Exceptional Private Cottage Rental in Stunning Layou Valley of Dominica

Eighteen hillside acres provide guests with pristine rain forest beauty and utter privacy. Hike the trails or peruse the panorama from the deck. Hummingbirds visit daily, hawks and parrots fly by, and the grounds produce fruit and flowers. A short walk down the hill, a miniature waterfall spills into a pool that's perfect to relax in. Nature is the star attraction here, and with miles of trails, hiking is one of the favorite ways to get involved. Guests can choose from magnificent waterfalls, mountaintops, wilderness retreats, bubbling mineral springs, and submerged volcano craters. For water-lovers, the snorkeling and diving are great; there's tubing and kayaking on a few of the rivers; and whale and dolphin watching are good year-round.

For land-based activities, there are also botanical gardens and tours, horseback riding, and excellent bird-watching that includes brightly colored, indigenous parrots. To relax thoroughly, soak in natural hot springs or cool off in a river pool. Throughout the year, villages commemorate their patron saints by holding feasts, complete with community shows and competitions. The most popular are Fete Isidore held in Grand Bay and San Sauveur in June and St. Peter's Feast organized by villages along the island's west coast in June and July.

Dominica's cuisine is a fascinating fusion of Amerindian, West African, and French influences, with additional contributions from East Indians, Middle Easterners and the ubiquitous Chinese restaurateurs. In local fare, guests can expect well-seasoned dishes and delightful surprises. The curried goat, callaloo, one-pot stews or brafs, and the startling range of root crops are an absolute musts. The host recommends the saltfish-and-bake.

Dominica isn't just a winter sunshine destination. In fact, guests will probably get some refreshing rain during their visit. (January, February, and March being the drier months.) Carnival, or Mas Domnik, builds to a festive frenzy in the weeks before Lent every year, usually in February or March. July is the month for Dive Fest, perfect for scuba diving enthusiasts. In September or October the village of Layou hosts the Titiwi Fest, named after a small fish whose season peaks at that time, the festival features plenty of ways to eat it, with drinks, games, and music. Music enthusiasts should come during the months of October and November, which are the times for the World Creole Music Festival.