Middleham Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls on Dominica. The trail entrance to Middleham Falls is in Laudat and has a well-marked sign that makes it easy to find. I recommend picking up a copy of Bradt’s Travel Guide of Dominica by Paul Crask, this is a fantastic guide with clear directions and tips.

The Middleham Falls hike takes about an hour each way, has a well-maintained path with steps and bridges, and is an enjoyable hike through the rainforest. I saw an Agouti (looks like a Guinea Pig) for the first time, some of the larges Chataignier Trees I’ve ever seen, and had a chance to break my FiveFinger hiking shoes in on this trail. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting Dominica.

We rented the Master suite at Villa Passiflora in the village of Calibishie. The villa is built overlooking the North Atlantic Ocean with two beaches below. The home takes advantage of beautiful Dominica with huge windows and doors that open to crashing surf and stunning views. It’s a very unique home built of concrete and wood using the local hardwoods found in Dominica.

We chose to stay Villa Passiflora to unwind and relax from all the hiking we’d done earlier in the week in the southeastern side of Dominica. We wanted to be in a place that had everything we needed so that we wouldn’t have to leave the villa and be as lazy as possible; infinity swimming pool, hammock to read in, TV to watch movies on, someone to cook for us, massage, and a 20 minute drive to the airport. The staff was amazing; Isalene has to be one of the happiest people I’ve ever met, her laughter is contagious and her food is wonderful. Stephane and Florence, the caretakers, made absolutely sure that we where comfortable and happy.

Villa Passiflora is a great place to unwind on Domininca.

PS We also rented an apartment on Dominica (click HERE.)

Dominica is almost 300 square miles of lush green vegetation and steep mountains. It can take over 2 hours to drive from one side to the other. When selecting a place to stay location is a major factor in this respect. Dominica’s main natural attractions are mostly on the southeastern side of the island luckily there plenty of options for accommodations.

Trafalgar Village was the perfect location for our vacation; within walking distance to the best hot-spring spas, Trafalgar waterfalls, Papillote’s Garden, and we where welcomed by a friendly community of Dominicans. We rented an apartment (The Trafalgar Cottage) from a friend and instantly felt like a ‘local.’ The first thing I did, was pick a grapefruit from the tree in the yard for breakfast, yummy! The first day our neighbors stopped by to say hello and brought us an armful of fruits from their yard, a local lady baked us fresh bread, and we even had fresh coconut water delivered (we felt spoiled.)

The Trafalgar Cottage was a comfortable apartment that right away makes you feel at home. Simple but comfortable furniture and a full size equipped kitchen and refrigerator provide all the creature comforts of home. I highly recommend renting The Trafalgar Cottage for your next Dominican adventure.

PS You can find more information The Trafalgar Cottage HERE.

Gibney Beach is one of the 4 beaches located in Hawksnest Bay. It is located just east of Hawksnest Beach. Gibney Beach does not have a sign, parking is very limited, and there aren’t any picnic tables, restrooms, covered pavilions or changing rooms. Gibney Beach does have fluffy white sand, good snorkeling, and because parking is limited there’s normally not very many people on the beach.

To get to this beach you enter through the gate that leads to the Oppenheimer community building by walking down a short driveway. This is what the entrance looks like from the road.

Gibney beach is also called Oppenheimer Beach after J. Robert Oppenheimer, who invented the atomic bomb. Read more about the history of Gibney and Oppenheimer Beach HERE.

P.S. I just made a page about all St John things on my blog HERE.