Dominica enters new era of eco-luxury and adventure with landmark tourism and infrastructure developments

Dominica is stepping firmly into the global spotlight with a series of ambitious tourism, infrastructure, and conservation developments that are reshaping the island’s visitor experience and strengthening its reputation as one of the Caribbean’s most compelling nature-based destinations.

From rainforest retreats and sky-high cable car journeys to pioneering conservation milestones, the island is undergoing a transformation that blends sustainability with adventure in a way few destinations can match.

A cable car that rewrites the journey to Boiling Lake

By October 2026, visitors will be able to experience one of Dominica’s most dramatic landscapes from an entirely new perspective. A state-of-the-art cable car system – the longest detachable cable car in the world at 6.6 km – is set to glide over the rainforest canopy from the Roseau Valley to the volcanic heartland near Boiling Lake.

What once demanded a strenuous three-to-four-hour hike (one way) will be transformed into a 20-minute aerial journey above lush valleys, steaming peaks, and untouched forest. Once open, it is expected to accommodate up to 1,000 passengers per hour and become one of the Caribbean’s most distinctive eco-attractions, offering access and spectacle in equal measure.

Rainforest luxury takes root

Set deep within Dominica’s emerald interior, the new Sanctuary Rainforest Eco Resort and Spa is preparing to open its doors in August 2026 – marking a significant milestone for the island’s high-end tourism offering.

Located near Laudat and within easy reach of natural wonders such as Middleham Falls and Titou Gorge, the resort is designed as an immersive escape into nature. With 72 bedrooms, an infinity pool that appears to spill into the rainforest, yoga studios and a full-service spa, the property will also become Dominica’s first Small Luxury Hotels member.

Building a climate-resilient future

Behind the scenes, Dominica’s transformation is being powered by a wave of major infrastructure investment.

Construction of the island’s new international airport continues to progress steadily, with completion targeted for the end of 2027. The airport is expected to significantly enhance connectivity while setting new regional standards for sustainable aviation infrastructure.

At the same time, Dominica’s geothermal energy project in the Roseau Valley has already begun feeding clean electricity into the national grid. With the capacity to power around 23,000 homes, the development marks a major milestone in the island’s ambition of achieving both 100% renewable electricity and to become the world’s first climate-resilient nation by 2030. This is alongside reducing fuel imports, lowering costs, improving air quality and strengthening long-term energy security.

Protecting the ocean’s giants

Perhaps most remarkable of all is Dominica’s bold step into marine conservation leadership. In 2026, the island formally established the world’s first sperm whale reserve, protecting 300 square miles of ocean along its western coast.

Dominica is the only place on Earth where sperm whales are known to live year-round, and the new reserve ensures their habitat is safeguarded for generations to come. A dedicated management board has been appointed to oversee its protection and long-term stewardship.

Miami meets Dominica: a twin-centre Caribbean escape

Travellers from London can combine the energy of Miami with Dominica’s rainforest serenity, thanks to convenient onward connections from Miami International Airport to Douglas–Charles Airport. The routing creates an appealing London–Miami–Dominica itinerary, blending South Florida’s iconic beaches, vibrant dining scene and cultural attractions with one of the Caribbean’s most unspoilt island escapes, where lush rainforests, dramatic volcanic landscapes and authentic adventure await.

In 2026, Miami events of note include:

• June and July in Miami bring sun, soccer and celebration as the city takes centre stage during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As one of the tournament’s host destinations, Miami will welcome seven matches, creating an electric atmosphere across South Florida, where world-class football, vibrant fan experiences and the city’s renowned cultural scene come together.
• Miami Carnival takes place from 3 – 11 October. Held over Columbus Day Weekend, the festivities showcase the spirit of the Caribbean through pulsating music, dazzling costumes, lively parades and world-class performances, attracting visitors from around the globe for an unforgettable celebration of culture, creativity and community.

BOOK IT: Spend three nights in South Beach at the renowned Loews Miami Beach Hotel, perfectly positioned on the oceanfront in the heart of the Art Deco district. Then swap city lights for Caribbean serenity with seven nights at Fort Young Hotel & Dive Resort, a historic waterfront retreat in Roseau offering all-inclusive comfort and easy access to Dominica’s rainforests, waterfalls, volcanic landscapes and world-class marine adventures. The trip costs from £3,635 pp (two sharing) with CARIBTOURS, including return American Airlines and British Airways flights from Heathrow (with a connection in Barbados on the return), return airport transfers in Dominica, and all-inclusive accommodation in Dominica. Offer valid from now until 30 November 2026. Visit www.caribtours.co.uk

Summer offer

Sunvil has a great summer offer on Hotel The Champs, perched above Dominica’s north-west coast – Picard Beach only minutes away via Banana Trail. This seven-bedroom boutique stay feels like a sun-bleached Greek island retreat, all balconies, sea views and unpretentious charm. A rooftop restaurant crowns the house, while the pool catches sweeping panoramas. Owners Lise and Sabrina greet guests with genuine warmth, setting a homely tone. Chef Tarnita’s ever-changing menu celebrates local ingredients with global comfort dishes, catering easily to vegetarians and allergies. For travel between now and 15 November 2026 only, the price for a seven-night stay is £1,862 pp (two sharing a Superior Room with Balcony) and includes return flights from Heathrow (via Barbados), 23kg pp hold luggage allowance, breakfast daily, one dinner, an Indian River Tour, and return transfers. Call Sunvil on 020 8758 4774 (www.sunvil.co.uk).

 

For further information visit Discover Dominica (www.discoverdominica.com).

ENDS

 

Dominica – Key Facts

• Population: 72,668
• Size: 29 miles long x 16 miles wide = 290 square miles
• Capital city: Roseau. Located on the island’s south-west coast
• Current airport: Douglas-Charles
• Languages: English and French Creole
• Main religion: Roman Catholic
• Currency: Eastern Caribbean Dollar (EC$)
• Time: minus 4 hours GMT
• Average temperature: 26 ºC in January – 32 ºC in August
• Average rainfall: 700 cm (interior) and 100 cm (coast), with January/June being the driest time and July/December being the wettest
• The island is committed to becoming carbon neutral by 2030

Press enquiries: For queries and press trip enquiries (with a suitable commission), please contact Travel PR on

020 8891 4440, or email Julia Farish (j.farish@travelpr.co.uk), Jane Collyer (j.collyer@travelpr.co.uk) or Sue Ockwell (s.ockwell@travelpr.co.uk).