United Airlines Is Launching New Flights to a Caribbean Island Famous for Volcanoes, Waterfalls and Luxury Hotels
It’s an island with nine different active volcanoes. It also has more than a dozen waterfalls. And a boiling lake. And geothermal diving. And several of the Caribbean’s top luxury hotels, from the treehouse villas with plunge pools at Secret Bay to the classic InterContinental.
But what Dominica has never been is easy to get to. That changed in 2021, when American Airlines kicked off its new push to connect Miami with harder-to-reach airports, flying nonstop on a small Embraer jet. It’s been operating with regularity since then, providing a major boost for travelers looking to enjoy the charms of one of the most naturally beautiful places in the world.
But next month, it’s about to get even easier to reach the island. In a significant lift from the all-important Northeastern market, United Airlines will be debuting new nonstop flights connecting Newark and Dominica.
The new four-and-a-half-hour flight will be operating once every week on Saturdays, with flights officially taking off on Feb. 15.
The move comes after the island’s Douglas Charles airport completed a big expansion of its runway, along with an expansion of its terminal.
Unlike the AA flights from Miami, United will be running this service on full-sized, Boeing 737-700 aircraft.
What about prices? You can book roundtrip flights for about $1,073.81 in February, according to Google Flights. That fare is going to be lower as the season gets later, however.
Are you planning to visit the island? While Dominica has a number of smaller, mostly eco-hotels in its room stock, there are three options we like: the in-town Fort Young, a recently-reimagined historic hotel that has a great location in Roseau, a vibrant food and beverage offering and an outstanding dive operation.
It’s also the perfect jumping off point for exploring some of the attractions in southern Dominica, most notably Champagne Reef, the snorkeling and diving spot where geothermal vents make you feel like you’re “snorkeling in champagne.” Rooms from $302.
Further north, Gregor Nassief’s Secret Bay resort is one of the best hotels in the hemisphere, one we’ve loved on all our stays at the property. Its treehouse-style state-of-the-art villas have private plunge pools and intoxicatingly good concierge service. Rooms from $1,417.
Also in northern Dominica, we love the InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort and Spa, a sleek, modern, amenity-filled beach resort that’s the only true large resort on the island, set in a stunning location adjacent to the island’s most famous national park. It’s also Dominica’s best family-friendly option. Rooms from $590, according to Google Hotels.
