A myriad of watersports, championship golf courses, great spas and luxury resorts means a holiday here is about as relaxing as you can get. Famed for baseball, beaches and a rich heritage of African, Spanish and Taíno Indian culture, the Dominican Republic is vibrant, exquisite and sublimely unhurried, and with 1,000 miles of stunning coastline this is a beach lover’s paradise.
The island is known for its breathtaking beaches and glorious scenery so, if you aren’t a Christopher Columbus-type explorer, this is an idyllic place to simply stay put. If you do have a bit more get up and go, the Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park in Punta Cana is well worth a visit, as is a boat trip into the wilderness of Los Haitises National Park near Samaná. If you’re looking for a break from the beach then head to the picturesque colonial capital city of Santo Domingo for a combination of cobbled streets, Baroque architecture and the bewitching Catedral Primada de América where Christopher Columbus’ son, Diego, laid the first stone in 1514. After all the walking, sightseeing and shopping, it must be time to eat! Try the aromatic flavours of fusion street food, or the excellent Mesón de la Cava for fresh seafood in a unique cave setting.
Back in Punta Cana, the cuisine is a delicious blend of Latin American, Taíno Indian and European. If you’re staying at an all-inclusive resort, it’s still worth venturing out and exploring some of the great local restaurants. The award-winning Bamboo and the superb La Yola, both located on the Puntacana Resort & Club estate, are just a couple of our favourites.
