Arrival Day.

This easy hike is through one of the more volcanic areas rich in island heritage, and once well known for large scale sugarcane, citrus and cocoa production - today overgrown and wild, and going past fruit trees and village life, provides spectacular views, and beach time/local spa experience with cold drinks. Your day begins with a site seeing drive along the south-west coast to the southern community of Soufriere, where you begin our walk up the valley along an old estate road, providing some insight into conditions in times of estate operations. Throughout, fruit and other trees dwarf the access. The route alternates between the old rocky road, narrow farm trails, and the main roadway, eventually emerging at the mountain community of Gallion, where you stop for a photo opportunity from our view point perched above the south-western coastline. From here it’s down a local village track that connects with the highway servicing the Soufriere village, and onto Bubble Spa, a natural hot spring that sits along the beachfront at the Soufriere bay. There, you relax and soak in this warm beachfront pool, while being served cold drinks. Beyond Bubble Spa, the warm Caribbean Sea awaits and there are opportunities for a swim.

Today is your first opportunity to enjoy the wild Roseau Valley at your own pace, and you start with a visit to the majestic Trafalgar Waterfalls and sulphur springs – the perfect introduction to our island geography and our picturesque landscapes and exotic flora and fauna. Next continue to the community of Laudat (located in the Morne Trois Pitons National Park UNESCO accredited World Heritage Site) and to the Fresh Water Lake. This lake sits in the backdrop of the greenery and mist and in the crispness of the clean mountain breeze. At this serene and tranquil location, there is time to explore and enjoy the surroundings and to have a closer view of the lake. Just west of the Fresh Water Lake, a short transfer will take you to the Middleham Estate, from where you do a one-hour trek along a well-manicured trail through thick primary rainforest to the Middleman Waterfall. The Middleham waterfall is the tallest on the island and towers to approximately 200 feet high. It has a deep basin that allows hikers a well-earned cooling swim. At Wotten Waven we have a nature spa experience - an opportunity to rejuvenate, and regain your sense of wellness. Be pampered by Dominica’s un-spoilt nature - in the solace of our hot water pools and bubbling sulphur mud baths.

Today we will take you to see the hidden Dominica – the highs and lows and hidden crevices that many never get to see. Dominica is as beautiful underwater as it is above ground and your Champagne snorkel and canyoning adventures will be a treat, and possible highlight of your vacation. From your hotel, a short transfer will take you to the world-famous Champagne beach, where you will snorkel through a jet of bubbles. Much like swimming in a glass of champagne and through a stream of bubbles that rises from a submerged volcanic vent in the sea floor. See juvenile and adult fish, as well as colorful sponge and coral growths. Next we change gears and head out for our Canyoning adventure to discover some of the most spectacular canyons in the world. Rainfall has over thousands of years carved out deep gorges in the rock, creating an ever-changing landscape of rivers, waterfalls and pools hidden in the rainforest. You will be rappelling from waterfalls, jumping into pools and exploring the canyons with a team of professional canyoning leaders. Pure adrenaline... Total fun!

We save the best for last! Today’s hike is along a trail that is almost eight miles long. It is a three-hour walk each way, and that amount of time should be allowed for. The world’s largest boiling lake is actually a flooded fumarole, a crack through which gases escape from the molten lava below, rather than a volcanic crater. The natural basin of the Boiling Lake collects the rainfall from the surrounding hills and from two small streams which empty into the lake. The water seeps through the porous bottom to the hot lava below, where it is trapped and heated to boiling point. The lake is about 60 meters across. The trek to the lake is through forest, over sharp ridges, and encounters volcanic rivers, streams and boiling mud. The streams vary in colour from normal clear water to milky blue, black, white, yellow and orange. Steam and sulphur fumes increase the closer you get. Once done, there is the option for swimming exploration up the Titou Gorge. Little Throat is the literal translation for Titou Gorge - a narrow ravine carved into the rocks by the river. This breath-taking upstream swim through this cave-like setting lit by rays of sunlight streaking through the forest is absolutely astounding and refreshing! At the top of the gorge is a small waterfall. This exploration is done with the use of life vests.

Cooking with Daria is our authentic hands-on culinary class at our family home in the foothills of Morne Anglais. Have fun while we share our colorful stories, served with a helping or two of herb infused rum. Cook in our purpose built kitchen set amid lush tropical gardens and enjoy great views. Learn how herbs and fresh organic products are used in Caribbean cuisine as you experience a slice of local life. A food and family lifestyle experience much lauded by experts, Cooking with Daria is unique, sassy, and great tasting. Next, we shift gears and head out for a site seeing drive to Portsmouth and the extreme north of the island – our destination will be the foothills of Morne Aux Diables and the Cold Soufriere spring. The cold Soufriere features cold bubbling sulphur pools – the only one of its kind in the entire world. Very distinct and spectacular landforms, these natural wonders are perfect explanations why Dominica is indeed the Nature Island of the Caribbean. From here we continue on our journey along the lonely and winding northern link road, meandering through the communities of Penville and Vieille Case with opportunities for viewing this rural space, and observing how time and Westernization have impacted the local village architecture.

Departure Day.