Tiny Dominica has long been a minor player in Caribbean tourism, mainly attracting travelers interested in ecotourism as well as folks attracted to its Creole heritage and boutique hotels. However, Dominica is on the verge of widening its appeal in a big way with last month’s opening of the Cabrits Resort & Spa Kempinski Dominica, the island’s first five-star resort.
Situated on a beach, the 151-room property offers a luxe experience including a spa, three restaurants, four pools, a children’s club and more than 8,000 square feet of meeting space that can also be used to host weddings.
“Cabrits Resort & Spa Kempinski Dominica is an important addition to our fast-growing portfolio of iconic and luxurious hotels in the Caribbean and further emphasizes the company’s development strategy in this region,” said Michael Schoonewagen, general manager of Cabrits Resort & Spa Kempinski Dominica. “Our beachfront hideaway is the perfect destination for luxury travelers seeking a different kind of resort experience in deep connection with nature, combining the unparalleled European service for which Kempinski is known with a keen respect for Dominica’s culture and traditions.”
Guests can choose from five pools on property.
Credit: 2019 Cabrits Resort & Spa Kempinski Dominica
Dominica’s marketing tagline is “The Nature Island.” While the destination lacks the expansive white-sand beaches common to the Caribbean, it more than makes up for it with an amazingly diverse landscape with lots of appeal for nature lovers. Clients can set off on waterfall and rainforest hikes, river adventures, dive expeditions and excursions to mountain lakes, including the island’s famous Boiling Lake in Morne Trois Pitons National Park.
Schoonewagen says that living in Dominica has given him the opportunity to see all sorts of rare plants, animals and bird species.
“The island is protected by an extensive natural park system that encompasses three national parks, two forest reserves and even a parrot reserve,” he said. “Living in harmony with the environment has also had a great impact on the people here. The care and genuine hospitality of residents is unmatched.”
Travel advisors should note that getting to Dominica takes a bit of effort. Flights from the U.S. arrive through connecting flights in Antigua, Barbados, Martinique, St. Maarten, Puerto Rico, Guadeloupe and St. Lucia. However, this can be turned into a positive for clients if they’re open to creating a dual-destination holiday.
The resort is offering what they call “white-glove, door-to-door service” from Antigua and Guadeloupe utilizing Tropical Aviation’s 10-seat Beechcraft King Air 200. The roundtrip flights are $250 per person. For an additional cost, on landing, SUV transfers to the resort are available for booking.
Fast Facts
Through Aug. 31, 2020, qualified advisors can take advantage of an introductory rate of $100 per night at Cabrits Resort & Spa Kempinski Dominica, including daily breakfast, based on double occupancy. Additionally, the resort is offering a 20% discount on spa services and consortia amenities for stays longer than four nights. The offer is subject to blackout dates and does not include a 20% tax, plus a daily service fee. For reservations, contact Tracey Fentem, the resort’s director of sales and marketing at [email protected].
The Details
Cabrits Resort & Spa Kempinski Dominica
www.kempinski.com