DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: LUSH | DIVERSE | LIVELY
Discovered in 1492 by Christopher Columbus, the country is brimming with an intriguing history, rich museums and enlightening cultural experiences. The Dominican Republic is a Caribbean nation that shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti to the west. The country has a rich Spanish colonial history going back 500 years. Today it is known for its pristine beaches, warm turquoise waters, and natural beauty. Carnival is celebrated widely in February and it is a colorful and memorable event.
The all-inclusive nature of resorts throughout the island leave little to be desired as they are home to spectacular restaurants, heavenly spas, world-class golf courses and a myriad of watersports. Locally sourced Dominican specialties such as cigars, rum, chocolate, coffee, amber and larimar make great gifts.
Links take you directly to the establishment's site. For point-to-point directions, check out our custom Google Map.
BEFORE YOU GO
GETTING AROUND
Fly in to the privately owned Punta Cana International Airport located within the Punta Cana Resort and Club. Taxis are readily available and reliable, though there is also airport transportation you can pre-book. Public transportation comes in many forms though none will be as comfortable as renting a car.
STAY
All-inclusive luxury is the norm in the Dominican Republic. The country’s lavish resorts are plentiful and full of amenities to meet your every need. Most of these resorts are located in Santo Domingo and Punta Cana, but wherever you go, a relaxing stay is guaranteed.
Casa de Campo
Eden Roc at Cap Cana
Gansevoort
Sublime Samaná
Tortuga Bay
EAT
Since the Dominican Republic was formerly a Spanish colony, the cuisine is heavily influenced by Spanish cooking. Indigenous Taíno and African influences also feature heavily on the menu. With its own Caribbean flair, savor the herbs and spices used in dishes prepared “a la criolla” or “guisado.”
La Palapa
La Yola
Passion, Paradisus Palma Real
DRINKS
Nightlife is lively and festive. Follow the locals to the favored nightclub of the evening and prepare to dance merengue into the early morning hours. If sipping cocktails by the shore is more your speed, you can count on a good selection of bars to meet your needs.
SEE & DO
The Dominican Republic is rich with history from the first European city in the Americas to the beautiful plazas found throughout the island. Watersports are abundant, golf courses are unparalleled, and merengue dancing is part of everyday life. You can swim in sparkling pools below cascading waterfalls, zip-line over tropical jungles, and enjoy hiking through caves decorated by natural limestone crystals. It is no wonder that this is one of the most visited destinations in the Caribbean.
Santo Domingo
Alcázar de Colón - Columbus Alcazar
El Malecón - Oceanfront Promenade
Jardín Botánico - National Botanical Gardens
Palacio Nacional - National Palace
Parque Nacional Los Tres Ojos - The 3 Eyes National Park
Plaza De La Cultura - Cultural Plaza
Zona Colonial, Santo Domingo
Catedral Primada de America - First Cathedral in the Americas
Monasterio de San Francisco - San Francisco Monastery
Museo de las Casas Reales - Museum of the Royal Houses
Zona Colonial - Colonial City of Santo Domingo (UNESCO)
La Romana
Altos de Chavón - Altos de Chavón Village
Cueva de las Maravillas - Cave of Miracles/Cave of Wonders
Playa Dominicus - Dominicus Beach
Parque Nacional del Este - National Park Of The East
Punta Cana
Samaná
Parque Nacional los Haitises - Los Haitises National Park
Cascada Salto el Limón - Salto el Limón Waterfall
Puerto Plata
Damajaqua Cascades - 27 Waterfalls
El Teleférico De Puerto Plata - Cable Car Of Puerto Plata
Fortaleza San Felipe - Fort San Felipe
Mount Isabel De Torres - Isabel De Torres National Park
Santiago
Cigarrería La Aurora - La Aurora Cigar Factory
SPA
Serene and modern facilities welcome you to the spas of the Dominican Republic. Rejuvenating treatments and classic massages are an enjoyable treat to compliment the hot Caribbean days.
SHOP
The Dominican Republic is known for its distinctive rum varieties, Arabica coffee, rich cacao, and hand-rolled cigars. The country is also home to the popular faceless dolls which represent the diverse array of people from the island.
Yellow, honey-colored amber is found here. This amber is also available in smaller quantities of red, green, and the extraordinary blue amber. Another local find includes Larimar, a rare blue variety of crystal, found exclusively in the Dominican Republic.