Show me the way to Dominica

Seeking a break from the ‘traditional’ stereotype of the Caribbean, Dominica has successfully positioned itself as a eco-isle perfect for a five-day rejuvenation expedition, and the great part about it is that to experience it at it’s best, you’ve got to switch off from the rat race.  Connect with the earth, nature – do as much as you want, or as little.

Treehouse luxury.
Imagine the views at full moon!

Secretly we’re dreaming about staying at Jungle Bay – in one of their treehouse cottages We heard about Jungle Bay, a highly recommended resort & Spa  has garnered serious media coverage and just looking at the video makes us want to book a flight right now!  The treehouse-style cottages are supported by stilts, disappearing into the vegetation, surrounded by greenery .

Hiking, exploring, relaxing

They call it ‘barefoot luxury’ – large suites positioned in amongst the trees so you wake up to the mosts amazing views of the mountains and glorious nature as far as the eye can see.  Beyond the beautiful surroundings, there is a unique swimming pool made with volcanic stone and a restaurant serving local Caribbean cuisine prepared with fresh ingredients from local farmers.  Jungle Bay was designed to host yoga retreats and group wellness vacations – their spa facilities and yoga studio are designed with views of the Atlantic Ocean, creating an incredible backdrop; guests are invited to participate in the morning yoga sessions to start the day off right!  They also have put together packages for the more adventurous, with hiking trips to explore hidden waterfalls, ocean pools and natural hot springs; throw in some ocean kayaking, snorkeling and a daily spa treatment to ease sore muscles and be ready to go the next day!

Once you’ve experienced Dominica, there’s always a part of you that yearns to go back – we fell in love with this incredibly beautiful island from our first trip many years ago!

Find out more:

Jungle Bay Dominica

Visit Dominica 

Meet Me at Strawberry Hill

There’s a place, perched up in the Blue Mountains of Jamaica, where a hammock hangs across a wooden patio deck with breathtaking vistas in hues of green and blue.  Just 30 mins from Kingston airport, getting to this idyllic and unique retreat takes you on a memorable drive from Kingston on mountainside roads to Strawberry Hill, one of Chris Blackwell’s Island Outpost resorts.

At 3,100 ft above sea level, Strawberry Hill began as a coffee estate in the late 1800’s.  Transformed into an oasis for relaxation and rejuvenation, it’s an intimate mountaintop setting with only 12 handcrafted cottages, a main house and the Living Spa set in amongst extensive gardens and vast acreage.  One of the first in the Caribbean to introduce Aveda products, the Spa’s philosophy is designed around an Elemental Nature Consultation, where you choose an aroma around which a program of recommended treatments and techniques are designed.

The Living Spa has 5 treatment rooms including hydrotherapy, a yoga pavilion and a gorgeous infinity-edge pool which is enough to keep you resort-bound, but it’s worth getting out and about to explore the surroundings – take a nature hike with guides who share their knowledge about the local flora and fauna or visit Irishtown nearby.

The Blue Mountain Elixir treatment to ease muscles and release stress sounds right up our street, combining exfoliation (with Blue Mountain coffee), massage and hydrotherapy or the elemental massage which uses your chosen aroma along with Ayurvedic principles to create a custom massage treatment.

There’s also a library with an adjoining veranda to take a light lunch or afternoon tea, the Gold Room, a full multimedia/business centre and a gift shop.

Dining in the resort is not restricted in any way – meals can be integrated as a part of the Elemental program, and there are restaurants in the nearby town.  The in-house menus are a modern twist on Jamaican cuisine, feature full vegetarian options and there is a kids menu available as well.  Plus there’s no charge for room service!  We love that.

Strawberry Hill’s summer 2013 offer: 4 night cottage stay for the price of 3, fruit &  cheese platter on arrival, full continental breakfast (the orange juice is really fresh – as in squeezed to order); a dinner with complimentary wine, 3 spa treatments, a trail hike and a daily Blackwell Rum cocktail.

Strawberry Hill, Jamaica – Website

Strawberry Hill Facebook

Images credit: Strawberry Hill