Nature Island of the Caribbean
That "nature" nickname fits Dominica, thanks to its focus on eco- tourism. Lush, tropical rain forest blankets much of the island, the Morne Trois Pitons National Park alone covering about 17,000 acres. Trails bordered by large ferns and wild orchids lead to water- falls, rivers and one of the world's largest boiling lakes. Dominica (pronounced Dom-in-EEK-ah) is sometimes confused with the much more populous Dominican Republic about 500 miles away, but if it's wilderness you're looking for, this is the island to visit.

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The Jungle Bay Resort & Spa on Dominica is honored on the 2009 ISLANDS Blue List, celebrating the best in sustainable travel. Contributing editor Jennica Peterson recently visited Jungle Bay, a stunning "green resort," where she found luxury redefined as letting the surrounding jungle fill her experience with its peaceful natural music. Read the full story.

Fly to Miami (a good one-night rest stop for West Coasters) and then through Puerto Rico to Dominica's Melville Hall Airport on American Airlines and its subsidiary, American Eagle. aa.com

Stay in the heart of Dominica's jungle in one of 35 hardwood cottages at the eco-luxe Jungle Bay Resort & Spa. You'll sleep alongside cedar, gommier and galba trees, comforted that the alternative-style resort does everything not to disturb the natural surroundings. junglebaydominica.com

Eat on the Jungle Bay property at the Pavilion Restaurant. On an excursion to the islands's capital, Roseau, try traditional Caribbean dishes like chicken curry roti, bull-foot soup and pig's tail with beans at Pearl's Cuisine. 767-448-8707

Hike through Morne Trois Pitons National Park with Ken's Hinter- land Adventure Tours. The Waterfall Melange offers a guided trek to Trafalgar, Sari Sari and Victoria Falls. Tour rate is $80. kenshinterlandtours.com

Visit the Kalinago Barana Aute, just south of Atkinson on the eastern side of the island, and mingle with local Carib people. Site pass is $80. kalinagobaranaaute.com

Relax at Turtle Bay on the northeast coast, one of the few beaches on the volcanic island that is fit for swimming.

Learn more at dominica.dm.