DOMINICAN’S SECRET GEMS
Leave the all-inclusive resort and check out these wonderful side trips
A SECLUDED BEACH
Playa Rincon might be the most delightful beach in the Caribbean.
Reached by car down a bumpy road, or more easily by boat, in Samana, you’ll find a long, curving, protected beach prettier than it has any right to be. There is a small collection of huts and an outdoor restaurant where you can get good chicken, fantastic fresh fish and fried plantains for about $15 per person.
SEASIDE DINING
Hotel Gansevoort Dominican Republic Playa Imbert (gansevoorthotelgroup.com) is a luxury property on a fine stretch of beach in the Sosua area, just a few minutes from Puerto Plata.
The white units and sleek swimming pools feel more like South Beach in Miami than the D.R. Large units are meant for sharing and are beautifully appointed with modern conveniences and enormous patios, some with plunge pools.
The service and bar are great, but what separates this place from its competitors is the food. They do a marvellous job with everything from sushi to traditional Dominican fish dishes.
WATERFALLS
Near Puerto Plata, you’ll find the Damajagua Waterfalls, a wonderful experience for the family. Get outfitted with life-jackets and helmets, and take a 20-minute walk through the forest and over several small creeks. You’ll emerge at the bottom of a series of waterfalls that tumble through huge rock canyons. The best part is jumping off small rock ledges or sliding down slippery rock faces into the pools below.
Guides will help you navigate the rocks and even give you a lift to the top of the next waterfall if you need it. Glorious fun.
A QUIET SPA
The spa at the Luxury Bahia Principe Samana (bahia-principe.com) overlooks a beautiful stretch of rocky coastline and has a series of soothing treatments, including one with a chocolate massage that left my skin smooth and smelling better than any guy has the right to smell.
Top that off with a drink at the bar overlooking the pool and the ocean for a great afternoon treat.
A BEACH BARBECUE
Looking for a memorable lunch on the beach? Check out Playa Grande, a wonderful stretch of sand on the north coast about two hours east of Puerto Plata. There you’ll find seafood shacks painted in every colour, all offering the freshest seafood around. If you ask, they’ll set up a picnic table in the shade just steps from the water.
A group of us dined like kings on local, whole, roasted snapper with salad and plantains, washed down by Presidente beer and pina coladas served out of whole pineapples.
For travel info, see godominicanrepublic.com.