Links
Villa PassiFlora on Facebook
Traveller's Reviews of Villa PassiFlora
On Dominica and Calibishie
- Paul Crask's guidebook to Dominica (Bradt) is not only the best current resource, but one of the best guidebooks to any destination I've ever read. His website has lovely photos of the island, and the book is a "must purchase" before your visit.
- Ann Keener, a passionate advocate of local foods and a phenomenal cook, spent about 4 months at Villa PassiFlora as part of our caretaking team. Her blog contains some wonderful insights into procuring and preparing the magnificent natural bounty of Dominica, as well as a sometimes amusing look at our trip to the Boiling Lake.
- Lennox Honychurch is a great source of information on Dominica's history and culture. His Dominica guide (Dominica: Isle of Adventure), though not recently updated, remains an excellent introduction to the island.
- Dominica gets lauded as ethical travel destination in Caribbean Journal .
- The Calibishie coast site can help fill you in on the village and environs, including a range of accomodations other than Villa PassiFlora that may work better for you.
Points South
- Yes, Mick Jagger did hike to the Boiling Lake.
- As did we! Ann Keener's blog (link above) contains a detailed description of our utterly exhausting, but unforgettable, experience.
- If you plan to spend time on the other end of the island, Papillote is the time-honored rain forest lodging par excellance.
- Tia's provides basic accomodations, good food and amazing hot and cold riverside pools.
Transportation and Car Rental
- Calabash Motors, run by the delightful Oliver Marcel, is our Calibishie-based rental agency. They will arrange transportation from the airport on request. They specialize in jeeps and left-drive vehicles, which some Americans find easier to drive.
- Chris's Economy Car Rental specializes in rentals of more than one week at exceptional rates. Email Chris, or call 767-449-9559 or 767-448-7461.
- Here is a link to several other car rental agencies. Note that Budget, though the only name many of us will likely recognize, is by no means dominant.
- Liat is the final common pathway for many trips to Dominica, and booking their flights is pretty straightforward using their website. We have generally NOT been able to book Liat flights using Orbitz.
- BVI Airways is offering night flights from St. Maarten, and initial experience has been great!
- If you are coming through St. Lucia, Martinique or Guadeloupe, consider the ferry.
Arts and Images
- Lu Szumskyj has graciously contributed images for our website. The best photos are all his! His sumptuous photos can be explored at Macromystic Images.
- Indigo is the amazing gallery and restaurant of Clem and Marie Frederick, on the road to Portsmouth, about 15 minutes from Calibishie. Clem handcrafted this glorious birdhouse (as well as being responsible for the stonework at Villa Passiflora). Marie is one of Dominica's most highly regarded artists, and Indigo is the showplace for her work. Her unforgettable meals require reservations (and probably some coaxing of the chef, who is at least semi-retired). Enjoy the experience that captivated Orlando Bloom!
- The Society for Heritage Architecture Preservation Enhancement (SHAPE) is doing great work with modest financial resources to preserve Dominca's Caribbean architecture, primarily in Roseau. If your trip includes a visit to Roseau, SHAPE's walking tour of the capital is highly recommended.