DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

from Caribtours Luxury Caribbean Holidays - Our Caribbean brochure 2022

BOOKING CONDITIONS

INTRO TEXT FROM THE CRYSTAL CLEAR WATERS OF SAONA ISLAND TO THE UNSPOILT SUGARY SANDS OF PUNTA CANA, THE ISLANDERS PROMISE THAT THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC HAS IT ALL, AND WE CAN’T HELP BUT AGREE.

CASA DE CAMPO

Amyriad 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. The world is your oyster in the Caribbean Sea with everything from deep sea fishing and kitesurfing to scuba diving and snorkelling, with schools of multi-coloured fish greeting you as you swim amongst the transparent waters. 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.

DISCOVER THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

HIT THE FAIRWAY You’ll be amazed at how many golfing options there are in and around Punta Cana. You’ll have the opportunity to play on picturesque, championship courses designed by legends such as Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, Nick Faldo and P.B. Dye, and you’ll be able to try a different course every day of the week. You’ll find that each one is immaculately maintained and an absolute joy to play. OUTBACK EXPERIENCE You’ll find variations of the outback safari being offered on most Caribbean islands, but this is one of our favourites, not only because you get to see so much of this beautiful country, but also because so much is included on this day out. You’ll be welcomed into a traditional Dominican home, pass by lots of local schools and villages, see coffee and chocolate plantations, watch cigars being expertly rolled and even have a chance to try boogie boarding on a secluded beach. SANTO DOMINGO Brimming with history and bursting with colonial charm, a visit to Santo Domingo, the nation’s capital, will enhance any holiday to the Dominican Republic. Santo Domingo is a city of ‘firsts’ - founded in 1496, it was the first European settlement in the Americas, the first seat of Spanish colonial rule and established the first university in the New World. As well as all the historical sites, you’ll enjoy the fashionable shopping, great nightlife and superb dining. SAIL TO SAONA ISLAND This island off the south coast close to La Romana is a true paradise. There are lots of catamaran trips available, but if you want something more relaxing and personal, take a private boat and avoid the crowds. This really is a chilled out day where you’ll enjoy plenty of cocktails and a delicious barbecue lunch.

WHALE WATCHING IN SAMANÁ Considered one of the top ten destinations in the world to observe humpback whales in their natural environment, Samaná bay offers a once-in-alifetime opportunity to witness the impressive courtship displays of these magnificent creatures. The whale watching season runs from January to March and sightings are virtually guaranteed during these months.

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