Destination of the Week: Dominica

Eco-tourism & renewable energy help Dominica stand out from the crowd...

A stereotypical Caribbean vacation destination is characterized by sandy beaches and large, blockish resort hotels. For many travelers, escaping the winter weather of northern latitudes is reason enough to visit these warm-weather isles. But a trip to the Caribbean doesn't have to be filled with tropical-fruit-flavored cocktails and the sticking of sand to sunscreen-slathered skin.


The island of Dominica — located in the middle of the Lesser Antilles — is one of the most rugged and natural travel destinations north of the Amazon. There are resorts and cruise ship docking spots on the island, but lounging on the beach isn't part of many travelers' itineraries. Features such as a geothermally heated lake, unspoiled jungles, hidden waterfalls and volcanic mountains have been seducing nature lovers and adventurous travelers for years. Rather than trying to use its eco-tourism success to facilitate the development of more mainstream resorts, Dominica has embraced its natural side and fine-tuned its green travel industry.

Mother Nature Network