Paradise refound
through the national parks, lecturing on the islands flora, insect and birdlife.
A combination of his sharp eyes, trained ears, telescopic lenses and incredible whistling techniques brings the tour to life.
We’re trekking the Syndicate Trail, lined with ancient, towering trees, on a quest to find the national bird of Dominica, the endemic purple Sisserou parrot. But there’s so much more to see along the way, and it’s barely a disappointment when we only catch their calls.
We pick out a magnificent pair of red-necked jaco parrots feeding in the mango trees and gaze at the spectacular mountain terrain whi le purplethroated Carib hummingbirds flit nearby.
Dr Birdy points out camouflaged stick insects as well as cat’s claw vines that curl around your fingers.
All of that is enough to build an appetite and The Palisades in the capital Roseau is a great option for dinner. It’s at the Fort Young Hotel perched on a balcony overlooking Roseau Bay – the view can’t be beaten, and they serve an array of lobster, fresh fish and steak.
I specially enjoyed the starter of hot rock tuna – slivers of fresh fish that I cooked myself on a sizzling volcanic stone. I also tried the delicious Rastafarian Island Veggie Stew with festival dumplings, accompanied by beans, tofu and plantain chips.
The local speciality cocktail is the BBC – banana, Baileys and cream. Served in a huge cocktail glass, this boozy banana split makes a great dessert.
If you enjoy the sound of the sea lapping outside, the peaceful Picard Beach Cottages in Prince Rupert Bay on Carib side are for you.
A small line of beach cottages line the strip of sand – mine was in the shade of a 600-year old saman tree right on the beach.
They bear the names of previous guests – in my case Oscar-winning sound designer Lee Orloff, who stayed here during the filming of Pirates Of The Caribbean movies.
It’s a boast only beaten by my