The Island of Dominica Has Hiking Trails, Hot Springs, Waterfalls and InterContinental’s Top Caribbean Resort
Dominica isn’t the kind of island that screams for attention. It doesn’t need to. With its lush mountains, secret waterfalls, and untamed spirit, the Nature Island whispers — and for those who listen, the rewards are unforgettable.
Now, that whisper has a new echo: the the InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort and Spa, a game-changing luxury retreat that’s putting this off-the-beaten-path island squarely in the Caribbean conversation.
Set on the northern tip of Dominica near the historic Cabrits National Park, this 151-room sanctuary feels like a secret you’re lucky to have discovered. It’s something rare:: a five-star experience that doesn’t disturb the island’s rhythm — it enhances it.
The rooms and suites are modern and quietly elegant, with oversized soaking tubs, rainforest showers, and balconies that open to sweeping views of Douglas Bay or the surrounding rainforest. You won’t find over-the-top glitz here — instead, there’s a refined simplicity that fits the island’s soul.
But don’t mistake simplicity for a lack of luxury. The resort’s Cabrits Market offers a rotating menu of local and international fare, while Bonsai, the on-site Pan-Asian restaurant, might just serve up the island’s best sushi. There’s also a rum bar, of course — this is the Caribbean, after all.
Spend your days unwinding at the 18,000-square-foot spa, kayaking the glassy bay, or exploring the 1,300-foot trail up to Fort Shirley, where panoramic views meet a dose of history. And when you’re ready to venture beyond the property, the island’s natural wonders — like the famed Boiling Lake, Trafalgar Falls, and Champagne Reef — are all within reach.
True to its surroundings, the InterContinental leans into the natural rhythms of the island to create a wellness experience that’s both grounding and rejuvenating. The resort’s Cabrits Spa & Wellness Centre is a destination in itself — a soothing, contemporary space where volcanic mud wraps, island-sourced botanicals, and locally inspired treatments reconnect body and soul.
Yoga and meditation sessions are offered both indoors and al fresco — picture a morning flow as the sun rises over the ocean or a gentle stretch class nestled beneath the forest canopy. There’s even a fitness trail around the resort if you’d rather take your wellness routine on the move.
If you’re craving detox and renewal, a curated wellness menu offers everything from Himalayan salt scrubs to rainforest herbal compress massages. The spa’s hydrotherapy circuit, complete with sauna, steam room, and plunge pools, taps into ancient rituals — elevated with modern comforts.
And beyond the spa, Dominica beckons: The whole island is a real life, naturalist theme park. Think Jurassic Park without the dinosaurs, hot springs tucked into the jungle to natural river baths, fresh sea breezes; wellness in Dominica isn’t something you schedule — it’s something you live.
Perhaps the greatest luxury here is space — not just physical, but spiritual. This is a place where the crowds haven’t caught on yet, where you can still have a beach to yourself and the stars shine a little brighter at night.
Dominica has long been a well-kept secret for intrepid travelers. With the arrival of the InterContinental, it’s no longer just a haven for hikers and divers — it’s now a destination for those who want nature with a side of elegance.
This isn’t just a stay. It’s a discovery.
The InterContinental has mountain-view rooms starting at $368 per night (that includes taxes). For a mountain-view room with pool access, the rate goes up to $394 per night. A one-bedroom with a private outdoor tub starts at $588, an amenity that we feel is always worth the splurge.
What about getting to Dominica? It’s easier than it’s ever been, with nonstop flights from Miami and, most recently, Newark on United Airlines.
The Newark-Dominica flight has rates for about $536 roundtrip right now.
