Why The Dominican Republic is the Ideal Choice for Your Holiday

The Dominican Republic promises dream holidays in a tropical paradise that has it all.

Powdery white-sand beaches, flourishing nature reserves and charming colonial towns are among the delights that await in the second largest destination in the Caribbean. Perfect for family holidays, you can expect fun-filled days out seeking adventure in the air, on land and in the sea. Couples can enjoy intimate moments together, with romantic dinners, relaxing spa treatments and walks in idyllic botanical gardens. Dance the night away in one of the chic lounges, booming nightclubs or join the locals in the street next to a live band. Savour tantalising cuisine, an alluring culture and blissful days of pure relaxation. The Dominican Republic delivers sun-drenched escapes for all budgets, while still providing luxury in its sublime all inclusive hotels. If you’re aiming to take your holiday to new heights with a tropical escape of heavenly proportions, look no further. Let us help you discover the wonders of this spellbinding destination with this must-do guide.

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200+ Beaches

The beaches in the Dominican Republic are some of the most beautiful in the world, and with over 200 to choose from you’ll be sure to find the perfect spot to call your own. Pack your snorkelling gear when you visit 20-kilometre-long Bavaro Beach in Punta Cana to explore its protected coral reef. Natural pools and swaying palm trees line the edge of this sun-soaked paradise. Puerto Plata’s Long Beach is a family favourite due its soft white sand that’s perfect for sandcastle building and topping up your tan, as well as its calm waters. Come here in the evening for views of awe-inspiring sunsets. The capital, Santo Domingo, boasts one of the most popular party spots in the Dominican Republic, Playa Boca Chica. Ultra-modern bars, restaurants and nightclubs line the boardwalk, waiting for you to create long-lasting memories. Those searching for good vibes will also love the exclusive Playa Minitas, which comes with its own beach club, infinity pool, ocean-view bar and live music.

Adventure Activities

There are plenty of things to do in the Dominican Republic, with something suitable for every age. Water sports are incredibly popular in the Caribbean and Kite Beach in Cabarete provides the opportunity to wind surf, kite surf and water ski. Shipwrecks, including the Atlantic Princess, St George and Catuán, are perfect for scuba diving and snorkelling as you can admire up close the sea life that finds sanctuary here. Join a boat tour off Samaná Bay for some humpback whale watching. La Hacienda Park is the lush environment where you can soar at speeds up to 70 kmph on a zipline or trek among foliage on horseback. Tunnel through the limestone Iguabonita Caves in Scape Park or venture to the countryside for an off-road safari and ATV ride. This is where you’ll discover former sugar cane plantations, cacao trees and coffee farms. Other adventure activities include paragliding, rock climbing and water rafting.

Cultural Wonders

Holidays to the Dominican Republic will reveal an abundance of cultural wonders. With history bursting from this enthralling destination, you’re sure to find something interesting at every turn. Begin your immersion into Dominican heritage at the Ciudad Colonial. This area of Santo Domingo is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the location of the first European settlements in the Americas. Columbus Park is in the centre of the Cathedral of Santa María la Menor, Fortaleza Ozama and the Museum of the Royal Houses, which displays remnants of Spanish history in the New World. Stroll down Umbrella Street in Puerto Plata as numerous multi-coloured umbrellas line overhead. The Dominican Republic is also famous for its cigars, which you can watch being handmade and sample when you visit the La Aurora factory. For a true cultural experience, you must try the local cuisine, with meals like Sacocho and La Bandera, the national dish, extremely popular.

Lively Nightlife

Amongst the other exciting things to do in the Dominican Republic, you have to experience the nightlife. Music and dancing is in the blood of every local and you can join in too by letting loose in one of the chic nightclubs across this island. Imagine, regarded the best nightclub in Punta Cana, is a cave that’s been turned into a disco space with echoing chambers for full music immersion. You can also sip on a beverage in the sophisticated wine bars like La Cava. Santo Domingo is the main hub for nighttime entertainment, with the Plaza de España playing folkloric music on Fridays and Saturdays. Every Sunday, a merengue band plays in the ruins of the San Francisco monastery. Take your partner and head out for some romantic dancing in the evening air. Taste paradise in the Dominican Republic when you visit one of its tantalising eateries. La Romana boasts a variety of restaurants, which provide mouthwatering cuisines, along with stylish cocktails and atmospheric music.

Something For Everyone

The Dominican Republic has it all, with attractions for families, couples and solo holidaymakers on offer in bundles. Punta Cana is the place to be if you want to ensure lifelong memories are made. Spend an afternoon in the Chocomuseo, where you can see how the Dominican Republic makes chocolate, with workshops and tastings letting you get involved. Interact with some free-roaming squirrel monkeys at Monkeyland, where you can feed them by hand and pose for photos with these placid creatures. For nature enthusiasts, the Dominican Republic is heaven on earth. Hike through the lush landscape in search of the country’s best kept secret, the El Limon Waterfall. This dazzling wonder has a 130ft drop into a fresh water pool that you can wade in. Investigate the hidden depths of the open-air limestone caves at the Three Eyes National Park, where there are three huge lakes known as “the eyes”.

Best Time To Visit The Dominican Republic

The weather in the Dominican Republic is extremely consistent, with lots of pleasant sunny days. Having a tropical climate means that there are two distinct seasons: the wet and the dry. Between May and October, the weather is at its hottest and most humid, with some rain to be expected. The warmest and wettest month is August, when temperatures can reach 34℃. From December to April, you’ll find conditions much dryer, though slightly cooler, with lows in the mid-20s. The best time to visit Dominican Republic is May as this is the off-season for tourism but you can still expect warm weather conditions and lots of sunshine. You can find more budget-friendly deals and queues for the best attractions will be much shorter. This means you can focus on taking in the magnificent historical architecture, navigate through the lush forests or immerse yourself in Dominican culture.

“The Dominican Republic is a wonderful choice for your holiday, whether you’re looking for a family adventure, couples’ retreat or to soak up some sun with friends.

“Wander the magnificently preserved colonial city of Santo Domingo to see the deep history of this country, with buildings still standing from the early 16th Century. Culture is at your fingertips when you visit one of the many museums or take a guided tour of the mesmerising countryside.

“Those searching for some adrenaline-inducing fun will thrive in the adventure parks where you can zipline, rock climb, cave and water raft through your environment. Go in search of the many natural wonders, including the Three Eyes lakes and the El Limon Waterfall.

“Take in dazzling sights while on a boat trip around the coast. Jaw-dropping sunsets, dominating mountains and flourishing marine life will capture your attention. For those who enjoy a dip, go beneath the surface of the Caribbean Sea to encounter another side to the Dominican Republic.”

Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa

Enjoy carefree Caribbean days resting atop soft white sands at this divine adults-only sanctuary. Make yourself at home in your sumptuous room or suite and allow yourself to be seduced by the exotic beauty all around. Indulge in lazy hours poolside or enjoy soothing pampering sessions in the spa. You’ll be wowed by exhilarating water sports, dazzled by energetic live entertainment and amazed by the inspiring culinary offerings.

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Punta Cana Princess

Embrace the pleasures of paradise beside the dazzling white sands of Bavaro Beach at this sensational adults-only haven of relaxation. Everything you need for a magical holiday awaits, with exquisitely-furnished accommodation and gastronomic delights galore. Enjoy laid-back hours lounging poolside, discovering thrilling water sports activities or working out in the cutting-edge gym. Other superb features include a plush spa and tennis courts, while several golf courses can be found nearby.

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