Dominica, naturally

GETTING THERE:

From LAX to Melville Hall Airport, north of Roseau, American has connecting service (change of plane). Restricted round-trip fares begin at $1,046.

WHERE TO STAY:

Among the best accommodations on the island:

Fort Young Hotel, Victoria Street, P.O. Box 519, Roseau; (767) 448-5000, fax (767) 448-5006, https://www.fortyounghotel.com. Dominica’s premier hotel, built on the site of an 18th century fort overlooking the sea, has 53 guest rooms and suites with modern amenities. Doubles $95; ocean view $125.

Papillote Wilderness Retreat, Trafalgar Falls Road, P.O. Box 2287, Roseau; (767) 448-2287, fax (767) 448-2285, https://www.papillote.dm. Rustic bungalows scattered across 12 acres of botanical gardens. Restaurant, bar. Doubles $95.

Picard Beach Cottage Resort, Prince Rupert Bay, Portsmouth; (767) 445-5131, fax (767) 445-5599, https://www.avirtualdominica.com/picard.htm. Eighteen cottages in 18th century Dominican architecture. Each has a kitchen and sleeps two or three. Winter: garden-view doubles $160, beachfront $180. Summer: garden-view $100, beachfront $120.

WHERE TO EAT:

Le Flambeau, Picard Beach Cottage Resort. Local and international cuisine. Casual, open-air dining on the beach. Entrees $10-$25.

Papillote Rainforest Restaurant, Papillote Wilderness Retreat. Creole cuisine with flair; Wednesday night barbecue. Worth the trip even if you’re not staying at Papillote. Entrees from $20.

La Robe Créole Pub/Restaurant, 3 Victoria St., Roseau; (767) 448-2896. For 24 years this cozy restaurant has served Creole classics. Entrees $5-$25.

TO LEARN MORE:

Dominica Tourist Office, 800 2nd Ave., Suite 1802, New York, NY 10017; (212) 949-1711, fax (212) 949-1714, https://www.ndcdominica.dm.