Wanderlust Caribbean - Adventure Travel Boutique Hotel

We had a wonderful week in Dominica in February, staying at Wanderlust. Tom is an incredible host - he makes you feel like you are visiting with a friend who wants to show you around where they live. The variety of activities all week was tremendous, including thrilling canyoning, hiking up and through rivers to beautiful waterfalls, birding with a wonderfully knowledgeable and enthusiastic expert, visiting local farms, paddle boarding, hiking along picturesque coastlines, snorkeling and even a bit of time on some incredible beaches! The meals in the hotel were delicious home cooking, and the places we ate elsewhere showcased a great range of local food, from simple grilled fish to a vegan stew cooked over an open fire. The rooms are comfortable with everything you need. But the real attraction is Dominica itself, and the way that staying here makes it easy to really experience a lot of what the island has to offer. Special mentions have to go to the team of people Tom's assembled - great food from Kenesha, and great driving and guiding from Bam Bam and David. Dominica is still a lot less visited than other islands, which was its attraction to us, but that also means it is extra useful to have such a well organized and curated set of experiences by Wanderlust, that makes enjoying everything easy. If you want a vacation where you lay on a beach and sip cocktails, this is probably not what you are looking for. But we will definitely be recommending that our adventure-seeking friends come here!

Staying at Wanderlust was amazing and allowed us to visit so many places around Dominica that would be completely inaccessible without the hotel’s guidance. Our hike to Victoria Falls was my personal favorite, and as an active 16-year-old it felt like a real adventure. The trail was nearly deserted and involved many river crossings and bouldering, which my family wouldn’t have the confidence to do without our local Wanderlust guide Bam Bam showing us the way. The falls itself were amazing and completely untouched by mass tourism or commercial activity, as we were one of only two small groups on the trail. The small group travel size (5–9 people) also allowed for a very personalized experience, which was great. Tom and his crew were very knowledgeable, capable, and hospitable, which added to the experience. The breakfasts every morning were tasty and filling to fuel the start to our daily adventure. Awesome and would totally recommend!

What a wonderful stay! Tom and team were truly amazing! Years of thoughtful curating experiences really showed, and our entire family benefited. The hikes were fantastic, and we were able to see much of the island many people don’t get a chance to experience. It’s rare to find such a knowledgeable and kind host, Tom is very genuine, authentic and a wonderful human being. I hope our travels bring us back again one day! I would rate it more than five stars if I could.

What an EPIC experience. My husband and I booked the 7-day Explorer Package this December, and truly our only complaint is that we wish we'd booked a longer stay. Tom and Sharie are an incredible couple; their passion for Dominica, adventure, and connecting with people (locals and guests alike) is undeniable and infectious. We also spent a lot of time hiking and snorkeling with Bam Bam, who is an amazing font of knowledge (and patience, haha -- we are not the fastest hikers). Although we ran into some unusually rainy weather that threw off a few plans, Tom, Sharie, Bam Bam, and everyone else we toured with made sure we still had loads of fun. We enjoyed a variety of hikes, some fantastic snorkels, explored the coast and beaches near Wanderlust, dined at several local establishments (where we had the freshest seafood and Tom literally knew EVERYONE -- and they were all so glad to see him/welcome us, making it all the more special) ... and we still ended up with a bit of time to soak up the view from our balcony and relax in our lovely room. Finally, I have to mention the food. We anticipated loads of delicious, fresh fruits and juices following our call with Tom, but that didn't prepare us for the absolutely UNREAL meals we had on property. Every breakfast had us laughing in disbelief -- we couldn't imagine it being better than the day before, but somehow, they just got more and more delicious. (Also, they're too humble to admit it, but we honestly found their rum punch to be the best on the island. And Sharie's coquitos! YUM!) That said, Tom and Sharie are the first to say this is not the vacation for everyone, and that's true. It's active, it's rugged, and while the service Wanderlust provides makes it feel luxurious, all the best stuff requires some effort. So, if you're looking for a "lay on the beach, sip a daiquiri" kind of vacation, this might not be it. But if you love being in nature, seeking adventure, meeting kind people, and eating fresh food ... well, you won't find a better place than Wanderlust Caribbean. We're already planning our return with a group of friends -- and we have SUCH a list of things we can't wait to do!

Where do I begin? Like many other reviewers, I'm a lifelong avid planner, but after a challenging year, I wanted to change things up and let someone else handle the details. Wanderlust Caribbean MORE than delivered.||From the moment we arrived and were greeted with their homemade rum punch (which my husband and I agree was the best we've ever had), a map, and an overview of the plans for the week, we knew we were in the right place. Tom and Sharie are kind, knowledgeable, inspiring, and their passion for this work shines through in every detail. ||Although an unusually rainy weather event prevented us from completing a couple of planned activities (canyoning and the last 1/3 or so of Boiling Lake), we had an absolute blast -- so much so that we're already planning to return (with friends!). Every day included the most delicious food, exploring via hiking and/or snorkeling or SUP, insights about the island/people/history ... there was never a dull moment. Some of the highlights included touring with Bam Bam; not only did he point out interesting plants and fruits during hikes, but while snorkeling, he dove down, pointed out fish and coral, then came up to tell us about it. We've snorkeled a LOT, but that was a first! ||When we did carve out a little downtime, we realized we could absolutely spend an afternoon sitting on the balcony of our charming room, gazing out at that view, with no problem at all. (Especially since we'd picked up some rum punch and fresh fruit to enjoy!)||We really appreciated the way Tom and Sharie approach bookings; when they schedule a call with you, they're truly making sure that what they offer is a good fit for you. This ensures that everyone there is on a similar, if not the exact same, page, and part of the fun was sharing these adventures with another guest.||If you're reading this and the other reviews and thinking, gosh, this seems too good to be true, you're not alone. We had the same thought. But after a week at Wanderlust Caribbean, we can say unequivocally that this is all absolutely true, and probably fall short of what the true experience is. We honestly can't wait to return -- this time, for a few more days. Once you see how much you get out of this trip, you'll understand that it's honestly a bargain. You're not only in a GORGEOUS, peaceful location (some of our favorite adventures didn't even require us to get in a car), but you get to do SO much -- without the stress of figuring out how to get there, where to park, how much to pay, whether you've chosen the best option, etc.

So Much More Than a Typical Beach Vacation You know a trip is special when you’re still talking about it weeks later—and our adventure in Dominica is one we’ll be raving about for a very long time. Every time we share stories with friends and family, their eyes widen, their curiosity sparks, and before we know it, we’re deep into tales of whales, waterfalls, and the most heartfelt hospitality we’ve ever experienced. Wanderlust Caribbean Adventure Travel Boutique Hotel is unlike any resort we’ve ever stayed at. And with “wanderlust” being my favorite word in the English language, I felt destined to stay here. Owner Tom Decherd is the soul of this place. His passion for Dominica—its culture, its landscapes, its people—shines through in everything he does. He greeted us personally at the airport, helped us navigate a delayed luggage hiccup with calm reassurance, and set the tone for a stay that felt more like visiting a dear friend than checking into a hotel. Each day began with authentic dishes prepared onsite, full of local flavor and made with genuine care. And then there was our Penthouse—wow. Panoramic Atlantic views that made us gasp, a beautifully appointed interior, and an incredibly comfortable mattress. The unit had every convenience of a short term rental, but with the added magic of Wanderlust’s signature service. What truly sets this property apart is the personalized tour planning. Tom and his team don’t just hand you a brochure—they craft your adventure. It’s like having your own private concierge, arranging transportation, coordinating activities, and making sure every detail is seamless. They provide their own guides for hikes and snorkeling, including the unforgettable Bam Bam, who quickly became our go to guy. Tom even books lunch and dinner at local favorites like the Lobster Palace. Everywhere we went, it was clear the island holds deep respect for him. His relationships run wide and deep, and guests benefit from that warmth. As boomers who lean toward soft adventure, we found Dominica to be an exciting playground. One of the highlights was spotting 20 sperm whales and around 50 dolphins with Waitukubuli Tours—an absolutely extraordinary experience. Underwater, we swam among turtles, octopus, angelfish, yellow tube sponge, and even geothermal bubbles rising from the sea floor. On land, we soaked our muscles in the mineral-rich pools at Ti Kwen Glo Cho, hiked through lush jungle and rivers to reach waterfalls like Victoria and Spanny, and—feeling brave—tackled canyoning with Extreme Dominica. It pushed us physically, but the sense of accomplishment was incredible. We also enjoyed visiting the Pointe Baptiste Estate chocolate factory, a must for anyone with a sweet tooth or a love of local craftsmanship. And of course, no trip to Dominica is complete without a quest for the island’s best rum punch. Consider it a delicious mission. Wanderlust Caribbean gave us so much more than a vacation. It gave us stories, connections, and everlasting memories. If you’re looking for a destination that blends comfort, culture, adventure, and genuine hospitality, this is the place. Dominica is extraordinary—and Wanderlust Caribbean is the perfect way to experience it.

My sister and I wanted to visit a country with a warm climate, where we could actively enjoy nature. We agreed that Dominica and The Wanderlust would meet our needs, and they sure did! Tom and Sharie are wonderful, compassionate hosts, and are well-respected throughout Dominica. The hotel is in a beautiful location, and our 2 BR apartment was clean, comfortable, and nicely decorated, with a gorgeous view. Tom and/or BamBam (an awesome person and guide) drove us around the island and led us on hikes through the jungle/rivers and on beautiful snorkeling excursions. The waterfalls and swimming pools are exhilarating! We also participated in canyoneering (gorgeous, but a little scary for me), soaked in hot sulfur pools, toured the local chocolate factory, and visited a fascinating permaculture farm. Tom was so accommodating and supportive when I had trouble keeping up with the group…thank you for coming up with solutions! Finally, the meals served at the Wanderlust were so delicious…kudos to Sharie and Kanishia! It was a vacation that my sister and I enjoyed immensely, and we’ll never forget the hospitality of our hosts and the Dominican people!

We had a fantastic stay at Wanderlust Caribbean and can’t say enough good things about our time there. Tom and Sharie were wonderful hosts and really make sure that everything runs smoothly, that folks are having a good time and have everything they need for a great week. The accommodation is beautiful, clean and comfortable with incredible views of the ocean and cliffs beyond. We loved having someone else do the driving and plan the fun group excursions. I particularly enjoyed the canyoning and the snorkeling, as well as the coastal neighborhood walk led by Tom. The food we enjoyed at the hotel was amazing and hats off to Sharie and her helper who made each meal better than the next! Dominica is a true gem of the Caribbean and I’m looking forward to another return.