Andy and Melissa, the founders and managers of Banana Lama, used to own and staff a yacht they rented out. Andy was the sea captain, and Melissa was the chief. Today, Andy and Melissa run three affordable and stunning luxury eco-villas. The décor is wonderfully rustic, chic, and sophisticated all at the same time. The food, prepared mainly by Melissa and on a few occasions by Andy, is the best I had in Dominica!

The riverside property is located in a luscious off-the-grid green and serene valley on the east coast of Dominica. You have to take an easy zipline to cross the two rivers to get to the property, since hurricane Maria destroyed the two bridges on the way.

Unless you decide to hike up the river and venture into the forest to find an exceptionally cute small waterfall, ziplining is as much activity as you’re going to get. Once you arrive, the chirp of the birds, the flowing river nearby, the rustle of the leaves, and the eye-catching flowers make Banana Lama a rejuvenating oasis of calm, demanding nothing but for you to relax.

USD $ 100 – 160/night

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