. And fish, of course, because this sculpture gallery 10 to 25 feet down was designed to create artificial reefs that would attract marine life. The sculptures themselves change with the wave action — a figure resting on the bottom may suddenly wear a blanket of sand — and have been colonized by corals and sponges, giving them wild and wonderful punk hairdos and makeup jobs.

Isla Mujeres, Mexico

This is one of just a handful of places where you can swim alongside whale sharks, the world’s largest fish: as long as a school bus, with a 5-foot-wide mouth. (Don’t worry: They’re docile, and feed only on plankton and algae.) It’s only possible between June and August, when these sharks migrate around the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula. Normally solitary, they socialize here in groups of 20 or more, and have even been known to get playful with snorkelers.

Champagne Beach – Dominica

The rocky beach gives little hint of the underwater surprise you’ll find a short swim offshore. Streams of bubbles rise from the ocean floor, released from volcanic steam vents. Snorkeling here is like swimming through a fish-filled glass of Moët & Chandon. If you can take your eyes off the mesmerizing bubbles, search for seahorses hiding in the vibrant sponges and dive down to touch the hot sand, warmed from the geothermal activity below the surface.

Klein Bonaire – Bonaire

Bonaire isn’t just for divers. The shallow reefs surrounding Klein Bonaire, a ½ mile off the main island, are bedecked with colorful tube sponges and fire and orange cup corals, and teem with tropical fish just 3 to 10 feet below the surface. These protected waters are also turtle nesting grounds, so you’re likely to spot hawksbills and loggerheads, which can weigh more than 400 pounds. And no worries about a tropical storm coming between you and a good time: Bonaire is safely outside the hurricane belt.

Thunderball Grotto – Exuma Cays, Bahamas

Swim through a small, almost hidden entrance in the rock wall at ebb tide, and — whoa — you’re in an underwater cave system. In some spots, the ceiling is low; in others, it soars high above your head, broken with holes that allow beams of sunlight to pierce the water and illuminate the brilliantly colored schools of fish. The stunning grotto is a Hollywood go-to: Two James Bond films were shot here, including Thunderball, which is how the place got its name.

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Jamaica

On the island where reggae was invented, it only makes sense that there would be an annual festival to celebrate the genre. Every July in Montego Bay, the Reggae Sumfest honors the homegrown music style with a weeklong festival. Headliners have included Jamaican artists like Damian “Junior Gong” Marley, Stephen Marley, Toots and the Maytals and the Mighty Diamonds.

International artists Sean Paul, Rihanna, Usher and 50 Cent have also visited Jamaica for this festival. Interested but can’t make the trip? Reggae Sumfest is live-streamed, too, so you can have your own irie dance party at home.

This year’s Sumfest will go from July 14 to July 20, featuring artists like Buju Banton, Chronixx and Dexta Daps.

Bali

It’s windy season in Bali, and the Balinese take advantage of the annual surplus of its natural resource. More specifically, the local kite-flyers fill the skies with hundreds of elaborately designed kites at the annual Bali Kite Festival held on Padang Galak Beach.

These aren’t your average kites from Mary Poppins: Teams of 70 to 80 people create one of three types of traditional kites that are approximately 13 feet wide and a little over 30 feet long, pitting them in best-launch and longest-flight competitions. Teams also compete for the best new creations, as some models include three-dimensional designs of cars, dragons and Hindu gods, among other creations. The event initially began as an agrarian festival and a way to thank the gods for bountiful harvests.

If you’re someone who likes to plan ahead, the Bali Kite Festival may be difficult to attend. Because the wind conditions vary so much, the festival can be scheduled any time from July to October.

Dominica

Hosted by the Dominica Watersports Association, Dive Fest is one of the longest-running scuba-diving festivals in the Caribbean. Discounts are offered for reef diving and free in-pool training sessions, so any diver of any experience can participate. The event is family-oriented and includes children-friendly activities, like whale-watching and a snorkel treasure hunt at Champagne Reef. One of the festival’s most famous events is the Kubuli Canoe Race, wherein teams of four compete in traditional fishing boats.

This year’s Dive Fest takes place from July 5 to July 14.

Fiji

Anyone who’s been to Fiji has probably heard a heartfelt “Bula!” greeting from a local. Like the Hawaiian “aloha,” “bula” can mean “hello,” “goodbye,” “welcome” and “love.” It also means “life,” which is at the essence of the annual Bula Festival celebrating Fijian culture.

The weeklong event is held in both Koroivolu Park and Prince Charles Park in Nadi. Indulge in traditional Fijian food and enjoy parades, live music, a Pacific dance contest and a Bollywood-themed night commemorating the island’s Indo-Fijian population and the crowning of Miss Bula.

The 2019 Bula Festival takes place July 22 to July 29.

Aruba

Thanks to the island’s ever-present trade winds, Aruba has become the unofficial mecca of windsurfing sports. At the Aruba Hi-Winds tournament, amateur windsurfers and kite-boarders from around the world get the chance to show off their top tricks. Competitors also face off in slalom races, freestyle competitions and long-distance events. Catch all the action from Hadicurari Beach.

The 33rd-annual Hi-Winds tournament will be held from July 4 to July 8.

Florida Keys

Ernest Hemingway left his mark on the Florida Keys, and, in his memory, their inhabitants throw him a birthday party every year. Hemingway Days is a weeklong festival to honor the author with readings, book signings and a short-story competition directed by Hemingway’s granddaughter and author, Lorian Hemingway.

One of the main events is a Hemingway lookalike contest. Some of these white-bearded “Papa” doppelgängers also take part in a mock running of the bulls, a reference to Hemingway’s novel The Sun Also Rises. The Key West Marlin Tournament also happens during Hemmingway Days, honoring the expatriate’s love for the sport.

Hemmingway Days begin July 18 and conclude on July 21, and the marlin tournament goes from the July 17 to July 20, making the Florida Keys one of the best places to travel in July.

Tahiti

What does the movie Footloose have in common with Tahiti? In the early 1800s, dancing was forbidden in the country. Christian missionaries viewed Tahitians’ cultural dancing as vulgar. In the late 1800s, the locals gained back their right to dance when France incorporated the territory as one of its own. This history and the love for dancing are celebrated at Heiva I Tahiti, an annual festival held in Papeete.

During the event, traditional Tahitian culture takes center stage with dance performances, sports competitions (e.g., canoe races, javelin-throwing competitions) and an a capella singing competition. Heiva I Tahiti begins July 4 and ends July 20.

St. Thomas

Celebrating Bastille Day in the U.S. Virgin Islands may not be as strange as it sounds. The island of St. Thomas is home to a large community of French descendants who emigrated from the French island of St. Barts. The island celebrates the French Revolution-derived holiday with a number of events, including the popular Bastille Day Kingfish Tournament.

Between 50 and 100 boats travel to compete in an approximately seven-hour-long event and for a chance to win over $10,000 in prizes. Teams and spectators alike rendezvous at Hull Bay Hideaway afterward for a beachside party with live performances from local bands and the awards ceremony.

Bastille Day is every year on July 14, and this year’s 31st-annual Bastille Day Kingfish Tournament is also on the 14.

Puerto Rico

Each year, the mountain town of Aibonito hosts the largest plant show in Puerto Rico. After about an hour-and-a-half drive from San Juan, Puerto Rico’s capital, you’ll be engulfed in all things flora. Known locally as the “Festival de las Flores” (“Festival of Flowers”), this event lives up to its name, as the streets are packed with parades with flower-decorated displays and vendors selling plants and flowers.

Anthophiles can browse orchids, heliconias, hibiscus, fruit trees and vegetable plants, among others, while eating local cuisine from food stalls and listening to local, live music. This year’s festival takes place from June 28 to July 7.

Rhode Island

The Newport Folk Festival in Rhode Island is one of the most musically diverse festivals you’ll see today. It started in 1959 and, over the years, has seen its fair share of stars: In 1963, Joan Baez invited Bob Dylan on stage for his national debut; six years later, Johnny Cash brought on Kris Kristofferson. Now celebrating its 60th anniversary this July, the constantly evolving lineup includes artists from genres like indie folk, country, blues and folk punk.

This year’s rolling lineup includes Hozier, the Highwomen, Yola, E.B. the Younger, Rayland Baxter and I’m With Her. The Newport Folk Festival is also known for having some musicians show up unannounced.

The festival takes place in Fort Adams State Park, which is about a one-and-a-half-hour drive from Boston and a three-and-a-half-hour drive from New York City. Tickets are sold out, but the organizers have implemented an official fan-to-fan ticket exchange on their website. The Newport Folk Festival takes place from July 26 to July 28.

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