DOMINICA HIDEAWAY

Who hasn’t dreamed of getting away from it all, of escaping to a warm, unspoilt natural setting? Dominica, with its mountains and seashores, has an astounding tropical decor. In the heart of the Antilles, this eco-tourism paradise offers real nature lovers 365 rivers, dizzying waterfalls and dreamy beaches. Here, Kempinski has created an elegant resort designed to protect and preserve nature and the environment.

BY ANTOINE GAUVIN

Our guide, Jeffrey, told us we would see one of the most beautiful beaches in the world… and he was right. The pristine beaches on the east coast of Dominica, nestled between volcanoes and ocean, are like a postcard, but so much better. Look in one direction and you’ll see the gentle waves of the Atlantic rolling in to lap the shore from somewhere near infinity. Turn around and you’ll find graceful coconut trees bowing to the horizon, fragile guardians of an island protected from many of man’s follies. Dominica is a wild, intense island, yet its forests seem to welcome and protect.

Protect. That is what the island has always done for those who felt themselves in danger. The island’s first inhabitants were the Kalinagos, or ‘Caribs’ as they were called by the Spanish, who peopled the Lesser Antilles before Christopher Columbus arrived in 1493. Many Kalinagos were chased from their lands by the Europeans, but some survivors took refuge in Dominica, which the French declared a neutral territory in 1660. Today the very last of the Caribbean Indians still live on this wild Atlantic coast in a territory that belongs to them.

When our driver decides to take us across the island, we say goodbye to the azure ocean and head for a sea of green. We travel along narrow roads lined with purple-veined crotons and tree ferns, one of the world’s oldest plants. The overall effect is a botanical garden beautifully set out by nature itself. In the centre of the island lies a chain of rocky peaks. The highest is Mont Diablotins at 1447 metres. Here and there, the dark silhouettes of these ancient volcanos break through the tropical mists, creating a primeval decor.

A strong sulphur smell engulfs us as we round a bend. Here in the southern part of the island, the inhabitants of Wotten Waven have built pools to capture sulphurous water flowing directly from the bowels of the earth at a temperature of more than 100°C. These natural spas, surrounded by lush vegetation, are a wonderful place to relax. Other unexpected forms of volcanic activity in Dominica are a boiling lake (one of only two in the world) and an astonishing, well-named bubbling reef known as Champagne Reef.

Here we are now on the west coast of the island, facing the Caribbean Sea, and the atmosphere is completely different. This is the sheltered side of the island, where most of Dominica’s people live. There are picturesque fishing villages where tuna—one of Dominica’s delicacies—is caught, as well as big towns with their brightly coloured Creole houses.

Dominica is a wonderful place, the exact opposite of a standard resort island. Pristine forests, narrow gorges and vertiginous waterfalls like Trafalgar Falls provide a life-sized decor for hikers seeking thrills yet also wanting to play it safe. In January 2011, the ‘Nature Island’, as it is sometimes called, opened the 185 km Waitukubuli National Trail, which crosses Dominica’s national parks from north to south.

Soon after becoming independent in 1978, the country set aside national parks as part of its environmental protection policy. It now strongly supports ecotourism and is the first Caribbean island to receive Green Globe 21 certification. Since 2007, a programme has been in place to transform the territory into a ‘biological island’ through a combination of green tourism and agritourism. A haven of peace and well-being that Dominicans manage intelligently, the island also provided an exceptional decor for Pirates of the Caribbean 2. Several scenes were filmed on Indian River, one of the island’s 365 waterways. Now visitors can pretend they are Captain Jack Sparrow when they explore this river with its strange tree formations, right next to Cabrits Resort & Spa Kempinski.

Red rock cliffs, hidden beaches…the Atlantic coast of Dominica offers up its wild beauty to those who appreciate and respect it. Along with bananas, cocoa and passion fruit, Dominicans cultivate a way of life in perfect harmony with the natural world. The country’s flag reflects this state of mind: in its centre sits the Sisserou parrot, a species found nowhere else in the world and a proud symbol of this island nation.

Located between Guadeloupe and Martinique, the lush, unspoiled island of Dominica is one of the Caribbean’s best-kept secrets. This precious jewel has escaped mass tourism and attracts only eco-adventurers and travellers who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of busy modern life.

Hidden away in the tranquility and beauty of Douglas Bay, surrounded by the Cabrits Natural Park, lies Cabrits Resort & Spa Kempinski Dominica.

Honouring and preserving the island’s natural beauty and ecosystem, the unobtrusive design of this luxurious resort embraces the natural landscape in which it stands. Privileged to be part of this wonderful island, the resort is committed to protecting it for future generations through ecologically sensitive initiatives including solar panels and a grey water treatment system.

Every detail of the guest experience is carefully designed to allow you to feel, smell, see, hear and taste what Dominica has to offer, including the breathtaking panoramic view of the Caribbean Sea.

The music of water accompanies you wherever you go. The beautiful gardens, planted with colourful tropical plants which scent the air with their exotic perfume, have delightful water features. Floating in the magnificent swimming pool, close to the beach, is a wonderful way to relax. And of course there is always the soothing sound of the ocean itself.

Kempinski The Spa is a haven of wellness and peace. Inspired by the island’s traditional houses, it is designed to look like a picturesque village. Pretty wooden bungalows with thatched roofs house the treatment rooms in which you can unwind, rejuvenate and truly connect with nature. Indulge yourself with our signature treatments using locally sourced ingredients such as coconut, cinnamon, and turmeric. Re-energise in the exquisite water temple and relax in the glass fronted sauna with its incredible views of this stunning paradise.

The resort’s three distinctive restaurants bring further sensory delights through tantalising local and international cuisine. Cabrits Market is the resort’s signature restaurant and is an array of vibrant colours and flavours found in a traditional Creole market. The talented chefs make the most of local ingredients in a wide variety of dishes, including Mahi Mahi fish and of course tuna, which is caught each day by local fishermen. And for a truly indulgent treat, be sure to try the dessert produced in Calibishie, made from delicious local chocolate. Kwéyòl Beach Café is inspired by traditional Creole beach bars and serves a delicious range of Creole favourites and international dishes. Its homemade ice cream, featuring island flavours such as coconut, is not to be missed!

Pan-Asian cuisine, including sushi, sashimi, satays, and Thai curries can be found at Bonsai, and RumFire Bar, with its cosy fire pit, is the perfect place to end the day. Relax with a cocktail, and perhaps enjoy a cigar, while watching the glorious sunset over the sea.

Dominica is one of the few completely unspoiled places on the planet where you can really get away from it all. And Cabrits Resort & Spa Kempinski Dominica is the perfect place to experience this extraordinary island.