Hotel Review: InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa

Ramsey Qubein is a freelance travel journalist covering hotels, cruises,…

The five star InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa enjoys a waterfront location, numerous swimming pools, an excellent spa, and more than a dozen accommodation buildings, providing some of the best overnight experiences you can have on the island nation of Dominica. And the best part: you can earn and redeem IHG rewards points during your stay. These are the top five reasons why this resort should be on your vacation travel list.

The rooms

This resort (originally opened as a Kempinski) is only a few years old, and its rooms showcase a contemporary design that weaves in bright blue and green colors that match the al fresco scenery. You can count on comfortable bedding with thick duvets and bedside power outlets, but the real benefits happen when you open the curtains to take in the beautiful scenery.

All rooms have a roster of amenities from coffee makers and refrigerators to shelves of design books and comfy seating areas accented by tropically inspired pillows.

Bathrooms are spacious with huge and bright mirrors, drenching showers in glass shower stalls, oversized towels and plush robes, and a full roster of Byredo toiletries, a brand standard for InterContinental.

There are more than one dozen room and suite categories here. They vary based on their position within the property (there are lots of resort buildings linked via covered or garden walkways) as well as the view and size. They all feature the same high-quality amenities, and nothing is too far from the main reception building. All are close to at least one pool (there are several around the grounds).

Some of the best include those on top floors facing the sea. And then, there are the ground floor rooms with swim-up pools, which are a honeymooner favorite.

Several suites are in the mix with separate living and dining areas plus enormous bathrooms, some of which have dual showerheads facing each other for two people. Soaking tubs facing the window and furnished balconies only complete the well-rounded picture.

The food

During my visit, I was especially impressed with the mix of local island cuisine as well as international favorites on the different restaurant menus. Since there are both island guests and international travelers, having a mix of choices provides a lot of variety (especially for guests staying a long time).

American Airlines flies nonstop to Miami, United is adding new service from Newark and several European carriers fly from the neighboring islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe, accessible via ferry. This helps to grow the destination and bring a wide range of travelers.

There are three main restaurants here. At the breakfast buffet, guests are greeted with a power or energy shot before being shown to their table. There is a menu of made-to-order dishes like omelets, pancakes, waffles and other tasty dishes.

I appreciated the attention to detail for those focused on a healthier diet. There are all kinds of fresh fruits and vegetables plus a lovely salad bar at breakfast. Other hot dishes include local salted cod, fried plantains, sauteed fish and veggies and a pig’s foot stew. It was clear that the chefs were enjoying diversifying the menu to share more about the region while also appeasing guests..

Lunch and dinner at Kwéyòl feature a full vegetarian menu on top of the traditional options. It covered more than just plates of pasta and salad, the standard fare that veg eaters get stuck with in other places. My burrito bowl was delicious with black beans, chickpeas, avocado, lettuce and a tasty local vinaigrette dressing.

By sunset, be sure to head to the rooftop terrace by the pool to enjoy the views or play a round a billiards.

The staff

Caribbean hospitality is alive and while here. Expect to be greeted by everyone you pass. Every interaction with staff involves a few questions about how your day is going and a general interest in how you’re doing. I liked that they were constantly asking how they can improve the experience.

This is a small island nation with very few large resorts. And with just a small airport, it competes heavily with neighboring islands, packed with all-inclusive properties to draw travelers. The staff here, clearly influenced by a doting management team, try very hard to impress. And it works!

The spa

With seven treatment rooms in bungalow-style structures, spa goers are pampered with a long list of massage and beauty treatments here. Each space has its own changing room and shower. Guests can enjoy the sauna or take a dip in the pool or whirlpool after their spa experience.

There is also a the supervised kids club, which is great for parents that want to enjoy the spa or get off property for an adventure

There is also an impressive fitness center that enjoys plenty of natural sunlight, but a jog along the water could be even more entertaining.

The nature and seclusion

This resort is located less than one hour from the main airport. While winding roads make up most of it, the drive is very interesting, involving lots of pops of nearby beaches as you weave through the lush jungle.

The island is home to numerous volcanoes. Dubbed the nature island, there is so much outdoor adventure from hiking to birdwatching here. Next to the hotel is Cabrits National Park. There is horseback riding on the beach, and local adventure tours can take guests to various corners of the island to sightsee. Expect waterfalls, hot springs, rainforest, natural coves and plenty of flora and fauna.

You truly feel that you’re in your own tropical paradise, as there is no other resort within short distance. The hotel is directly on the waterfront, but there is no Sandy Beach here. Instead, you can walk a short distance along the water to find a place to dip your toes in the black volcanic sand and Caribbean Sea.

The resort hosts a lot of weddings on its beautiful lawns, and hammocks and day beds around the property encourage lingering. The gardening team cares for numerous types of trees, flowers and plants that give the resort such a stunning setting.

The numerous pools are spread around the resort, including one with a zero-entry edge and swimup bar. Another has a sunken whirlpool. By the bar, large frog fountains add whimsy to yet another pool. This resort blends nature and hospitality with an oasis of calm in one of the Caribbean’s less-visited destinations.