Dominican Republic

Get to know the largest and most varied island in the Caribbean, which has far more to offer than just sun and beaches. Walk in the footsteps of Christopher Columbus and explore the first colonial city in the “New World”. Discover the beauty of the southwest, home to rare animal and plant species, and its untouched dream beaches. Explore the mountains of the “Cordillera Central” and the highest peak of the Caribbean, then visit traditional coffee, cocoa and cigar producers. Let yourself be captivated by the breathtaking Dominican Republic.

Destinations

Key sights to see

Santo Domingo

Santo Domingo is the capital of the Dominican Republic, and one of the Caribbean's oldest cities, with building dating back to the 1500s including a monastery, European fortress, many churches, palaces and museums like the historic "Casa Reales," and the "Alcázar de Colón" palace, the only known residence of a member of Christopher Columbus's family.

Barahona

Barahona, also known as “the Caribbean’s Bride," was founded in 1802. It is an important port and center for the production of sugar, fruits and vegetables, coffee and big green plantains. The city also offers spectacular nature reserves, birding sites, scenic coastal drives and surfing locations that attract professional surfers from around the world.

Laguna de Oviedo

Located in Jaragua National Park, the Oviedo Lagoon is a salty wetland that is a major attraction for ecological tourism, given the many different species of aquatic birds, flamingos, herons, seagulls, and iguanas that are found here. The Oviedo Lagoon also has 24 islets, called keys, where many of the lagoon's animals live.

Bahia de las Aguilas

Located on the southern end of the border between Haiti and the Dominican Republic, Bahia de las Aguilas (Bay of Eagles) is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean. Extending more than 8 km, the beach offers crystalline waters ranging from turquoise to opaline in color.

Jarabacoa

The city of Jarabacoa is located 530 m above sea level, in the beautiful valley of La Vega, in the Central Mountain Range of the Dominican Republic. The area offers several extreme sports such as rafting, canoeing, mountain biking, and hiking, and attractive views of the Duarte peak, the highest in the Caribbean.

Samana Peninsula

The Samana Peninsula is a tropical paradise with secluded beaches, clear mountain rivers, and steep cliffs. Some of the key sights are Salto El Limon, a waterfall that is only accessible by a 2.5 km journey through thick forest, and Cayo Levantado, a small, picturesque island with brilliant white sand.

Punta Cana

Punta Cana is a popular resort town with beaches and resorts that face both the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Blessed with 48 km of white sand coastlines full of tall coconut palm trees, Punta Cana has several all-inclusive resorts, boutique hotels, private villas, water parks, entertainment centers, and 10 beautiful golf courses.

Activities

Exciting and memorable things to do

City Tour, Santo Domingo

Get to know the first European city in America including the first monasteries, first European fortress, first mint and treasury office, and first hospital and university, on this day tour of Santo Domingo. Walk in the old town and the famous pedestrian area “El Conde,” and enjoy lunch at one of the city’s best restaurants.

Birding Tour, Laguna de Oviedo

Enjoy a boat tour of the Laguna de Oviedo, and observe a wide variety of birds like herons, spoonbills and ducks on the water, and iguanas on land. Following the boat tour, go in search of the largest colonies of flamingos in the country, and experience watching the flamingos as they take flight!

Bahia de las Aguilas Excursion

Enjoy a boat ride to one of the most secluded and spectacular beaches in the Caribbean, the Bahia de las Aguilas. Marvel at the white sand, swim in the crystalline waters with colors ranging from turquoise to opaline, and enjoy a traditional lunch at a local restaurant.

Coffee & Cigar Factory Tour, Jarabacoa

Jarabacoa is surrounded by pine forests, and mountains and valleys with coffee plantations. Visit the “Monte Alto” coffee factory and learn about the cultivation and processing of coffee. Then, take a short drive to Tamboril to visit a cigar factory and learn all about tobacco processing.

Cacao Plantation Tour

Visit the cacao plantation “Hacienda La Esmeralda,” which supplies world famous chocolate factories, and learn everything about cacao production and processing from how the cacao beans are harvested to how chocolate is processed. Enjoy a local lunch, and a taste of the locally produced chocolate.

Whale Watching, Samana Peninsula

Enjoy breakfast on shore, then cruise off the coast of the Samana Peninsula to see humpback whales in the wild. Spot whales while they mate and breed their calves, getting as close as possible without disturbing them. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant after a few hours on the boat.

Cayo Levantado, Samana Peninsula

Enjoy breakfast on shore on the Samana peninsula, then cruise to Cayo Levantado, a tropical oasis in the middle of the ocean with turquoise waters and white sands, that is also known as Bacardi Island because of its close resemblance to the beaches Bacardi Rum once used for its famous commercials.

Water Sports, Punta Cana

Enjoy a wide variety of water sports, from surfing lessons to kite surfing, paddle boarding, catamaran sailing, parasailing, snorkeling and scuba diving in the waters off Punta Cana. Relax and enjoy a few drinks between activities, on the warm white sands of the spectacular beaches.

Accommodations

Great places to stay

Casas del XVI, Santo Domingo

Casas del XVI offers unique, 5-star, luxury accommodations, from individual rooms for single travelers and couples, to beautifully restored 16th century villas for guests looking for privacy, or friends and families wanting to stay together. The hotel truly brings the romance and ease of a bygone era together with modern comfort, service and convenience.

Billini Hotel, Santo Domingo

The first luxurious avant-garde design hotel in the Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo, the Billini Hotel reflects the concept of modernism, simplicity and elegance. Located 2,150 feet from Puerto de Santo Domingo and Playa Montesinos, the hotel features luxurious suites, an outdoor pool, fitness center and a restaurant that serves local Caribbean food.

Casa Bonita Tropical Lodge, Barahona

Casa Bonita Tropical Lodge is a luxurious eco-lodge in Barahona. It is located near the only biosphere reserve, and some of the most spectacular beaches in the country. A member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, the Lodge consists of Deluxe rooms, Ocean View and River suites, private villas, a spa and restaurant.

Carmen Hotel & Villas, Jarabacoa

Carmen Hotel & Villas in Jarabacoa offers air-conditioned accommodations with a living room, equipped kitchen and a dining area in all units, as well as an on-site restaurant, bar, garden, billiards table, tennis court, outdoor pool, and a children’s playground. Guests can also go hiking or biking in the surrounding area.

Hotel Hodelpa Gran Almirante, Jarabacoa

Located in downtown Santiago de los Caballeros, just north of Jarabacoa, the Hotel Hodelpa Gran Almirante is one of the most classic, comfortable, and vibrant luxury hotels in the area. The hotel features chic, modern rooms, 3 restaurants, a fitness center, an outdoor pool, and a casino fully equipped with slot machines and table games.

Sublime Samana, Samana Peninsula

Tucked away in the unspoiled tropical paradise of the Samana Peninsula, the Sublime Samana Hotel & Residences is a seven-acre property with 1-2 bedroom suites featuring a living room, two bathrooms, a spacious balcony, and kitchen. Even more opulent are the 2-3 bedroom villas that also feature a Jacuzzi, rooftop terrace, and plunge pool.

Villa Arrecife Royale, Punta Cana

This massive, nine bedroom, 9.5 bathroom villa, located in the exclusive gated community of the Punta Cana Resort & Golf Club, can host up to 20 guests comfortably. The villa has a unique minimalist architecture, modern decor, and a beautiful outdoor pool. Guest services offered include an optional all inclusive meal package as well as access to all of the activities at the Punta Cana Resort & Club.

Villa Yarari Royale, Punta Cana

Recently built, this nine bedroom villa rises as one of the best properties in Cap Cana, one of the most renowned gated villages throughout the Caribbean, within a five minute golf cart drive to the famous Eden Roc Beach Club (complimentary access). The villa has a large foyer, luxurious bedrooms (some of which have terrace jacuzzis), a spectacular outdoor pool and gym, daily housekeeping services and a butler and chef.