Some of the island’s most dramatic sights can be seen in the 17,000 acre Morne Trois Pitons National Park, a designated World Natural Heritage Site. Here you’ll see mist-veiled peaks looming over the rainforest, thundering waterfalls and the Boiling Lake, where sulphurous springs sizzle and steam at up to 197F. Sea life off the island is equally awe-inspiring. There are excellent dive sites with peaks, sheer walls, valleys and hot springs on the sea-bed. In the winter breeding season, sperm whales and their calves can be seen in the deep off-shore waters.

Another vital aspect of Dominica is that it is now the home of 3,000 surviving descendants of the Caribs, the pre-Columbian people who gave the Caribbean its name. Although the Carib language has perished, they have their own territory, where their baskets and wood-carvings are sold to visitors and some of their traditions are maintained.

The capital, Roseau, is the best base from which to journey into the interior. It’s a quiet town where, although English is the country’s official language, you’ll hear the French-based creole patois spoken in the streets, markets, cafés and many rum shops.