des moine international airport Christopher Columbus sighted the island s magnificent mountains when he circled Wai tukubuli with a

Christopher Columbus sighted the island s magnificent mountains when he circled Wai tukubuli with a 17-ship armada in 1493. Since it was Sunday morning, he called des moine international airport the island Dominica (from the Latin word domini meaning the Lord s day ) and wrote in his logbook: Dominica is remarkable for the beauty of its mountains. and must be seen to be believed. Columbus himself didn t land on Dominica that day because of the difficulty of finding a calm harbor. However, some of his men did anchor off the leeward side and reported finding people and huts. Over the next century, various European expeditions visited or passed by the island, and the sailors mentioned its outstanding beauty

the abundant wilderness and raw beauty here. Hikers, divers, bird watchers, and plant enthusiasts won t have enough hours in the day. There are mountains to conquer, untouched sea life to observe, and rare species of birds and plants to discover. Pack your knapsack with a good pair of binoculars, sturdy hiking boots, and a supply of the island s own bottled water, then set out in any direction for the best adventures in the Caribbean.

758-450-0551 or 877-927-7527, fax 758-450-0281 www.splashresorts.com 372 rooms, including des moine international airport 55 suites $$$$ (AI) Far on the northern tip of the island, this everything-to-everybody all-inclusive resort is St. Lucia s largest hotel complex. Five vacation villages sprawl across 65 garden-like acres with two beaches, five swimming pools, four restaurants, and a staggering list of activities to please every child, couple, single adult, and family.