Dominican Republic Travel Guide

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Occupying the eastern portion of the lush island of Hispaniola, the Dominican Republic vacation offers a vibrant travel destination whose endless charms bring the island’s admirers back to vacation time and again. The flawless beaches and sparkling cobalt waters of the Dominican Republic are nature’s gift to visitors on vacation.

And whether your vacation includes enjoying the unspoiled beauty of the Dominican Republic from a sailboat, surfboard or horseback, you’ll be enthralled with the beauty of your vacation experience.

There’s plenty to explore while on vacation on the charismatic island of the Dominican Republic, where old world flavors and long-standing colonial traditions rest side by side with the contemporary rhythms of the Caribbean.

And for the truly inspired, be certain to take in a baseball game – the national passion of Dominican Republic.

Samana Peninsula
East of Puerto Plata and north of Punta Cana, the Samana Peninsula is the Dominican’s best kept secret. In Samana Bay, the island of Cayo Levantado is an island outpost with some of the country’s best beaches. The small hills are carpeted with coco palms, and a bevy of beachfront restaurants serve day trippers who come for the snorkeling, pristine waters, and lack of crowds. Ferries run daily from the town of Samana.

The peninsula itself is no less sexy, consisting of thick jungles and rugged mountain plateaus. Colorful wooden homes dot the winding roadways, and the town of Las Terrenas is a diverse mix of international restaurants and shops because of so many expats who’ve settled here. For beach lovers and adventurous romantics who want to escape the throngs of mass tourism, Samana is unforgettable in its mystique and beauty.

Situated on Las Galeras beach, Casa Marina Bay is operated by Dominican-owned Amhsa Marina Hotels & Resorts. Over $3 million is being invested into Casa Marina Bay, which at present offers 200 superior rooms and 50 suites situated in bright charming bungalows. By September, 56 new superior rooms will open, and the existing units will all be fully remodeled. In addition, a new a la carte restaurant will complement the buffet, seafood and pizza F&B outlets; and a new kids’ club is scheduled to open for the upcoming winter season.

Punta Cana
The massive beaches stretching 30 miles north and south along the east coast are anchored by Bavaro Beach, home to a growing variety of modern hotels that cater especially well to the demands of American clientele. Many of the resorts are virtual cities unto themselves with multiple pools, restaurants, nightclubs, and shopping, plus guests can play at any of the hotel casinos lining the strip. Kids’ clubs and spas are much more sophisticated than they were five years ago, and almost every year sees the addition of a new golf course.