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The Island
Dominica (not the Dominican Republic) is part of the Windward chain and lies between the French islands of Guadeloupe to the north, and Martinique to the south. An international airport is planned but at present, the island is served by two small airports - Melville Hall in the northeast, and Canefield, close to Roseau. All flights are operated by turbo-prop aircraft.

Two airlines fly scheduled services to Dominica: American Eagle and LIAT fly into Melville Hall - LIAT also serves Canefield.

Traveling to Dominica from outside of the Caribbean involves flying to a nearby island and then connecting to one of the above services. When flying from Europe, it is often necessary to overnight on one of these gateway islands as it is not always possible to make a same day connection. Returning to Europe doesn't pose a problem as all transatlantic flights depart late in the day allowing ample connection time.

Below is a list of some of the airlines serving the Caribbean:

The Hotel
Beau Rive is situated 240 feet above sea level on the East (Atlantic) coast between the villages of Castle Bruce and Sineku. The hotel is nestled into a hillside amid three acres of tropical gardens and forest, with a dramatic view of the ever-crashing waves at Anse Francais and Wakaman Point. The setting is secluded and private.

One can walk down though the forest and along the Richmond River to the beach, which is wild and rocky. The sea is too rough for bathing but there is a natural rock pool nearby where it is possible to swim when conditions allow. There is a black sand beach at the village of Castle Bruce one and a half miles to the south.

Although Dominica is only 29 miles long by 16 miles wide, due to the mountainous terrain road distances can be deceptive and it is certainly not an island which can be seen in a day. Being centrally located on Dominica's east coast, Beau Rive is a convenient start-point for exploring the country. One can either head up through the Carib Territory to tour the north of the island, or take in the south - Roseau, Scotts Head, the Sari Sari and Victoria waterfalls, Trafalgar etc.

Below are some approximate driving times from Beau Rive to:

Questions & Answers

Is Beau Rive a 'Green' hotel?
We do our best to be responsible and minimise any negative impact to the environment. We use no chemicals in the garden - only the compost that we make; our hot water is solar heated; we operate a solar-powered water pump and in time, hope to generate at least some of our lighting using solar energy (our garden lights are solar). We waste very little and support local farmers and products, utilising fresh, seasonal ingredients and locally made, natural soaps. Before even starting to build the hotel we planted 170 fruit and flowering trees which help to attract a wide variety of birds.

Can you drink the water?
You certainly can - even straight from many of the rivers and natural springs!

What is there to do?
Dominica is a very different Caribbean. It is an island of mountains, forests, rivers and waterfalls, but it is not an island fringed with white sand beaches and vast all-inclusive hotels. Consequently, you will not encounter many other tourists (except in Roseau when a cruise liner visits) and you will enjoy what is today, the rare sensation of feeling you have discovered a place before the tourist invasion. This also means that the Dominican people have not yet been turned into 'cocktail-shaking', "have a nice day"- droning, holiday brochure stereotypes! Generally speaking, the people are still real and decidedly down-to-earth.

Now, what to do:
There are numerous sight-seeing opportunities and places to visit. There are historical sites such as Fort Shirley at Cabrits National Park, and there are some attractive colonial buildings in the centre of Roseau, which is small enough to explore on foot. But it is the countryside, the forest, rivers and waterfalls that offer such a genuine and unspoiled experience of tropical wilderness to the visitor. You can explore either with a guide, or alone if on established trails, and it need not be too strenuous (as in getting to the boiling lake or climbing Morne Trois Pitons). We would be happy to advise you of exactly what is involved before you undertake a marathon hike! Even a gentle walk in the hills above Beau Rive is a delight allowing you to see numerous tropical fruit trees and vegetation.

The Carib Territory (just north of Beau Rive) is a region of the island populated mostly by indigenous Carib Indians and Dominica is really the last remaining refuge for a people who offer a unique perspective to the island and its heritage. Various handicraft items can be purchased in the villages. Snorkeling and diving are particularly good - mostly off the Caribbean coast, and whale watching is a year-round possibility. You will not run out of things to do!

Can one find local art?
Yes, there are a number of accomplished artists on Dominica. A personal favourite is Marie Frederick and you can visit her website www.indigo.wetpaint.com - her gallery / studio is a popular stop for many of our guests and some of her work is on show at Beau Rive.

Are there really no beaches?
No, there are some delightful, golden and black sand beaches but they are few and far between. Much of the coastline is rocky and rugged (as it is below Beau Rive) but we can direct you to some fine beaches. If however, you only want a beach holiday you should probably choose another destination. There are over 300 rivers on the island and many offer extremely picturesque and refreshing bathing.

Is the walking difficult?
Yes. There is very little flat land in Dominica, so if you have difficulty walking on hilly terrain you are likely to find it hard going. However, if you are accompanied or assisted by a more able person and are willing to take it slowly, you would probably manage well.

Is hiring a car the only way to see the island?
No. It's a good way but if you'd rather, we can help arrange tailor-made tours with a driver. If you want to go into town by public transport local mini-buses pass by the hotel each morning except Sunday. The fare is approximately US$2.75 each way. We drive on the left in Dominica and a temporary license must be purchased - approximately US$12 for 30 days.

Are there good restaurants?
In nearby Castle Bruce there are two or three places that serve snacks and simple meals. One can eat well in Roseau, Portsmouth, various hotels and some of the more touristic villages - but do not expect haut cuisine. Fresh fish is almost always available and prices are more reasonable than on the more commercial islands. Service can be erratic, but again, this should be viewed as part of the charm of an island not dominated by tourism.

What should I bring?
Definitely a camera and comfortable walking shoes - ones that can survive getting wet. As for anywhere in the tropics, sunscreen, a hat, swimwear etc. Clothing should preferably be of natural fabrics, and casual dress will be appropriate for virtually all occasions.

Is it safe?
There is a relatively low crime rate in Dominica and people are more likely to want to help you than rob you. However, as in any country, things can happen and it's always advisable not to display your wealth (if you have it!) in an ostentatious or insensitive manner.

What about 'wildlife'?
Dominica is home to numerous varieties of birds (including two species of Parrot that are found nowhere else in the world) and endless tropical plant life. There are no venomous snakes or poisonous spiders on Dominica. There are mosquitos at certain times of the year so bring repellent if you are particularly tasty! All guestroom windows at Beau Rive have mosquito screens.

Are children welcome?
We cannot accept children under the age of 16, simply because Beau Rive isn't particularly suitable for young kids. For instance; there is no lifeguard by the pool, no sandy beach or entertainment geared specifically towards children.

Are pets welcome?
No, we cannot accept guests with pets as we already have three dogs and a cat in residence. Our animals are very friendly and are free to wander throughout the hotel (including the bar and dining terrace) so if you object to pets being in close proximity Beau Rive is probably not going to suit you.

If you have any other questions please do not hesitate to email us at: info@beaurive.com

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