Half of an island set in the heart of the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic has propelled itself in a few years as a must of seaside destinations, carving out a solid reputation as a paradise of idleness. Its 600 kilometers of white sandy beaches hemmed in by translucent waters and fringed with coconut trees make it a formidable seaside paradise. A paradise where the sun always shines. In addition, there is a voluptuous art of living that is embodied in the national rhythm, the merengue. Finally, all year round, promotions on flights, all-inclusive stays and all-inclusive hotels are legion and make the destination accessible. So, no more time to lose!
Are you planning a vacation in the Dominican Republic? Discover right now the 13 must-do's during your stay!
All-inclusive formula or charming hotel?
The diversity of its accommodation options makes the Dominican Republic an ideal destination for family or romantic vacations and within the reach of all budgets. The followers of the absolute idleness often concentrate in the complexes posting formulas all-inclusive. These tourist infrastructures offer a wide range of activities and services to vacationers. This formula, the least expensive, proves to be without surprise and presents the double advantage of a total care and a good control of the budget. The only concern of the holidaymaker will be to choose between swimming pool and beach, Italian or Mexican restaurant and tennis or sailing... And when you are tired of the pleasures of the beach, the variety of excursions offered opens new perspectives.
The country has elevated the mastery of this hotel concept to an art form. The all-inclusive vacation clubs colonized very early entire regions of the coast, such as the north coast with, for example, the enclave of Playa Dorada in Puerto Plata, as well as the Coconut Coast at the southeastern tip of the country in the Punta Cana region.
Between history and thrills and dream beaches
On the north coast, the windsurfing spot of Cabarete is the den of thrill-seekers. With strong, steady and constant winds, the spot is ranked among the best in the world for windsurfing and kitesurfing. Wind and kite schools and centers line up in tight rows and the bay is the scene of an incessant multicolored ballet of hundreds of fluorescent sails every day.
If you stay in this region, a visit to Puerto Plata, the main port on the north coast, named by Christopher Columbus because of the silvery reflections of its transparent waters, is a must. The city retains all the charm of the villages of the past. It displays its coquettish wooden mansions with bright colors, enhanced by galleries with columns and scalloped wooden friezes in the gingerbread style that boldly cut through the intense blue of the sky. The Amber Museum will reveal the secrets of the thousand-year-old resin, from which wonderful jewels are cut today.
To the northeast on the Atlantic coast, the Samaná peninsula, a gigantic natural reserve of coconut trees, unfolds its 30 km of pristine beaches. It is undoubtedly the region to be recommended to all those who privilege independence. An authentic and harmonious region, the accommodation offer favors small, intimate and friendly structures.
The unconditional ones of the big calm will choose a stay in Las Galeras, small beach slumbered at the extreme northeast point of the country; for a more sustained rhythm and a richer social life, one will choose Las Terrenas, the seaside resort star of the country, with its halts of great charm, its restaurants and its trendy bars, without forgetting its hectic night life...
A few miles from Samaná is the island of Cayo Levantado and its beaches that border on perfection, the goal of a very popular day trip. A stay in the area would not be complete without a trip to Playa Rincon, bathed by the fresh water of a river. Listed in the Who's who of the most beautiful beaches in the world, it is one of the most immortalized on glossy paper.
For those who have chosen the winter period for their vacations in this region, a trip to the sea is a must to meet the humpback whales. And if you missed the whale migration, you can go to sea to tease the big fish in deep waters.
Finally, why not take a day trip on horseback to theEl Limon waterfall, one of the most beautiful in the country?
More confidential corners
The most adventurous visitors will opt for the southwest coast. This region is the least developed of the country, and there are still few tourists. Still very wild, ground of an extraordinary biodiversity, it is a true paradise of the seaside ecotourism. The wild beaches with sometimes dangerous waters are often deserted. Some have become the secret refuge of experienced surfers. The cool waters of the mountain rivers join the sea, forming small lakes, the "balnearios", where swimming is a delight.
Then, it's time to move to the interior of the island because the country also presents an extreme diversity of landscapes of countryside and mountains. It would indeed be a shame not to take advantage of the trip to discover the other side of the country, the campo and its small sleepy villages, the peaceful daily life of farmers. In the countryside, at the bend of a large sugarcane plantation, you will meet farmers on donkeys or horses, a herd of cows led by children... The traveler finds himself in the heart of a naive painting with bright colors where the lomas, soft green hills staked here and there with coconut trees, undulate endlessly under the deep blue sky. The flamboyants draw vegetal tunnels of an intense red and the wooden creole huts display audacious contrasts: orange, purple, pink... It will also be an opportunity to make contacts with a population of a kindness without false folds by sharing a meal or around a cafecito. Smiling, friendly, helpful, simple and not stressed for two cents, the Dominicans are indeed of a very welcoming nature.
And as soon as the night falls, it's time to party!
In the Dominican Republic, life is lived day and night, no matter where you are, from the capital to the smallest hamlet. In the villages, as soon as the evening falls, the inhabitants take the freshness on the step of their door while swinging nonchalantly in their mesedora, the traditional rocking chair. Further on, quartets of players are busy rattling their dominoes on a rickety table. On the "beisbol" field, teenagers train coolly, dreaming of joining the North American league.
And music, omnipresent, is a real phenomenon of society and gives rhythm to daily life. There is a lot of dancing in hotels, bars, terrazas, under the blades of a languid fan, in car washes or air-conditioned discos, sharing a "servicio" - composed of a bottle of rum and a cola - or a Presidente, the local beer. The weekend, from Friday to Sunday night, is a time of even greater excitement around the local bars. It's a chance to catch a concert by a local merengue band or a bachata singer. So, is the Dominican Republic a taste of paradise? It certainly is.
Smart info
When is the best time to visit? The climate is pleasant year-round, so hunt for deals!
Getting there. To discover the Dominican Republic, head to Santo Domingo or Punta Cana.
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