What Others Say About Jungle Bay
"#1 of the Top 10 Eco-Honeymoon Resorts: Hideaways that help save the earth without skimping on romance" - Brides.com
"Honeymoon Hot List" - Modern Bride Magazine
"Rustic Luxe" - New York Times
"Top 10 Luxury Eco Resorts" - Forbes Traveler
"The love of island life is infectious; you will not want to leave! We combined a spa adventure package with a wedding and had a spell bounding elopement and honeymoon - far exceeding our expectations" - Samantha & Erin, Jungle Bay Resort & Spa Honeymooners
"#1 location for healthy reefs & healthy marine environment" - Sport Diver Magazine
"Our 20 Favorite Green Hotels" - Traveler + Leisure Magazine
An Unforgettable Adventure Honeymoon
Shannon and I just returned from an unbelievable place that we have to share with you! Our travels include over 20 islands in the Caribbean but we now consider Dominica to be the Caribbean's best kept secret. It is a lush rainforest island that is becoming known to romantic adventure seekers and those who wish to escape the typical sun and sand destination crowd.
This island paradise, which is sometimes confused with the larger Spanish speaking country of the Dominican Republic, boast treasures including hidden waterfalls, jungle hikes, a rich cultural heritage, spectacular diving, and friendly people. The island was recently rated by National Geographic Traveler Magazine as the top island in the Caribbean for sustainability; in other words, it's unspoiled, not too touristy and absolutely perfect for a romantic honeymoon getaway.
The landscape of Dominica is a unique experience when compared to other Caribbean islands. It has much more in common with Hawaii and other Pacific Ocean rainforest islands and there are no large or chain hotels. Instead, you will find small boutique properties with warm, hospitable residents eager to take care of its guests. The island is home to a few unique properties that offer delightful, healthy cuisine along with a range of wellness and adventure activities. We were lucky to find one of these places,
Jungle Bay Resort & Spa, through some friends and a recent article on Brides.com ranking them as the "Top Eco-Honeymoon Resort" for its amazing ability to utilize the island's natural attractions to create an exceptional honeymoon experience.
We spent 5 nights at Jungle Bay Resort & Spa, a small resort made up of secluded cottages nestled under the coastal forest. When we were not on a hike to an isolated waterfall, lounging at the pool, or receiving a sunset massage, we often found ourselves hanging out in our cottage hammock enjoying the simultaneous sounds of the jungle and ocean. This three year old property, which is built entirely of volcanic stone and local tropical hardwood, offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure, social and environmental sustainability, luxury, and relaxation. The resort is staffed by friendly locals that not only provide great service but also share their unique stories of island life.
Shannon and I thought we would share our typical day with you:
- Wake up to the cacophony of tropical birds;
- Enjoy a delightful tropical breakfast with fresh fruit and juices overlooking the ocean;
- Get ready for our day of exploring with a warm outdoor shower (a feature in all the cottages);
- Decide on our adventure for the day and embark! These included a range of small group activities led by knowledgeable local guides (hikes to natural wonders, kayaking, snorkeling, hot mineral springs, hidden beaches);
- Take pleasure with a couple's massage in an open-air studio and take in the sight and sounds of the ocean surf;
- Mingle with new friends from our adventure activity at the bar while we enjoyed the resort's famous (and strong!) "Jungle Punch";
- Eat together or with friends beneath the starlit sky with the chef's daily creations using 95% local and organic food.
Dominica has plenty of sites to discover and we could easily spend another five days doing just that - exploring by car, boat, kayak, hike, or swimming. We've included a list of our favorites to make the trip planning a little easier and a list of activities we are excited to embark upon next year.
Shannon & Brandon's "Must Do" List
Spectacular Waterfalls
- Victoria Falls Hike - Walk along and through the scenic White River, climb boulders up to the falls and swim in the therapeutic pool under the thunderous waterfall.
- Sari Sari Waterfall - Hike along the banks of Sari Sari River under the rainforest canopy while making three river crossings. At the end, enjoy the opportunity to swim at the waterfall pool.
- Trafalgar Falls - A scenic drive through the Roseau Valley to Trafalgar Falls leads you to a beautiful twin waterfall with great swimming.
Let the Champagne Flow
- Snorkel at Famous Champagne Beach - Put on your mask and fins and get explore the Caribbean sea for a chance to see numerous tropical fish and coral including underwater volcanic vents which create champaign like bubbles. Keep an eye out for the resident green turtle!
Escape to a Secret Beach
- Ravine Cyrique Beach - Descend through scenic coastal forest along a rock-face to a fantastic reward; emerge from the jungle onto a deserted black sand beach. A cascading waterfall plummets over the cliffs onto the pounding surf, 130 feet below.
Dominica's Signature Hike
- Boiling Lake Hike and Valley of Desolation - explore Dominica's famous wonder & UNESCO World Heritage Site, stops along the way include the eerie Valley of Desolation, hot water pools and the famous Titou Gorge.
Experience Authentic Heritage & Culture
- Explore the Carib Territory - the Caribbean's last remaining indigenous residents, the Amerindian are people of a strong cultural. Watch their traditional basket weaving, canoe carving or casava breadmaking.
- Presentation on Dominican Healing Herbs, Barks and Teas - Learn the fascinating traditional uses of rainforest plants.
- Caribbean Cooking Class - Learn how to prepare local Caribbean cuisine and take "a taste of the island" home with you!
- Roseau - A trip to the island is not complete without a stop at the island's capital of Roseau. On Friday nights and Saturday mornings, tour the last authentic community market in the Eastern Caribbean.
Shannon and Brandon's Dominica Must Do List - Next Year!
- Glasse Trail - Hike along traditional fisherman pass to volcanic craters, breathtaking coastal scenery, and wade in ocean pools.
- Ocean Kayaking - Enjoy paddling and snorkeling in the turquoise waters of Grande Bay surrounded by a scenic coastline of mountains and coconut trees.
- Grand Soufriere Sulphur Spring Trail - From atop Tete Morne, hike down the slope southwards into Soufriere Valley. Enjoy breathtaking views of both Soufriere and Grand Bays along the way while looking out for schools of dolphins in the waters below. Upon reaching Soufriere, immerse yourself in the relaxing hot sulphur mineral pools, surrounded by guava trees, coco plum, and many bromeliads, before returning on the trail back to Tete Morne.
- Dominican Heritage Music "Jing Ping" - Enjoy live cultural entertainment: learn traditional Dominican dances as the band plays and the colorful dancers perform and then teach you!
- "Backyard" Rum Production - Visit the traditional rum distilleries which are scattered throughout out the south of the island. Dominicans often immerse treasures from the rainforest in the rum such as cinnamon, cocoa, coffee beans, and tropical fruit for a real local treat.
- Bay Oil Production - Explore a primitive bay oil distillery which uses the traditional fire wood technique and learn about the harvesting and production of Bay Oil.
If you have any questions about our stay, please email me and I'd be happy to assist!
Best Regards,
Brandon Warner
President & Co-founder
Traveler's Joy, Inc.
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