Dominica wins over Barbados and Jamaica, says UK journalist

Dominica’s travel offerings have hit national headlines in the UK, with one travel writer placing it above the more traditional Caribbean holiday destinations.

Yvette Caster, writing online for the Metro newspaper, lists six reasons why the Nature Island is the place to “leave it all behind” – citing the island’s “relative wilderness”.

Swimming through Titou Gorge – from the base of a waterfall through natural ponds – is named as a highlight, along with snorkelling at Champagne Reef and taking the plunge into Morne Trois Piton National Park’s Emerald Pool.

Caster also listed meeting the Kalinago as an essential experience in Dominica, visited the ‘living museum’ at Kalinago Barana Aute.

Hidden treasures

The relatively unexplored nature is one of the unique selling points of Dominica – one that the British journalist jokes makes her reluctant to share her experience.

“With no chain hotels, no direct flights and nothing but steep slopes, it has a different feel to its more popular Caribbean cousins – quieter, greener, more alive,” Caster writes.

“I don’t want to tell you about Dominica in case you all come at once, bringing your demands for English breakfasts and pool aerobics, smashing the silence with jet skis and banana boats and kids’ clubs.

“If anything I want to lie and say, yes, it’s the same thing as the Dominican Republic (it isn’t), and merrily wave you off on a holiday there.”

Discover Dominica Authority had previously told WIC News that they feel it is now the island’s time to reach the forefront of Caribbean tourism.

“A place like Dominica gives visitors an authentic experience, something which is more important than ever before. It’s still unspoilt, it has a transformative vibe throughout, and it is home to amazing natural features,” a spokesman said.

“While the tourism offerings of places like Jamaica and Barbados are established, we are seeing a shift in consumers looking beyond the popular Caribbean and wanting to experience the lesser known.

“They are looking for new adventures and better stories – which is even more important in the age of social media, Instagram – and Dominica has the hidden treasures and many quirks that make it stand out. More travellers want to carve unique experiences for others to follow.”