Home to some of the best beaches in the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic offers that
quintessential island experience—but look farther inland and you’ll also find lush tropical forests and cosmopolitan cities. Luckily for travelers, the activities and attractions here are just as diverse, with a wide range of things to do on land and at sea.
With resort after sprawling resort lining its beaches, the areas of Punta Cana and Bavaro make up a tourist mecca on the island—by far the most visited places for travelers in search of fun and sun. And because most of the resorts here are all-inclusives, with attractive pricing and plenty of activities that appeal to all ages, it’s an ideal destination for families. Most resorts include sports like snorkeling, kayaking and other watersports. From sun-up to sundown, you can spend an entire day hopping from one activity to the next—perfect for kids with tons of energy. The fl ip side, of course, is the beach—one of the fi nest, widest and most spectacularly serene in the Caribbean. It’s always there, beckoning travelers when they’ve had enough fun and games, whether they’re parents enjoying a little “me” time, teens working on their tans, or kids crashing under a cabana after a long day of swimming. Because families make up so much of the tourist market here, most resorts have added special amenities and attractions to appeal specifi - cally to kids. At Club Med Punta Cana, for instance, the kids’ club is one of the biggest on the island, complete with three separate sections for kids of different ages. A water feature area with fountains and small wading pools sits on site, as do miniature versions of tennis courts and basketball courts, giving little ones a fighting chance at making a basket or clearing the net. The resort also offers circus lessons for kids and adults alike, meaning anyone can go home with juggling skills or tales of their experience on the flying trapeze. Meanwhile, at the Paradisus Palma Real, a family concierge looks after the needs of every member of the family, including a private check-in (with activities for kids while parents fill out paperwork), special activities for families including horseback riding and catamaran classes, and walkie talkies for communication throughout the resort. Even properties that don’t specifically target families, like Iberostar’s collection of resorts, still manage to offer plenty for families—with three connected resorts sharing the same complex, kids and parents have three times the events and activities to enjoy.
It’s hard to deny that Dominicans have a way with the finer things. Aged rum, quality cigars, luxury resorts—these are the local specialties. So it’s no surprise that the Dominican Republic has blossomed into the next big luxury destination in the Caribbean in recent years, luring upscale travelers with high levels of service and style. You’d be hard pressed to find a more luxurious spot on the island than Cap Cana, one of the Dominican Republic’s newer developments with plenty of high-end appeal. Built along an absolutely perfect stretch of beach—truly, you have to see it to believe it—Cap Cana comprises several luxury resorts, boutiques, restaurants and other amenities, many of which you just won’t find anywhere else on the island. Punta Espada is the first of the resort’s planned three golf courses, designed by Jack Nicklaus, and the resort’s marina is capable of hosting enormous mega-yachts, meaning luxury travelers can bring in their own boat, or simply book one of the resort’s luxury charters for a cruise along the pristine coastline. And the resorts themselves are works of art in their own right, from the ultra-lux lodge Sanctuary Cap Cana, set on a bluff looking out over the sea; to the boutique Caleton Beach Club and Villas, with just 19 residences set on the beach; to the golf-themed Golden Bear Lodge & Spa, a hotel in partnership with Jack Nicklaus that’s ideal for the golfing set.
To find the birthplace of the Dominican Republic’s famous cigars— said to rival Cubans for the title of best in the world—venture inland to Santiago, surrounded by the majority of the Dominican Republic’s 600,000 acres of tobacco farms. Here, cigar aficionados can visit cigar factories like Fabrica Anilo de Oro to see the leaf-rolling in action, usually with a complimentary cigar in hand; some factories, like Pinar del Rio Tabacalera, will even teach you how to roll your own. You’ll have to travel far from Cap Cana to find the birthplace of the Dominican Republic’s other luxury products. The Barcelo rum distillery has its historic home in the capital of Santo Domingo, one of many of the city’s historic buildings—this is, after all, arguably the oldest city in the Americas, settled by Christopher Columbus on his way to the new world. While in Santo Domingo, other must-see’s include the Alcazar de Colon, a coral limestone palace built for Columbus’ son; the Catedral Santa Maria de la Encarnacion, the oldest cathedral in the Americas; and Columbus’ grave, set inside the guarded Columbus Lighthouse. In fact, much of the history here is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The beaches of Punta Cana are beautiful, serene, and perfect for a couples’ escape—as long as that escape involves being surrounded by other tourists. For a more intimate, private vacation for two, head instead to La Romana. Sitting just an hour from Punta Cana, La Romana combines romantic resorts with a wide variety of attractions both natural and man-made—and while it’s not entirely off the beaten path, it’s just out of the way enough to afford some tender moments. One destination couples shouldn’t miss in La Romana: the Altos de Chavon artists’ village. Set on a bluff looking down to the Chavon River, the site was built as a replica of a 16th century Tuscan village. From its chapel and plaza to the intricately carved fountains and Roman amphitheater, wandering the cobblestone paths of Altos de Chavon feels like taking a step back in time. Adding to the romance are the art galleries, restaurants and boutiques that have taken over the ancient-looking buildings. The village also serves as a university for artists, meaning that you’ll find some unique paintings, clothing, jewelry and pottery, simply by window shopping.
When it comes to sports, the Dominican Republic has a bit of a split personality. On the refined, classical side, there’s the country’s golf prowess, boasting courses designed by everyone from Jack Nicklaus to Pete Dye. On the other hand, there’s a wild and carefree side, showcased perfectly by its popularity with windsurfers, kitesurfers and other adrenaline junkies.
It’s hard to argue the Dominican Republic’s title as one of the Caribbean’s premiere golf destinations. After all, pro golfers have been designing its courses—19 courses in total—for decades. The most famous is Teeth of the Dog, the legendary course designed by Pete Dye at Casa de Campo resort. Known as much for its spectacular views as it is for its complicated approaches and other difficult shots, the course boasts no fewer than seven holes set right on the water. And that’s just one of the three courses at Casa de Campo. The Links is an aptly named Scottish-style course, set high in the La Romana hills where golfers are forced to consider the wind with each stroke. And Dye Fore built around the Chavon River, gives players a little bit of everything: sea views, river views and an end point right at the Altos de Chavon artists’ village. Many of the country’s most celebrated golf destinations are located along the southeast coast. Go north, however, and you’ll find sports of an entirely different variety. High-octane activities like windsurfing and kitesurfing have become legendary in north coast towns like Cabarete, thanks to their near-constant tradewinds. Cabarete attracts watersports pros to tournaments throughout the year, including the annual Kiteboarding World Cup held in late-June and early-July, making the summer a fantastic time to watch the daredevils show off their skills. But anytime is a great time for beginners to the sport, thanks to Cabarete’s wide beaches, providing plenty of sure-footed experience with kites and sails before newcomers set foot in the waves.
Much of the coastal Dominican Republic has been overwhelmed with hotels, resorts and other tourism infrastructure. But for nature lovers, there are still a few places where you can enjoy the beach as nature intended. Our favorite is Samana, with its deserted white sand beaches, densely forested hiking trails to refreshing waterfalls, and of course, its famous whales. Every year between January and late-March, humpback whales come to Samana’s warm waters to breed, and visitors are nearly guaranteed to spot one or two when they book a whale watching trip. Of course, it’s not all unpopulated wilderness here—plenty of expats have made Samana their home, setting up beachfront bars, casual restaurants and boutiques catering to the few adventurous souls who make it out to the peninsula. If you’re looking for a natural experience closer to the country’s major tourist areas, head to Puerto Plata. Rising above the city is Mount Isabel de Torres, a mountain peak offering stunning views down to the town and the ocean beyond, as well as a maze of paths through the colorful flora of a tropical garden. What’s more, you don’t have to be a hiker to experience it all—a cable car picks you up just outside the city and deposits you directly at the summit.
quintessential island experience—but look farther inland and you’ll also find lush tropical forests and cosmopolitan cities. Luckily for travelers, the activities and attractions here are just as diverse, with a wide range of things to do on land and at sea.
With resort after sprawling resort lining its beaches, the areas of Punta Cana and Bavaro make up a tourist mecca on the island—by far the most visited places for travelers in search of fun and sun. And because most of the resorts here are all-inclusives, with attractive pricing and plenty of activities that appeal to all ages, it’s an ideal destination for families. Most resorts include sports like snorkeling, kayaking and other watersports. From sun-up to sundown, you can spend an entire day hopping from one activity to the next—perfect for kids with tons of energy. The fl ip side, of course, is the beach—one of the fi nest, widest and most spectacularly serene in the Caribbean. It’s always there, beckoning travelers when they’ve had enough fun and games, whether they’re parents enjoying a little “me” time, teens working on their tans, or kids crashing under a cabana after a long day of swimming. Because families make up so much of the tourist market here, most resorts have added special amenities and attractions to appeal specifi - cally to kids. At Club Med Punta Cana, for instance, the kids’ club is one of the biggest on the island, complete with three separate sections for kids of different ages. A water feature area with fountains and small wading pools sits on site, as do miniature versions of tennis courts and basketball courts, giving little ones a fighting chance at making a basket or clearing the net. The resort also offers circus lessons for kids and adults alike, meaning anyone can go home with juggling skills or tales of their experience on the flying trapeze. Meanwhile, at the Paradisus Palma Real, a family concierge looks after the needs of every member of the family, including a private check-in (with activities for kids while parents fill out paperwork), special activities for families including horseback riding and catamaran classes, and walkie talkies for communication throughout the resort. Even properties that don’t specifically target families, like Iberostar’s collection of resorts, still manage to offer plenty for families—with three connected resorts sharing the same complex, kids and parents have three times the events and activities to enjoy.
It’s hard to deny that Dominicans have a way with the finer things. Aged rum, quality cigars, luxury resorts—these are the local specialties. So it’s no surprise that the Dominican Republic has blossomed into the next big luxury destination in the Caribbean in recent years, luring upscale travelers with high levels of service and style. You’d be hard pressed to find a more luxurious spot on the island than Cap Cana, one of the Dominican Republic’s newer developments with plenty of high-end appeal. Built along an absolutely perfect stretch of beach—truly, you have to see it to believe it—Cap Cana comprises several luxury resorts, boutiques, restaurants and other amenities, many of which you just won’t find anywhere else on the island. Punta Espada is the first of the resort’s planned three golf courses, designed by Jack Nicklaus, and the resort’s marina is capable of hosting enormous mega-yachts, meaning luxury travelers can bring in their own boat, or simply book one of the resort’s luxury charters for a cruise along the pristine coastline. And the resorts themselves are works of art in their own right, from the ultra-lux lodge Sanctuary Cap Cana, set on a bluff looking out over the sea; to the boutique Caleton Beach Club and Villas, with just 19 residences set on the beach; to the golf-themed Golden Bear Lodge & Spa, a hotel in partnership with Jack Nicklaus that’s ideal for the golfing set.
To find the birthplace of the Dominican Republic’s famous cigars— said to rival Cubans for the title of best in the world—venture inland to Santiago, surrounded by the majority of the Dominican Republic’s 600,000 acres of tobacco farms. Here, cigar aficionados can visit cigar factories like Fabrica Anilo de Oro to see the leaf-rolling in action, usually with a complimentary cigar in hand; some factories, like Pinar del Rio Tabacalera, will even teach you how to roll your own. You’ll have to travel far from Cap Cana to find the birthplace of the Dominican Republic’s other luxury products. The Barcelo rum distillery has its historic home in the capital of Santo Domingo, one of many of the city’s historic buildings—this is, after all, arguably the oldest city in the Americas, settled by Christopher Columbus on his way to the new world. While in Santo Domingo, other must-see’s include the Alcazar de Colon, a coral limestone palace built for Columbus’ son; the Catedral Santa Maria de la Encarnacion, the oldest cathedral in the Americas; and Columbus’ grave, set inside the guarded Columbus Lighthouse. In fact, much of the history here is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The beaches of Punta Cana are beautiful, serene, and perfect for a couples’ escape—as long as that escape involves being surrounded by other tourists. For a more intimate, private vacation for two, head instead to La Romana. Sitting just an hour from Punta Cana, La Romana combines romantic resorts with a wide variety of attractions both natural and man-made—and while it’s not entirely off the beaten path, it’s just out of the way enough to afford some tender moments. One destination couples shouldn’t miss in La Romana: the Altos de Chavon artists’ village. Set on a bluff looking down to the Chavon River, the site was built as a replica of a 16th century Tuscan village. From its chapel and plaza to the intricately carved fountains and Roman amphitheater, wandering the cobblestone paths of Altos de Chavon feels like taking a step back in time. Adding to the romance are the art galleries, restaurants and boutiques that have taken over the ancient-looking buildings. The village also serves as a university for artists, meaning that you’ll find some unique paintings, clothing, jewelry and pottery, simply by window shopping.
When it comes to sports, the Dominican Republic has a bit of a split personality. On the refined, classical side, there’s the country’s golf prowess, boasting courses designed by everyone from Jack Nicklaus to Pete Dye. On the other hand, there’s a wild and carefree side, showcased perfectly by its popularity with windsurfers, kitesurfers and other adrenaline junkies.
It’s hard to argue the Dominican Republic’s title as one of the Caribbean’s premiere golf destinations. After all, pro golfers have been designing its courses—19 courses in total—for decades. The most famous is Teeth of the Dog, the legendary course designed by Pete Dye at Casa de Campo resort. Known as much for its spectacular views as it is for its complicated approaches and other difficult shots, the course boasts no fewer than seven holes set right on the water. And that’s just one of the three courses at Casa de Campo. The Links is an aptly named Scottish-style course, set high in the La Romana hills where golfers are forced to consider the wind with each stroke. And Dye Fore built around the Chavon River, gives players a little bit of everything: sea views, river views and an end point right at the Altos de Chavon artists’ village. Many of the country’s most celebrated golf destinations are located along the southeast coast. Go north, however, and you’ll find sports of an entirely different variety. High-octane activities like windsurfing and kitesurfing have become legendary in north coast towns like Cabarete, thanks to their near-constant tradewinds. Cabarete attracts watersports pros to tournaments throughout the year, including the annual Kiteboarding World Cup held in late-June and early-July, making the summer a fantastic time to watch the daredevils show off their skills. But anytime is a great time for beginners to the sport, thanks to Cabarete’s wide beaches, providing plenty of sure-footed experience with kites and sails before newcomers set foot in the waves.
Much of the coastal Dominican Republic has been overwhelmed with hotels, resorts and other tourism infrastructure. But for nature lovers, there are still a few places where you can enjoy the beach as nature intended. Our favorite is Samana, with its deserted white sand beaches, densely forested hiking trails to refreshing waterfalls, and of course, its famous whales. Every year between January and late-March, humpback whales come to Samana’s warm waters to breed, and visitors are nearly guaranteed to spot one or two when they book a whale watching trip. Of course, it’s not all unpopulated wilderness here—plenty of expats have made Samana their home, setting up beachfront bars, casual restaurants and boutiques catering to the few adventurous souls who make it out to the peninsula. If you’re looking for a natural experience closer to the country’s major tourist areas, head to Puerto Plata. Rising above the city is Mount Isabel de Torres, a mountain peak offering stunning views down to the town and the ocean beyond, as well as a maze of paths through the colorful flora of a tropical garden. What’s more, you don’t have to be a hiker to experience it all—a cable car picks you up just outside the city and deposits you directly at the summit.
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