Dominica, The Nature Island: What's New

All Press Release | 2011-12-06 | Dominica

The launch of the longest hiking trail in the Caribbean, a stunning new eco-luxury property, new flights and convenient year round ferry access are just some of the reasons why to visit Dominica in 2012...

• Launch of the Waitukubuli National Trail: Launching in early 2012, the Waitukubuli National Trail is the first and only long distance hiking trail in the Caribbean traversing the entire island. Named after the indigenous name for Dominica (meaning "tall is her body"), the Trail runs for 115 miles from the south to the north of the island and will be divided into 14 sections. Hikers will be able to complete one section per day so in total it will take two weeks to cover the entire trail. It traverses forest reserves, national parks, old slave routes, ruins of plantations that once processed sugar, coffee and limes, small farms and country villages. Homestays with local families and small guest houses will be available as an accommodation option.

• Secret Bay - Introducing A Caribbean Treasure In Dominica: Minimalist, chic and eco-luxury: situated on a cliff-top overlooking the sea, the brand new Secret Bay comprises of four spacious secluded villas and bungalows with a large open veranda, private pool/jacuzzi and pool deck, outdoor shower and a hammock. Services on offer include a full-time attendant and cook and organic food baskets, while guests are treated to a complimentary welcome dinner upon arrival. Secret Bay is one of the most eco-friendly developments in the Caribbean region and the entire site was painstakingly developed using green and sustainable practices to minimise environmental impact.

• Island Hopping From Dominica Gets Much Easier: A new year-round ferry service launched in autumn, is making island hopping between Dominica, St. Lucia, Guadeloupe and Martinique easier than ever before. The four Lesser Antilles islands have been connected until now with a less frequent service, which has proved so popular with locals and visitors alike that it was decided to extend on a daily, year-round basis. The service is operated by L' Express Des Iles. Dominica is located between Guadeloupe and Martinique and the journey with Jeans, the new ferry, to either of these islands takes approximately 2 hours. The trip from Dominica to Saint Lucia is about 4.5 hours long.

• Gorge Zip Challenge, Dominica's Newest Attraction, Now Open: Calling all adrenaline fans... The highest zip line in the Southern Caribbean opened last month in Dominica. The six-platform Gorge Zip Challenge course navigates three adrenaline-pumping lines through the rainforest canopy. The highest and most exciting is a ride over the 350 feet Breakfast River Gorge. Operated by Rainforest Adventures, the attraction is open on a year-round basis. Admission to the zip line begins at US$50 (£31) for visitors. Children must be 12 years or older to ride, with some restrictions.

• Home Stay Programme with Indigenous Carib Indians Now Launched: Dominica is the only Caribbean island with a population of indigenous Carib Indians (around 3,000), known locally as the Kalinago - and visitors interested in finding out more about their lifestyle can now take part in a new home stay programme. The scheme is designed to provide visitors with an opportunity to experience the rich and unique heritage of Dominica's first settlers, while providing at the same time greater opportunities for the residents of the community to benefit from the tourism sector. The host homes are private, owner-occupied residencies that provide simple accommodation and hosts are residents of the Kalinago Territory.

• Increased Air Access For Dominica: If you are thinking of visiting Dominica, there are some new options that may be useful when you are planning your trip. Launching this month, Air Sunshine is the latest airline to serve Dominica, with flights from San Juan in Puerto Rico, operating four times a week. Earlier in the year, BVI Airways connected Dominica to St. Maarten with three evening flights a week, allowing for more convenient same day connections from Europe. In addition, regional air carrier LIAT began regularly scheduled night landing operations into Dominica earlier this summer, following a $50 million (£31 million) upgrade and improvements to Melville Hall Airport, on the northeast coast of the island.

• New iPad Application Showcases Dominica's Underwater World: A new iPad app has just been launched by underwater photographer Steve Jones, providing the ultimate above and under water guide to the Nature Island. Available in iTunes, Pearls of the Caribbean is a must-have for any keen diver visiting Dominica. Its coast is varied in terms of diving, with steep 6,000ft drop-off walls, beautifully coloured coral, Champagne snorkelling and craters. Fans of the underwater world are also able to experience the Caribbean's longest running diving festival at the annual Dive Fest every July.

Dominica (pronounced Dom-in-ee-ka) is a spectacular green island of rugged mountains, lush rainforests and rushing rivers in the Eastern Caribbean, lying south of Guadeloupe and north of Martinique.

For more information about Dominica please call 0800 0121 467 or visit www.discoverdominica.com and www.youtube.com/discoverdominica.

A selection of short video guides about the island can be downloaded for free on www.iTunes.com and you can keep up to date with the latest news on Facebook www.facebook.com/discoverdominica and Twitter www.twitter.com/nature_island. -Ends-

Notes for editors:
High-res images of Dominica are available upon request.

For media information and press trip requests please contact:
The Saltmarsh Partnership
020 7928 1600
Tom Panagos tom@saltmarshpr.co.uk
Chloe Buchanan chloe@saltmarshpr.co.uk

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Tom Panagos
Account Director