Reader Reviews

The Commonwealth of Dominica, Nature's Island. A wild and wonderful somewhat undeveloped island of six microclimates! Home base was a 100 year old guest house in the heart of the capital city of Roseau -- a great starting point for visiting most of the natural wonders of the island in the Morne Trois Piton National Preserve. Many of the hiking trails are within ten or twenty minutes of Roseau. Many of the best restaurants on the island are within blocks of the Cherry Lodge Guest House where my daughter and I stayed.

Upon landing at the Melville Hall Airport at the north end of the island at 3:30 on an American Eagle flight, we were driven by Mally's Taxi Service through the rainforest and banana platation jungle to Roseau -- an hour and one-quarter, exciting drive. If you land at Melville, make sure you get in well before dark so that you can truly enjoy the ride if you're headed to the Southwestern end of the island of Dominica. And, if you're going to rent a car the next day, be sure to get your local drivers license at the airport before heading to your lodging.

Cherry Lodge Guest House in Roseau is a Casablanca-style bed and breakfast run by a native Dominican of French descent, Miss Zena Tavernier, who looks out after her guests as a duty to keep them safe and well during their visit. Cherry Lodge's live-in Official Tour Guide (and breakfast cook/server), Peter Richard Malcolm Greene, is a somewhat shy, very warm, and respectful young man who knows the terrain and plant life especially well. Peter's driving on narrow twisting roads is quite reassuring, and his guide service fees are very reasonable.

The food is excellent and the service is very friendly wherever you go -- in the city of Roseau and all around the island. However, take very seriously the admonitions to make reservations -- not everything on the menus are available when you arrive unnanounced. Shopping for the lunch and evening meals is often done that morning. The restaurant will buy what's needed for your meal, just make your reservation a day ahead. Ask what's on the menu. Make your choice on the phone and tell them you will want to order that specialty. Don't take chances on missing out on some of the very wonderful island recipes by ignoring the request to call ahead.

If your're in Dominica for a day for the beauty of nature, don't miss the trip to Trafalgar Falls. It's a relatively short and easy hike through a wonderful rainforest and an amazing double waterfall for a reward. Wear your swim suit under your clothing -- don't miss out on a delightful swim under the waterfall!If you are there for sporting activities, take a taxi just down the road from Roseau or from Portsmouth to one of the dive hotels. You can take a morning trip for snorkeling or scuba diving. And if you go to the Anchorage Hotel, you can take an afternoon trip for whale watching -- we saw six in all.

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