THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: A VACATION PLAYGROUND OF LEGENDARY PROPORTIONS
Situated just two hours south of Miami and less than four hours from New York, the Dominican Republic is a lush island paradise boasting nearly 1,000 miles of coastline, 250 miles of the world’s top beaches, magnificent resorts and hotels, and a variety of sports, recreation, and entertainment options.
Here, you can dance to the pulse-pounding thrill of merengue, relax in luxurious and diverse accommodations, explore ancient relics from centuries past, delight in delicious Dominican food, or enjoy ecotourism adventures throughout magnificent national parks, mountain ranges, rivers, and beaches.
Along with its gorgeous coastline, the Dominican Republic is home to verdant mountain towns, fishing villages, and cactuslined landscapes. Venture inland, and you’ll experience the unified passion people here have for music and dance – merengue, bachata, and son – as well as for food, baseball, family, and hospitality.
The Dominican Republic ranks among the most diverse Caribbean countries in terms of geography, nature, and people. Its topography ranges from the highest peak in the region, Pico Duarte, to the lowest body of water, Lago Enriquillo. The country is home to a whopping 6,000 species of flora and 7,000 species of fauna, including cacti flowers, endemic hawks, and humpback whales.
Jewel of the Caribbean
The Dominican Republic overflows with fascinating history, museums, and exciting cultural experiences such as music, art, and festivals. Visitors can also enjoy uniquely Dominican specialties like cigars, rum, chocolate, coffee, and more. For golf enthusiasts, there are 26 designer golf courses set amid breathtaking coastlines with mountain backdrops and lush green fairways.
With its beautiful natural settings, including romantic waterfalls, stunning coasts, and idyllic accommodations, it’s no surprise that the Dominican Republic remains a top destination for weddings and romance seekers.If you’re heading to the Dominican Republic for the first time, it’s likely you’ll be staying in or around Punta Cana, the vacation center of the country. Punta Cana is the quintessential water, sun, and sand escape. Blessed with one of the Caribbean region’s longest white sand coastlines at 30 miles, punctuated with sky-reaching coconut palms, Punta Cana is the land of rest and relaxation by the sea. Here, where the Atlantic meets the Caribbean, from the northern tip at Uvero Alto to the southern point at Cap Cana, all-inclusive resorts and boutique hideaways offer all the whims and comforts of modern beachfront living.
But it’s not only about fun in the sun, soft sand brushing against your toes, and iridescent, clear water to swim in, go fishing, or dive for underwater life and shipwrecks. Punta Cana is also a golfer’s destination, with 10 courses located along the strip. It offers a seaside escape with luxurious marinas and fine dining, as well as a wellness corner home to the country’s top spas, including the only Six Senses in the Caribbean.
Wherever you choose to settle on Punta Cana’s brilliant white coastline, you’ll have 11 Blue Flag beaches to experience for yourself. From the scenic surf-hub of Macao and the hipster beaches of Corales and Cortecito in Bávaro—lined with shops, water sports, and beachfront bars—to secluded Juanillo, there’s so much waiting for you!
Beyond the Beach
Spend a day away from the sand, and you’ll discover a myriad of inland adventures. Cool off in freshwater azure cenotes and lagoons tucked inside forests at Ojos Indígenas and Scape Park, where tweens can also enjoy ziplines and caving expeditions. Explore the lush Dominican countryside on an off-road safari, passing by roadside meat shops and sugar cane plantations. Along the way, visit the country’s top pilgrimage site at the Basílica Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia and experience the Dominican Republic’s deep spiritual roots.If daytime activities are abundant, nights are no less vibrant. The young at heart can dance the evening away until their feet tire at one of the island’s modern nightclubs, while classy evenings under the stars await at marinas and seaside lounges with cocktails, bites, and hand-rolled cigars.
For a great day trip from Punta Cana, consider a full-day cruise to Saona Island. Located 12 miles south of the mainland, Saona Island’s picture-perfect beaches attract more visitors than all the country’s national parks combined. A protected site spanning 42 square miles and part of Cotubanamá National Park, Saona is a dream tropical escape where long stretches of brilliant white sand and giant coconut trees seem to melt into iridescent turquoise waters.
