“With whispering palms, turquoise seas and merengue melodies aplenty, this Latino lovely is where the spirit of Spain and the charm of the Caribbean collide.”
Presidents and first ladies have stayed here. Music legends holiday here. Baseball heroes were born here. The Dominican Republic’s southeast coast has quite an A-list following to rival that of a red carpet film premier. We’re talking Shakira, Bill and Hillary Clinton and Sammy Sosa – that’s quite a recommendation. And the moment you step off the plane in La Romana you'll see why the Dominican Republic is so well-loved by the well-known. Cue a maze of narrow streets where miniature haciendas huddle together like old friends. Thousands of dinky shops brimming with hand-rolled cigars, Larimar jewellery and all kinds of faux designer must-haves. Plus the syrup-sweet scent of molasses spilling out of the sugar factory. For a more cosmopolitan take on the tropics, you’ve got Casa de Campo. An oh-so exclusive resort on the outskirts of La Romana, Casa de Campo is the kind of place that needs a fanfare introduction. For starters, there’s a marina fringed with boutiques and filled with sleek super-yachts. Then there’s the private airstrip, swanky villas and international-standard polo fields. Not to mention some of the best golf courses in the world. With credentials like that, it’s little wonder that the likes of Colin Farrell and Michael Jackson have stayed here. And who can blame them? Turning the cosmopolitan cheek on the hustle and bustle of the north, time here is as laid-back as the lifestyle. Simply stretch out on the silvery sands and work on that golden glow. With towns like Bavaro and Bayahibe among the bevy of beach beauties that gild these shores, it’s easy to see why the southeast coast is enjoying its moment in the Caribbean sun.
Long and thin, short and flat – and blunt or clipped – cigars are big business in the Dominican Republic. While they may not have the exotic romance of an imported Cuban cigar, hand-rolled Dominican cheroots are hard to beat. At the La Romana factory, a small crew of employees roll up to 1,500 cigars a day to fill shop shelves across the country. Visit the curing room where the tobacco is scattered for drying. Watch a demonstration of the seven step rolling process. And soak up the smoke-scented atmosphere. Whether you choose cigarillos, coronas or panetellas, don’t leave without a souvenir cigar to take home – oh and don’t forget to haggle.
Colonial Santo Domingo
If you’re a bit of a culture vulture, the old colonial part of Santo Domingo will be right up your holiday street. It’s got more 500-year old buildings than you can shake your digi-cam at. It’s even got the first cathedral, university and hospital in the Caribbean. So whip out your camera and get snapping, these memories will last long after you’ve shaken the sand from your suitcase.
Altos de Chavon
Scenes from Hollywood hit Apocalypse Now were filmed here. Sting and Santana have played concerts in the Roman-style theatre. Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley got married in the tiny chapel. And now it’s your turn to check out this beauty spot. Perched high on the cliffs above the Chavon river, you’ll discover the 16th century village Altos de Chavon. At least it looks like a 16th century village… In actual fact, it’s a replica built in 1976 by an oil baron for his daughter. With cobblestone paths, mosaic plazas and fabulous views over the rainforest, it’s a sight to soothe sore eyes. And the resident artists are working hard to keep the craft and design traditions of this Caribbean island alive. It’s not all about sightseeing though. With everything from clay pots and silk-screen painted t-shirts to bright tapestries on sale, it scores high with serious souvenir shoppers too.
White water River Rafting
Swimmers ahoy! Pull on a wet suit, clip on a life jacket and strap on a helmet. It’s time to get wet. White water rafting an island exploration with a difference. Climb high into mountains for the speediest, most exhilarating tour of this tropical island. A fast and furious river ride through the rainforest – it’s a watery Caribbean adventure that will really get your blood pumping.
Isla Saona
You’ve seen it on the Bounty ads, now see it for yourself. Floating in the in the larimar-blue waters of the Caribbean, Saona Island is everything you imagined paradise to be. A totally tropical combination of crystal-clear seas, sun-toasted sands and a tangle of mangroves and palm trees. First discovered by Colombus in 1494, Saona is now a national park – and, of course, it’s a haven for swimming, snorkelling and starfish gazing. Not to mention the boat parties…
Animal Adventure Park
Get back to nature, with close encounters of an animal kind, at the Dominican Republic’s newest adventure park. Get a kiss from a sea lion. Stroke a shark. Or smile for the camera with a spider monkey in your arms. Think National Geographic meets Disneyland and you kind of get the idea. You can even be a trainer for a day and feed your feathered and finned friends. This is about as up close and personal as you can get to the animal kingdom.
Catalina Island
For a beach experience like no other, Catalina Island takes some beating. Made entirely of brilliant-white coral stone and with no hotels or homes to mar the natural beauty, this truly is paradise. Water-based fun is par for the course on Catalina. Swimming, snorkelling and scuba are all on the menu. Away from the water? Find a shady spot on the silver sand, lean against a palm tree and relax – cocktail in hand.
Higuey
Otherwise known as the capital of the east coast, Higuey is home to one of the most important monuments on the island. And trust us, you’ll spot it a mile off - the cathedral has a quirky rooftop arch that seems to reach the sky. Inside, the famous painting Virgin de la Altagracia is the main attraction. Believing it to work miracles, thousands make the pilgrimage to worship this religious icon. So much so, that a national holiday is held in its honour – which is a miracle in itself.
Teeth of the Dog Golf Course
If golf is the order of the day, you’ve just found your fairway to heaven. Nestled in the up-market celebrity haunt, Casa de Campo, is the course heralded by Golf Magazine as ‘number one in the Caribbean’. And with eight ocean holes, tricky dog-legs and designer, Pete Dye’s signature obstacles featuring among the shots, it comes as no surprise to find that professionals and amateurs are all clamouring for tee-time here.
Deep Sea Fishing
Sport fishing is a big deal in Punta Cana. Tuna. Wahoo. And mahi mahi. You name it, you’ll find it out in the deep blue. But it’s the big billfish that draw serious anglers here. The clear cobalt-blue waters are an out-an-out fishing paradise. The sand banks and coral reefs drop off two miles out to sea, so it’s not unusual to find a sofa-sized marlin with the beach still in your sights. Sink a hook and catch a big one.
Presidents and first ladies have stayed here. Music legends holiday here. Baseball heroes were born here. The Dominican Republic’s southeast coast has quite an A-list following to rival that of a red carpet film premier. We’re talking Shakira, Bill and Hillary Clinton and Sammy Sosa – that’s quite a recommendation. And the moment you step off the plane in La Romana you'll see why the Dominican Republic is so well-loved by the well-known. Cue a maze of narrow streets where miniature haciendas huddle together like old friends. Thousands of dinky shops brimming with hand-rolled cigars, Larimar jewellery and all kinds of faux designer must-haves. Plus the syrup-sweet scent of molasses spilling out of the sugar factory. For a more cosmopolitan take on the tropics, you’ve got Casa de Campo. An oh-so exclusive resort on the outskirts of La Romana, Casa de Campo is the kind of place that needs a fanfare introduction. For starters, there’s a marina fringed with boutiques and filled with sleek super-yachts. Then there’s the private airstrip, swanky villas and international-standard polo fields. Not to mention some of the best golf courses in the world. With credentials like that, it’s little wonder that the likes of Colin Farrell and Michael Jackson have stayed here. And who can blame them? Turning the cosmopolitan cheek on the hustle and bustle of the north, time here is as laid-back as the lifestyle. Simply stretch out on the silvery sands and work on that golden glow. With towns like Bavaro and Bayahibe among the bevy of beach beauties that gild these shores, it’s easy to see why the southeast coast is enjoying its moment in the Caribbean sun.
Beaches
When it comes to beaches the southeast of the island pushes all the right holiday buttons. Think sugar-white sands that stretch as far as the eye can see. Waters so clear that you can see the sun dancing on the seabed. And tall palms nodding in the sun. A sparkling jewel in the treasure trove of Caribbean beaches, the southeast coast has more than just good looks going for it. Don some scuba gear and explore the coral reefs. Shrug into a life jacket and enjoy the wide range of watersports. Or simply soak up the serene atmosphere, lie back and forget about the world beyond your sunbed. A peaceful paradise with looks to-die-for – this powerful combination is enough to sweep you off your flip flops.Eating out
The food here’s not highly spiced like the jerk flavours of Jamaica. Instead the live stock on the island feed on wild oregano and this ‘pre-seasoning’ gives the meat an amazing flavour. But with many of the beach hotels boasting more than four all inclusive restaurants, eating in your resort is the new eating out. Feast on pan-fried steak with plantain and vegetables. Tuck into pastas, tacos and noodles. Or dine on the beach and eat lobster as you watch the sun set – perfect if romance is on the menu. But for a taste of the Dominican, you can’t beat a plate loaded with fresh fruit. From juicy pineapple to papaya, coconut and mango, it’s fresh from the trees and good enough to make your mouth water. But it wouldn’t be a proper Caribbean holiday without a barbecue on the beach – hot chicken and a cold Presidente beer.Shopping
You don’t come to the Dominican Republic to shop. This calm corner of the Caribbean is all about lazy beach days. But if you do feel the urge to indulge in some retail therapy, there are plenty of ways to part with your pesos. Buy trinkets and treasures from beach traders. Bag yourself some original art to take home. Or head for the many plazas for souvenir shops loaded with larimar and brimming with bric-a-brac. Grab a bargain. Mingle with the locals. Search for gifts to take home. From t-shirts and rum to cigars and fresh coffee, it’s all under one roof. And if you’re after something a little more upmarket, Plaza Palma Real on the east coast gives you a Dominican take on the all-American mall.Nightlife
By the light of a silvery disco ball, the Dominican night scene springs to life. Whether you’re looking for classic disco, bachata beats or chart-topping tunes, you’ll find a nightclub to suit your mood in one of the all inclusive beach hotels. But if it’s a taste of something truly Dominican you’re after, it’s all about the merengue. From the moment you step off the plane your feet will be tapping to this tropical beat. So slip into your dancing shoes, follow the Latino rhythms to the floor and rock the night away – Caribbean style.Sightseeing
La Romana Cigar factoryLong and thin, short and flat – and blunt or clipped – cigars are big business in the Dominican Republic. While they may not have the exotic romance of an imported Cuban cigar, hand-rolled Dominican cheroots are hard to beat. At the La Romana factory, a small crew of employees roll up to 1,500 cigars a day to fill shop shelves across the country. Visit the curing room where the tobacco is scattered for drying. Watch a demonstration of the seven step rolling process. And soak up the smoke-scented atmosphere. Whether you choose cigarillos, coronas or panetellas, don’t leave without a souvenir cigar to take home – oh and don’t forget to haggle.
Colonial Santo Domingo
If you’re a bit of a culture vulture, the old colonial part of Santo Domingo will be right up your holiday street. It’s got more 500-year old buildings than you can shake your digi-cam at. It’s even got the first cathedral, university and hospital in the Caribbean. So whip out your camera and get snapping, these memories will last long after you’ve shaken the sand from your suitcase.
Altos de Chavon
Scenes from Hollywood hit Apocalypse Now were filmed here. Sting and Santana have played concerts in the Roman-style theatre. Michael Jackson and Lisa Marie Presley got married in the tiny chapel. And now it’s your turn to check out this beauty spot. Perched high on the cliffs above the Chavon river, you’ll discover the 16th century village Altos de Chavon. At least it looks like a 16th century village… In actual fact, it’s a replica built in 1976 by an oil baron for his daughter. With cobblestone paths, mosaic plazas and fabulous views over the rainforest, it’s a sight to soothe sore eyes. And the resident artists are working hard to keep the craft and design traditions of this Caribbean island alive. It’s not all about sightseeing though. With everything from clay pots and silk-screen painted t-shirts to bright tapestries on sale, it scores high with serious souvenir shoppers too.
White water River Rafting
Swimmers ahoy! Pull on a wet suit, clip on a life jacket and strap on a helmet. It’s time to get wet. White water rafting an island exploration with a difference. Climb high into mountains for the speediest, most exhilarating tour of this tropical island. A fast and furious river ride through the rainforest – it’s a watery Caribbean adventure that will really get your blood pumping.
Isla Saona
You’ve seen it on the Bounty ads, now see it for yourself. Floating in the in the larimar-blue waters of the Caribbean, Saona Island is everything you imagined paradise to be. A totally tropical combination of crystal-clear seas, sun-toasted sands and a tangle of mangroves and palm trees. First discovered by Colombus in 1494, Saona is now a national park – and, of course, it’s a haven for swimming, snorkelling and starfish gazing. Not to mention the boat parties…
Animal Adventure Park
Get back to nature, with close encounters of an animal kind, at the Dominican Republic’s newest adventure park. Get a kiss from a sea lion. Stroke a shark. Or smile for the camera with a spider monkey in your arms. Think National Geographic meets Disneyland and you kind of get the idea. You can even be a trainer for a day and feed your feathered and finned friends. This is about as up close and personal as you can get to the animal kingdom.
Catalina Island
For a beach experience like no other, Catalina Island takes some beating. Made entirely of brilliant-white coral stone and with no hotels or homes to mar the natural beauty, this truly is paradise. Water-based fun is par for the course on Catalina. Swimming, snorkelling and scuba are all on the menu. Away from the water? Find a shady spot on the silver sand, lean against a palm tree and relax – cocktail in hand.
Higuey
Otherwise known as the capital of the east coast, Higuey is home to one of the most important monuments on the island. And trust us, you’ll spot it a mile off - the cathedral has a quirky rooftop arch that seems to reach the sky. Inside, the famous painting Virgin de la Altagracia is the main attraction. Believing it to work miracles, thousands make the pilgrimage to worship this religious icon. So much so, that a national holiday is held in its honour – which is a miracle in itself.
Teeth of the Dog Golf Course
If golf is the order of the day, you’ve just found your fairway to heaven. Nestled in the up-market celebrity haunt, Casa de Campo, is the course heralded by Golf Magazine as ‘number one in the Caribbean’. And with eight ocean holes, tricky dog-legs and designer, Pete Dye’s signature obstacles featuring among the shots, it comes as no surprise to find that professionals and amateurs are all clamouring for tee-time here.
Deep Sea Fishing
Sport fishing is a big deal in Punta Cana. Tuna. Wahoo. And mahi mahi. You name it, you’ll find it out in the deep blue. But it’s the big billfish that draw serious anglers here. The clear cobalt-blue waters are an out-an-out fishing paradise. The sand banks and coral reefs drop off two miles out to sea, so it’s not unusual to find a sofa-sized marlin with the beach still in your sights. Sink a hook and catch a big one.
