Tucked away in the Caribbean, a hidden treasure is about to open itself to more UK travellers.
Dominica, the ‘Nature Island of the Caribbean’ has a new international airport under construction, bringing this secret spot within easier reach.
Often confused with the Dominican Republic, Dominica has its own distinct charm: a quieter island that welcomes only about 200,000 visitors each year, compared to the millions drawn to nearby St. Lucia or Barbados.
Hikers, eco-tourism enthusiasts, and lovers of unspoiled landscapes should take note.
A new international airport
The airport, which will cost over £292 million, is currently under construction and expected to be fully operational by 2027.
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For the first time, it will allow visitors to fly direct from Europe and North America, with plans to attract as many as 20 international airlines.
Future direct routes from London, Paris, New York, and Miami are on the horizon.
At present, there are no direct flights from the UK. The quickest journey takes around 12 and a half hours, with travellers flying from London Heathrow to Bridgetown, Barbados, before connecting onwards to Douglas–Charles Airport in Dominica.
This new development promises to simplify the journey, making Dominica more accessible than ever and opening the door to a new era of travel for the island.
A new attraction
Alongside the new airport, Dominica is also set to unveil the world’s longest cable car, scheduled for completion in early 2026.
Stretching approximately 6.6 km through the lush Roseau Valley, it will provide a sweeping view of the island’s rainforest, valleys, and volcanic terrain.
The cable car will transform access to the Boiling Lake, reducing what is currently a demanding 6-8 hour hike to a 15-20 minute aerial journey.
Both stations will feature cafés, restaurants, and viewing platforms, enhancing the visitor experience while supporting local employment.
By making this iconic volcanic site accessible to all – including the elderly, families, and cruise passengers – the development marks a significant shift: what was once reserved for the physically prepared will become an experience everyone can enjoy.
What’s there to explore in Dominica?
It’s called the ‘Nature Island’ for a reason.
Dominica’s character is written in its landscapes: beyond the world’s second-largest boiling lake, volcanic peaks rise above lush rainforest, rivers carve through deep valleys, and waterfalls tumble through the land.
It’s a different kind of Caribbean experience, grounded in what the island naturally has to offer.
The waters are renowned for world-class diving, the coast offers year-round whale watching, or if you’re more keen to stay on land, the Caribbean’s longest hiking trail is not one to miss.
What sets Dominica apart is what it has chosen not to become. With no sprawling resorts or crowded strips, the island remains unhurried, authentic, and truly restorative.
Sustainability guides its development, and the indigenous Kalinago culture continues to thrive, inviting visitors into the true rhythm of island life.
Where to stay in Dominica
Already open on the land is the InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort and Spa, an all-inclusive luxury spot that promises comfort and ocean views, offering rooms from £407 per night; and the Fort Young Hotel & Dive resort, recently renovated and an established spot on the island, where rooms start at £180 per night.
But in new news, the hotel scene is developing to accommodate some new eco-conscious spots that are worth taking a look at.
Tranquility Beach Resort (Curio Collection by Hilton) is opening this year, with elevated amenities such as a spa and rooftop bar, to accompany a series of suites and treehouses.
The Sanctuary Rainforest Eco Resort & Spa, and the Anichi Resort & Spa (Marriott) are both advancing their developments with promise to combine luxury with an eco-conscious approach.
