Fall in love with the Dominican Republic
SERENITY-seekers will love recharging their batteries in the idyllic Dominican Republic this winter.
Once you’ve landed in this dreamy Caribbean destination, you’ll find that white sands, turquoise seas, rustling palms, beach bars and intoxicating Latino rhythms are never far away.
It has a unique history, combined with a warm sense of hospitality, a love of carnivals, a rich culture and a friendly, relaxed vibe.
Beyond the world-class beaches, thrilling activities for couples and families abound, including diving, riding, kayaking, hiking, white-water rafting, swimming with dolphins, golf, and bird- or whale-watching.
You can bask in glorious sunshine 300 days a year here, but your best bet is to visit between November and April, when humidity levels are lower and daytime temperatures hover around 27C (81F).
Prefer to go sooner? Rest assured, all tourist attractions and excursions are running as normal as hurricane season nears its close, with visitors getting an extra-warm welcome.
A FUN-FILLED HOLIDAY WITH SO MUCH TO DO
ASTOUNDINGLY beautiful, the Dominican Republic is a firm favourite with pleasure-seekers and celebrities – and for good reason.
Beyond the beaches of powderfine sand, the destination boasts rainforest-cloaked mountains, magical lagoons stuffed with wildlife, national parks, colonial towns, coastal marinas, fishing villages, and courteous locals with a laid-back approach that’s textbook Caribbean.
It all makes for a fun-filled holiday in a tropical paradise.
What’s more, there is now a fantastic array of all-inclusive resorts to choose from, where the service and value are outstanding. These low-rise, family-friendly or adults-only luxury hotels with upmarket spas sit in lush grounds beside some of the world’s top beaches along a 250-mile coastline.
Punta Cana on the Coconut Coast is the choice of A-listers, drawn to its idyllic 28-mile beach, turquoise seas, watersports and fringe of coconut trees. Watch the sun set with your favourite cocktail, or get active and tee off on golf courses by the sea.
Spot seahorses and giant red starfish while snorkelling over coral reefs and shipwrecks, thrill yourself on a zipline adventure or helicopter tour – or find your perfect stretch of sandy beach.
Alternatively, laze on the emerald Samana Peninsula on the north-east coast where, if you’re lucky, you could spot some of the thousands of migrating humpback whales that swim past between January 15 and March 25 every year.
On the Silver Coast, close to the Puerto Plata resorts, you’ll discover the must-see, 27-tier Damajagua waterfalls.
Follow the various nature trails or try cascading the waterfalls by joining a guide, donning a helmet and slipping and sliding your way down into the beautiful, blue-green swimming holes below.
There’s much more to enliven a stay in the Dominican Republic, which has a distinctive Spanish flair and a fascinating history, including raids by infamous pirates seeking Conquistador gold.
The intriguing capital, Santo Domingo, was founded by Christopher Columbus in 1504 and is now Unescolisted. Stroll to the cathedral through cobbled streets once roamed by Conquistadors, passing stately mansions that have been restored to their 16th Century glory.
Inland you can explore with a Jeep safari adventure, visiting lush plantations where cocoa, coffee, coconut oil and vanilla are produced – or villages where locals roll some of the 40 types of cigar.
Alternatively, choose a boat trip through the mangroves or along the coast, visit a turtle sanctuary, or delve into one of the many caves where ancient carvings and pictographs cover the walls.
And if that doesn’t grab you, enjoy the great grilled fish, roast pork and other delicious cuisine served everywhere, and the seductive sounds and moves of merengue and bachata music, or dance in chic clubs and on street corners with the Dominicans.
The Dominican Republic is also home to dozens of vibrant fiestas, including Carnival in February and early March, offering visitors another chance to see the country in full, passionate swing.
It means that when you visit the Dominican Republic, you’re guaranteed the perfect mix of history, adventurous fun, spectacle, exceptional beaches and the kind of luxurious hotel stay for which the Caribbean is renowned.
Paradise has never been easier to explore.