Photo of Dominica

About Dominica

Known as ’the nature island’ Dominica boasts beautiful volcanic beaches and fantastic diving, as well as a lush, mountainous interior — making it especially popular with outdoor enthusiasts. The largest and least developed of the Windward Islands, this is a brilliant base for a tranquil escape, and there’s an appealing range of hotels, guesthouses and resorts to choose from. Many of the best places to stay in Dominica promise breath-taking sea views, but it’s well worth taking the time to explore the island’s verdant interior, too.

For a sense of the island’s history, begin with the Dominica Museum in Roseau, the capital. Strongly influenced by close ties to the neighbouring islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe, Dominica has a fascinating French Creole culture — and yet the official language is English. Do take the time to stroll the streets of Roseau, to visit thriving markets and to feast on the island’s delicious fare, making the most of fantastically fresh and flavoursome ingredients from both land and sea.

Dominica’s vast interior features dazzling waterfalls, sulphurous hot springs, a boiling lake, and myriad paths for hikers and explorers to navigate — including the Caribbean’s first long-distance hiking trail. Tucked amongst these rugged hills and rainforest-clad mountains are some of our favourite island hideaways: the ultimate escape from the rest of the world.

Back at the beach, you can expect striking dark, volcanic sands, excellent water sports, and world-class diving. Don’t miss the chance to go whale watching on the southern coast, or to experience some spectacular diving and snorkelling in the Champagne area.

Whether you’re eager to kick back at the coast or head off into the hills, this Caribbean gem really is one for lovers of the great outdoors. The best places to stay in Dominica fill up fast — book your stay well in advance if travelling during peak season!

The Best Places to Stay in Dominica

For Romance

  • Secret Bay is the ultimate honeymoon hideaway, with a small collection of luxurious villas set amidst the rainforest. Think private plunge pools, a superb spa, a plethora of watersports and delectable cuisine — all with a real sense of tranquility and seclusion. A brilliant barefoot escape with spectacular sea views.

For Boutique Chic

  • Pagua Bay House promises a laid-back boutique stay in four spacious cabanas and two suites, boasting ocean views and an ideal location just a short drive from Douglas-Charles Airport. Rooms are spacious and stylish, with high ceilings and luxury linens, whilst the bar & grill is a relaxed hub, perfect for kicking back after a big day out on the water. An intimate haven.

For Families

  • Cabrits Resort & Spa is an extensive seaside resort with 151 cool, contemporary rooms and suites, offering flexible options for families, couples and groups. Pick this place for the many facilities — including a range of restaurants, a generous spa, tennis courts, water sports and swimming pools. There's a great kids club, too, and heaps for guests of all ages to enjoy. Family-friendly luxury.
  • Harmony Villa is also great for families. It's a tropical home from home which can either be booked in its entirety (perfect for a family group of up to six) or as individual B&B rooms. The location is amazing — set in two acres of lush grounds right in the heart of the island. It's surrounded by great hiking and biking trails and though you're not near the beach, there's river swimming a short walk away.

For an apartment or villa

  • If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

  • Fly to one of Dominica's two small airports: Douglas-Charles Airport or Canefield Airport. There are regular international connections from Puerto Rico, San Juan and Martinique. You can then travel by bus or taxi to your destination. Most hotels will be happy to arrange an airport pickup in advance.
  • There's so much to see on the island! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
  • Dominica is a wonderful year-round destination, with balmy temperatures of around 27 - 30°C. Peak season is between February and May, so travel outside those months to avoid the crowds! Do expect more rainfall from September to November, which is also hurricane season.

Still not sure?

Weather

Monthly Weather in Dominica

Best Hotels in Dominica

  • Rosalie Bay Eco Resort Rosalie, Dominica 28 rooms from €141

    Spa  -  With its sustainable design, Riverside Glo Spa offers a range of natural treatments including massages, wraps & body treatments
    Wildlife Area  -  Between March - October watch endangered sea turtles nest on Rosalie Bay's black sand beach. Educational walks can be arranged
    Back to Nature  -  Known for its incredible natural landscapes, Dominica offers lush forests, volcanic peaks, waterfalls & 365 rivers to explore
    Hideaway  -  A slice of paradise tucked away in a stunning natural setting - surrounded by the sea, rivers & tropical jungle on all sides
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsParkingNo pets

    Charming boutique eco-resort, restaurant & spa set on a secluded sea-facing plot. Blending Caribbean colours & colonial-style architecture, airy suites perfectly suit tropical surroundings & face lush jungle or the sea. Will suit wildlife enthusiasts & those who love exploring the great outdoors. See More

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  • Pagua Bay Marigot, Dominica from €180

    Views  -  Great views from hotel
    Romantic Break
    Restaurant  -  The Bar and grill for a quick lunch or make a reservation for dinner.
    Sailing  -  Can be booked nearby.
    Air conditioningRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViews
    Recommended by  -  Great Small Hotels

    An intimate boutique hillside property, with six romantic cabanas. Contemporary chic interiors, private balconies, and all the mod cons. An excellent Caribbean and fusion restaurant, lovely bar, pool, and endless ocean views. Totally relaxing, barefoot luxury, not overstated. See More

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  • Cabrits Resort & Spa Portsmouth, Dominica 151 rooms from €229

    Romantic Break  -  With romantic, waterfront suites, picturesque pools and a full-service spa, book this hotel for a special couples' retreat
    Local exploring  -  With the Cabrits National Park a stone's throw away, there is lots to explore local to this resort
    Beach Life  -  Set on the beautiful Caribbean island of Dominica, this resort makes for an idyllic beach getaway
    Sights nearby  -  Visit the Boiling Lake in the neighbouring national park, the second-largest hot spring in the world and a UNESCO heritage site
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenPet friendlyDisabled accessViewsParking

    This five-star, luxury resort is surrounded by the Cabrits National Park on Dominica, offering a gateway to the best eco-tourism on the island. Guestrooms are bright and airy, with magnificent mountain views and Caribbean-inspired hardwood furniture. Complete with a spa, this is an indulgent stay. See More

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  • Harmony Villa Pont Casse, Dominica 3 rooms from €294

    Families  -  Comfortably sleeps 4 adults and 2 children making this a good option for older families and multi-generational holidays
    Local exploring  -  Wonderfully secluded yet within reach of everything the island has to offer; perfect base for day trips
    Exclusive use  -  Can only be booked as an entire home, rather then individual rooms. Meal packages can be arranged
    Hideaway  -  Tranquil rural haven surrounded by acres of tropical forest; stay here to get away from it all
    GardenViewsParkingNo pets

    Rustic & homely three-bedroom villa situated amid two acres of rainforest in the centre of the island. Decorated and kitted out as the owner's house, there is a relaxed and cosy feel throughout with eclectic art-filled living areas, a large veranda & quaint bedrooms. A tropical home-away-from-home. See More

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  • Secret Bay Dominica from €739

    Views  -  Panoramic views from its clifftop location out to sea
    Honeymoons  -  A Robinson Crusoe paradise.
    Romantic Break
    Romantic  -  Good for couples.
    Air conditioningSpaRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViews
    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith

    A Robinson Crusoe paradise. Barefoot luxury, panoramic sea views, a private beach, private pool on your balcony, fully stocked kitchen and personal chef. Each bungalow up in the rock face and surrounded by tropical plants. Diving, snorkelling, yoga, reading. The ultimate honeymoon. See More

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