The spellbinding Dominican Republic is an awe-inspiring Caribbean destination steeped in breathtaking beauty, rich culture, blissful sunshine and incredible hospitality – but what should you know before you go to help make your holiday there a truly unforgettable experience?

We bring you the answers to some key questions to help you get ready for the holiday of a lifetime in a sensational getaway which is a dream come true for couples, families and groups of friends. The Dominican Republic, the second largest and most diverse destination in the Caribbean, is home to pristine sandy beaches, sapphire waters, tumbling waterfalls, beautiful coral reefs, epic national parks, giant mountain peaks and enchanting mangrove lagoons. You’ll be wowed by opulent 5-star hotels, charming colonial towns, fabulous food, pulsating nightlife and plenty of water sports action. From the wonderful cultural attractions in the capital Santo Domingo to a feast of fun in the main resorts of Punta Cana, Playa Dorada, La Romana, Puerto Plata and Miches, this mesmerising escape has it all.

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Is The Dominican Republic Expensive?

If you’re craving luxury island living, then get ready to splash the cash. However, many things in the Dominican Republic are reasonably inexpensive compared to the UK. Eating out is cheap at a multitude of street food stalls, local cafés and restaurants, while you’ll naturally pay more for fine dining in a formal venue. If you want a cheap meal you should ask for the 'Plato del dia', the dish of the day. Large coach bus services are a very affordable way to get around, while smaller privately-owned buses called guaguas are another low-cost option. Opting for an all-inclusive holiday is a great way to pay for your getaway in advance, with some spending money set aside for when you venture beyond your hotel. There are plenty of budget-friendly attractions in the Dominican Republic and, of course, you can enjoy all the sun, sea and sand you desire for free.

What Are The Top Attractions?

The Dominican Republic is the perfect choice for a luxury holiday in the Caribbean, with a plethora of amazing attractions to thrill every visitor. Visiting the wonderful museums and galleries, old forts and bustling local markets allow you to soak up the island’s fascinating history and culture. Admire such marvels as Fortaleza Ozama, the oldest colonial fort in the New World, the Basilica Cathedral of Santa Maria la Menor, the Columbus Lighthouse and Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo, the oldest university in the Americas, which dates back to 1538. Incredible outdoor attractions include El Limon Waterfall with its 130ft drop, the Salt Mines of Salinas, Columbus Park in the capital Santo Domingo, Plaza Parque Independencia and Three Eyes National Park, where you can descend deep into a beguiling limestone cave. Major family attractions include Scape Park, the Chocolate Museum, in Punta Cana, and Aquamundo, in Santo Domingo.

Can I Go All-Inclusive?

Indeed you can, and this is actually an excellent option if you yearn for a carefree holiday, safe in the knowledge that many things are paid for in advance. An all-inclusive holiday allows you to get on with having a fun-packed time, rather than having to watch what you spend throughout your escape in the sun. You can’t go wrong by opting to go all-inclusive, with your meals and drinks included in your package. Dining in gourmet restaurants, access to sumptuous spas and gyms, live shows and evening entertainment, and lazing on private sandy beaches are among the delights you’re likely to discover on an all-inclusive holiday. All-inclusive holidays in the Dominican Republic have obvious appeal for families craving hours of fun in the sun, with many top hotels offering complimentary treats for young guests including cold drinks, ice creams and special menus for children in their restaurants.

How Long Should I Stay?

How long you should spend in the Dominican Republic is down to how much you want to see and do. A minimum of 7 days is recommended to relax, soak up the invigorating sunshine and visit some of the key outdoor attractions including Umbrella Street, Zipline Park, Zona Colonial, Monkey Jungle, Damajaqua Cascades and La Hacienda Park. A longer period of 10 to 14 days is better still and will allow you to truly immerse yourself in everything this enthralling destination has to offer. If you have a passion for history and culture you must spend some time in the capital Santo Domingo, while the Cordillera Central is the place to head for if you want to enjoy active adventures and experiences. Major resorts such as Punta Cana, Playa Dorada and La Romana tick all the boxes for anyone wanting water sports thrills and plenty of nightlife.

What Do I Need to Take?

The old adage ‘be prepared’ holds good when jetting off for a holiday to remember in the Dominican Republic, with several essential items to pack in your suitcase. Year-round hot weather means you’ll certainly need suitable light clothing, swimwear and a lightweight coat or rain jacket which may come in handy on a cooler evening or occasional shower. Sandals or flip flops are a must for wearing on the beach, while sunglasses, lip balm, insect repellent and a plentiful supply of sun cream should also be high on your list of priorities. Other items you can consider bringing with you include a water bottle, money belt, hand sanitiser, sun hat, backpack, deodorant wipes, compact first-aid kit and a neck pillow for the flight. The Dominican Republic uses 120V plugs with US sockets, so your UK electrical appliance and electronic devices will charge and work fine with a suitable adaptor.

The Dominican Republic, which has distinct wet and dry seasons, is a great place to visit all year round, with its glorious tropical climate and endless sunshine. The dry season runs from December to April and the weather during these months is sunny and dry, while June to September is humid and hot, with higher than average rainfall, which occurs as short and heavy showers. The month of May is a popular time to holiday in the Dominican Republic, when you can avoid any hustle and bustle. Queues will be smaller at the top attractions and there will still be plenty of sunshine. August is the hottest month of the year when you’ll experience an average daily maximum of 34°C and an average low of 23°C. Most of the regions in the Dominican Republic receive a minimum of 100mm to 200mm of monthly rainfall.

“The Dominican Republic is a phenomenal Caribbean getaway where the amazing scenery, natural attractions and laid-back island living will make a big impression on every holidaymaker.

“It’s certainly worth finding out some key information about the destination before you jet off, so you can get down to having a fantastic time the minute you arrive in this sun-drenched escape.

“The paradise beaches, superb food, great weather and friendly welcome from the locals will all help you create magical memories which will last a lifetime.

“Captivating cultural attractions, excellent shops, thrilling outdoor experiences and vibrant nightlife further add to the appeal of the Dominican Republic as the perfect choice for an unforgettable holiday adventure.”

Impressive Punta Cana

This family-friendly 5-star haven of fun and pleasure is the perfect choice for the holiday of a lifetime on the pristine shores of El Cortecito beach in Punta Cana. Fine dining experiences in magnificent restaurants, heavenly nights in sensational accommodation and a host of fun-filled outdoor amenities are among the delights which await in this charming all-inclusive retreat. You’ll also discover a children’s splash park, a well-equipped fitness centre, 12 bars and lounges, a superb spa and a bumper programme of evening entertainment.

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Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa

It's sun, sea and sand all the way at this lavish 5-star adults-only escape in the private gated community of Cap Cana. Succumb to indulgent pampering in the plush spa, catch some rays on the private beach area and cool off with a refreshing dip in the fabulous infinity swimming pool. Prepare to be wowed by the resort’s luxurious suites, savour culinary joys in a choice of top-class restaurants, enjoy a feast of live evening entertainment and take to the ocean for thrilling water sports action.

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Dreams Macao Beach Punta Cana

Jet off and live the dream at this spectacular all-inclusive 5-star beachfront oasis where you’ll be wowed by silky soft sands, crystal-clear waters and impeccable hospitality. You’ll spend restful nights in exquisitely-appointed accommodation, dine in gourmet restaurants and have a splashing time in a thrilling water park. A myriad of other wonderful amenities in this glorious getaway includes a sumptuous spa, cutting-edge fitness centre, bowling alley, kids and teens clubs, tennis court, glistening swimming pool and a myriad of water sports.

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