Why Dominica has been named the Caribbean’s top tourist destination

With 28 individual nations, including over 700 islands, the Caribbean has no shortage of fascinating and exciting locations to explore.

However, when Travel + Leisure announced its ‘World’s Best Awards’ winners for 2022, there was one clear winner for the top tourist destination in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Bahamas: Dominica. From a list of 25 luxurious islands, the tiny nation came out on top, beating huge names like Cuba, Barbados, and Jamaica in the highly coveted category.

Dominica scored a highly impressive 91 out of 100 points — based on categories and characteristics including natural attractions and beaches, activities and sights, restaurants and food, people and friendliness, and value.

To celebrate Dominica’s success, this article will take a look at what sets the country apart.

Raw and unspoiled nature

The islands of the Caribbean, Bermuda, and the Bahamas make up a beautiful medley of tropical paradises, each boasting their own unique blend of crystal clear seas, palm tree-lined beaches, and five-star resorts. That being said, Dominica is not typecast by purely picture-perfect beaches and luxurious resorts that have come to represent the Caribbean for many.

As Responsible Travel explains, “Dominica has rare qualities compared with other Caribbean destinations when it comes to tourism.” Here, the forward-thinking travel firm makes a connection between the island nation’s impressive track record in sustainable development and its reputation as a top destination for responsible getaways.

Dominica, often known as the Nature Island, lives up to its moniker by offering visitors a wide range of natural wonders, including lush green forests, volcanic mountains, roaring waterfalls, and velvety black-sand beaches. However, it also strikes a wonderful balance between embracing tourism and preserving its natural areas for future generations.

By investing in native wildlife, moving toward renewable energy, prohibiting single-use plastic, and committing to ecotourism, the small-but-mighty island nation is leading the international sustainability movement. As a result, it has every reason to expect that its sustainable development goals will be successfully completed by the target year of 2030.

Epic adventures

Dominica welcomes a wide variety of travellers, from honeymooning couples to lone explorers seeking spiritual fulfilment. Indeed, the island nation has a profound effect on the hearts of adventurers of all stripes because of the unparalleled exploration opportunities it provides.

For example, the island has the longest walking route in the Caribbean: the 185 km Waitukubuli National Trail. Here, explorers are greeted by a paradise that is unapologetically untamed — enveloped by the branches of towering trees and various beautiful birds. These include the bedazzling Blue-headed Hummingbird, the cooing Mountain Dove, and the precious Sisserou Parrots — Dominica’s rare and critically endangered national bird.

Off the coast of Dominica, tourists can experience the ocean as it once was: pristine, untouched by human pollution, and full of thriving marine life. Diving in Dominica is therefore spectacular. The island country sports one of the world’s top diving destinations, Champagne Reef, where scuba divers and snorkelers can encounter curious seahorses, noble sperm whales, and brightly-coloured corals.

If that isn’t exciting enough, Dominica also makes the ultimate destination for adrenaline junkies, thrill-seeking families, or travelling nomads wanting to embrace their inner wild child. The island offers a wide variety of blood pumping adventure activities, from zip lining through lush rainforests to canyoning in the immense gorges, such as the iconic Titou Gorge — a natural water-ride formed by hot springs, a river, and a rockpool.

Unparalleled hospitality

Dominicans have a reputation for friendliness and hospitality. Uninhibited conversion is so commonplace that it is considered a national pastime, and islanders are eager to converse, trade experiences, and tell you all about their incredible country.

The country’s diverse cuisine is a big part of this hospitality, with Dominicans serving up a treasure trove of flavours to visitors.“With wholesome fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, breads, and exotic fish, you’re sure to find something that delights your taste buds,” Discover Dominica explains.

You can expect a wide variety of hotels and resorts that are just as diverse as the island’s extraordinary topography and cuisine. Guests have the option of staying at one of several high-end boutique villas, resorts, modest hotels, or simple cottages — each of which possesses its own unique allure and collection of amenities.

In July 2022, Secret Bay, Dominica’s exquisite six-star getaway, was voted by Travel + Leisure and its readers as the number one resort hotel in the Caribbean. This was the retreat’s second World’s Best ranking in three years — lauded for its blend of sustainability, natural splendour, and intimate hospitality. Only ten private villas dot the hillside at Secret Bay, each complemented by its own private plunge pool, chef-prepared cuisine, and personal butler service. Many individuals see the chance to spend the night at the deluxe hideaway as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Final thoughts

Dominica leaves a lasting impression on those who manage to tear themselves away from the island paradise. And, for those who want to stay permanently, Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programme enables them to do so easily.

Investors simply need to invest a minimum of $100,000 in one of the programme’s two investment options, and can enjoy many privileges, including Dominican citizenship, less taxation, and increased international mobility. Plus, the CBI programme’s funds are used to fund Dominica’s spectacular tourism attractions (including Secret Bay), alongside things like its sustainable development goals and investments in various other sectors.

Investors also have the unique opportunity to own a premium vacation property at several approved real estate projects as part of the programme’s real estate investment route. Alongside Secret Bay, this includes resorts like the Anichi Resort and Spa, Tranquility Beach Resort, and Sanctuary Rainforest Eco Resort and Spa.

If you would like more information on the wealth of opportunities that the Nature Island has to offer, or if you’re interested in obtaining Dominican citizenship by investment, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us today.