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Jueves, 20 de Febrero, 2020 • República Dominicana www.touringdominicanrepublic.com
postales República Dominicana República Dominicana es el segundo país más grande y más diverso del Caribe. Con vuelos directos desde las principales ciudades de Latinoamérica, Estados Unidos, Canadá y Europa es un país que se destaca por la calidez de su clima y la hospitalidad de su gente. República Dominicana es un destino sin igual que cuenta con una naturaleza extraordinaria, fascinante historia y gran riqueza cultural. Rodeada por el Océano Atlántico hacia el Norte y el Mar Caribe hacia el Sur, República Dominicana se enorgullece de contar con más de 1,600 Km. de costa y 400 Km. de las mejores playas del mundo, magníficos hoteles y resorts, e infinidad de opciones en deportes, entretenimiento y recreación. Aquí puedes bailar al ritmo contagioso del merengue, renovarte en nuestros lujosos y variados hoteles, explorar antiguas ruinas, deleitarte con la mejor gastronomía dominicana, o vivir aventuras ecoturísticas en nuestros magníficos parques naturales, cordilleras, ríos y playas. Descubierta en 1492 por Cristóbal Colón, República Dominicana cuenta con una fascinante historia, apasionantes museos y experiencias culturales como música, arte y festivales; además de una gran variedad de especialidades dominicanas como cigarros, ron, chocolate, café, merengue, ámbar y larimar.
FUNDADO EL 30 DE ENERO DE 1986
DIRECTOR ART DIRECTOR ART ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER
Minerva González de Cocco Katherine Cocco Niurka de Paulino Miguelina Peña de los Santos
EDITOR Victoria Curiel CONTRIBUTING Miriam Veliz WRITER SALES MANAGER Victoria Efres de Zeller PHOTOGRAPHY Banco de imagenes by de Touring COMMUNITY Christian Segarra MANAGER
COVER PHOTO Banco de imagenes de Touring CIRCULATION Joselito Herrera Ariel Pérez EDITORIAL & COMMERCIAL OFFICES TOURING
Calle José Contreras No. 69, Zona Universitaria, S.D. R.D. Tels.: (809) 535-4305 (809) 532-5577 Fax.: (809) 535-4927
Editora ALFA Y OMEGA, S.R.L. PRINTED IN alpha.omega@claro.net.do www.touringdominicanrepublic.com touring86@gmail.com ISSN 2226-759X
Contents Disfruten un regalo de la naturaleza SCAPE PARK EN CAP CANA ................ 3/4 10 Benefits of taking a DOMINICAN REPUBLIC VACATION ............................. 5/6 MAPA CENTRAL De la República Dominicana ...................... 8/9 Un paraíso amigable en PLAYA ESMERALDA ...............................10/11 An eco-friendly paradise in PLAYA ESMERALDA .............................. 12/13 PLAYA MACAO a wonder..................... 14/15
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Thursday, February 20, 2020 • República Dominicana www.touringdominicanrepublic.com
Disfruten un regalo de la naturaleza:
SCAPE PARK en Cap Cana
Por Victoria Curiel El Scape Park está ubicado en el corazón de Cap Cana, de gran extensión superficial de aproximadamente un millón de metros cuadrados. Este increíble parque cuenta con múltiples recursos naturales, tales como cavernas, grutas, cenotes y otros atractivos. Dicho parque cuenta con todas las facilidades para pasar un día de aventura, diversión y cultura. En este parque de ambiente muy tropical y caribeño, de luz y brisa, ofrece tantas opciones para la aventura que puede ser un poco abrumador elegir entre ellas. Al reservar la visita con anticipación, podrá adaptar su día a sus preferencias. El paquete incluye una selección de tres atracciones (con ocho opciones para elegir), un almuerzo buffet, bebidas y transporte de ida y vuelta desde su hotel de Punta Cana. Cabe destacar que, desde sus inicios de recibir visitantes, la visión del parque ha sido la de destacar toda la tradición y la riqueza cultural del Caribe y de Latinoamérica, desde la península de Yucatán en Méjico hasta el Archipiélago de Tierra del Fuego en Argentina. Antes de visitar el parque, y poder disfrutar de las actividades del mismo, decídase por pasar de un día completo que incluye su elección de tres de las ocho
actividades que se describen a continuación. Nade en Hoyo Azul, cruzando un puente hacia el acantilado de Farallón para un recorrido de flora y fauna; camine por la selva hasta el acantilado de Farallón y explore las cámaras subterráneas de una cueva; montar 12 tirolinas sobre la costa del Caribe, terminando con un baño en el agua; viaje en un camión safari al cabo San Rafael, una cascada local, una plantación y una casa de campo. Diríjase a la exclusiva playa de Juanillo, donde disfrutará de privilegios de bar abierto y deportes acuáticos; dé un paseo por la naturaleza para ver los pictogramas taínos, luego nade en un cenote. Caribe, una serie de plataformas de buceo, tirolesas y hamacas de agua que se sumergen en el agua; o navegue por la costa de Cap Cana en un catamarán de dos pisos, con paradas en un bar de arena y un sitio de snorkel (cargo adicional). No podemos dejar de resaltar “la playa” que tiene unos cinco kilómetros de
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Jueves, 20 de Febrero, 2020 • República Dominicana www.touringdominicanrepublic.com
más deslumbrante playa de aguas turquesas y arena fina blanca. Este parque cumple con todas las ventajas que se pueda encontrar en los parques de países europeos y de Estados Unidos. Estamos hablando de la Marina de Cap Cana, que es la más completa de toda la zona. Dispone de más de 130 atracaderos para acomodar lanchas de hasta 150 pies de largo. Dicha marina ha sido el escenario de renombrados torneos de pesca a nivel mundial. Desde este magnífico lugar salen las excursiones marítimas. También, pueden disfrutar los visitantes de una Tienda de souvenirs de República Dominicana, que cuenta con regalos típicos para sus hogares y regalos. Otro hermoso detalle para los visitantes es el “Scape Memories”, para los visitantes recordar su experiencia mágica del parque con la compra de fotografías y videos de esta inolvidable visita. Otro detalle es el “Scape Cafè”, donde podrán disfrutar de un buffet y opciones a la carta; además de jugos naturales y otras bebidas, con vista a un hermoso jardín tropical.
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Thursday, February 20, 2020 • República Dominicana www.touringdominicanrepublic.com
10 Benefits of taking a
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC VACATION
Punta Cana.
During these challenging economic times, more people are feeling vacation-deprived and have a need for a “personal stimulus” in addition to an economic stimulus. Investing in a personal stimulus or vacation is an investment in your health and overall well-being. “Now more than ever, the Dominican Republic offers a serene haven in the Caribbean for those who want to relax and getaway from the stress of life,” said Dominican Republic Minister of Tourism Francisco Javier Garcia. “Think of Our lush tropical paradise of pristine beaches in unspoiled natural settings, charming towns, affordable accommodations for every budget, and the remarkable variety of arts and entertainment options. The Dominican Republic’s magnificent sun, sea and sand, will captivate travelers’ senses and refresh their souls.” Whether you are looking for a romantic trip for two with lazy days spent on the golden sandy shores or budget-friendly accommodations with adventure for the whole family, the Dominican Republic has it all. There are so many ways to relax in the Caribbean’s second largest country. The top ten relaxing things to do on a Dominican Republic vacation include: Sun, surf and sand: Relax on one of hundreds of unspoiled Dominican Republic beaches. The country is surrounded by 800 miles of stunning sandy coastlines with the azure Caribbean Sea on the South Coast and the rich blue Atlantic Ocean on the North Coast. Explore the America’s first city: America’s cultural capital of 2010, Santo Domingo is where Christopher Columbus established the first church, hospital and city, known as the Colonial Zone. Explore the museums and walk the streets that conquistadors strolled in the 15th century. Get your golf game on: Play any of 25 designer golf courses... and the list is growing, in the Dominican ReSamaná, photo by Ministerio de Turismo.
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Jueves, 20 de Febrero, 2020 • República Dominicana www.touringdominicanrepublic.com
public. Punta Espada Golf Club at Cap Cana, Teeth of the Dog at Casa de Campo, Nick Faldo’s Legacy Course at Roco Ki, and Playa Grande are just a few of the Dominican Republic courses that have received honors for their beauty and design. Reconnect with nature: A leader in sustainable tourism, eco-adventures and nature explorations abound. Explore national parks, coastal whale sanctuaries, and reserves. From cascading and canyoning down waterfalls and mountains, to kayaking and fishing in rivers, lakes and bays, the Dominican Republic is a natural. Dominican Republic Spa renewal: Enjoy world class spas at upscale resorts throughout the country. Well-suited spa hotels in the Dominican Republic cater to visitors every desire for rebirth and renewal. Many spas use local customs, herbs and traditions in their treatments to restore wholeness and wellness. Dance the merenque: Merengue is a national passion in the Dominican Republic. Visitors can dance away their cares in clubs, street parades, festivals, or just about anywhere the rapid merengue beats play. Most cities in the Dominican Republic have merengue festivals with professional orchestras and activities planned throughout the year including the annual festival held in late July or early August in Santo Domingo and a week-long celebration held in Puerto Plata in October each year. Celebrate at carnival: During the month of February in the Dominican Republic, the Dominican Carnival is an explosion of joy and a show of cultural identity and
spontaneity. Carnival parades held in cities like La Vega, Santo Domingo and more allow everyone to participate and enjoy the dancing masked devils, floats and costumed characters. Strengthen bonds: The Dominican Republic is a perfect place to get closer. Spend quality time exploring attractions like Ocean World in Puerto Plata or the National Aquarium in Santo Domingo. Kids of all ages will love the FunFun Cave in Los Haitises National Park while Plaza de España, Santo Domingo. Punta Cana beaches are great relaxing toAltos de Chavón, La Romana. gether. Get active on vacation: The Dominican Republic’s North Coast boasts the Kiteboarding Capital of the world. In and around Puerto Plata, waves and wind are just right for water sport activities. Also throughout the country you’ll find caving, kayaking, zip lining, hiking, horseback riding and more. Experience Dominican Republic culture: The best part of a Dominican Republic vacation is the deep sense of the friendly Dominican culture, savvy sense of design, love of the arts and optimistic zest for life found throughout the country. History, art, music and culture are expressed in the lives and works of the Dominican people. The Dominican Republic’s first tourist was Christopher Columbus in 1492. Rich in history, the Dominican Republic has developed into a diverse destination offering both Dominican and European flavors to more than one million U.S. visitors each year. Named #1 Golf Destination in Caribbean & Latin America by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators, the Dominican Republic boasts 25 designer golf courses, upscale resorts, pristine nature, and sophisticated cities and quaint villages filled with warm Dominican people. The Dominican Republic features the best beaches, fascinating history and culture, and is a chosen escape for celebrities, couples and families alike. Photos by Ministerio de Turismo.
Permanecer en el tiempo es cosa de trabajo, de voluntades, de producir recursos para crecer y progresar. Reafirmamos nuestro compromiso de seguir siendo ejemplo de superaciĂłn aĂąo tras aĂąo.
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Jueves, 20 de Febrero, 2020 • República Dominicana www.touringdominicanrepublic.com
Un paraíso eco-amigable en
Playa Esmeralda
Por Miriam Veliz Entrar al lobby y ver de fondo el mar, la playa de aguas turquesa, cristalinas, de arena blanca y palmeras que bailan con el aire, y una piscina tipo infinity justo antes, te da ya la sensación de descanso… la vista se relaja y no queda duda de que estamos de vacaciones. Solo entonces te fijas en los muebles de fibras naturales y cojines coloridos… hay que sentarse un momento a disfrutar… Estamos en Club Med Miches, Playa Esmeralda, el nuevo resort todo incluido de la cadena internacional.
Este artículo es puramente informativo. Este elegante y eco-amigable lugar abrió el 30 de enero, hace apenas unos días, y está ¡hermoso!, tanto que me hizo sentir que la famosa frase de su fundador, Gerard Blitz, “el objetivo en la vida es ser feliz. El lugar para ser feliz es este. El momento para ser feliz es ahora”, es cierta. Por eso, los invito a visitar este hotel pensado para parejas y familias, con cuatro ambientes que ofrecen distintas experiencias. Les cuento, además de la hermosa ubicación escogida, la decoración exclusiva, la deliciosa comida, el servicio de primera y la variedad de amenidades, ellos
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Thursday, February 20, 2020 • República Dominicana www.touringdominicanrepublic.com
se han unido a la ola verde con una oferta ecoamigable que invita a la conciencia y la conservación. Son esos detalles de los que no se habla tanto, pero que cada vez valoramos más: decidieron replantar todos los árboles que quitaron para la construcción de este complejo y han plantado unas 2000 plantas adicionales, usan paneles solares, sus edificaciones no son más de dos pisos, para reducir el impacto, trabajan en alternativas para reducir o eliminar el uso de plástico de un solo uso y fomentan el reciclaje. Incluso tienen cubiertos hechos con un material proveniente de semilla de aguacate y enseñan a sembrar a los niños… hasta los uniformes de los empleados son de material reciclado. Pero también hay que ver las villas, hay dos tipos de facilidades para adultos: la más exclusiva, Archipiélago, a pocos pasos de la playa, tiene incluso piscina privada, y es ideal para disfrutar de una luna de miel; pero para quienes buscan un refugio de paz, está Selva Esmeralda, con vista a los jardines, con un “área Zen” a pocos pasos del spa. Por cierto, también hay clases de yoga y prácticas en un entorno verdaderamente especial. En cuanto a las familias, tienen la “Explorer Cove”, con espacio para máximo seis personas y vista al mar (puede ser abajo o penthouse, con techo de madera), o la “Caribbean Paradise” (colorida, tropical, inspirada en nuestra flora), y de frente a los jardines; por supuesto hay cuido de bebés (a partir de los cuatro meses de edad, a solicitud), para que los padres tengan un tiempo para ellos; también hay clubes para diferentes edades, un restaurante familiar, con una mágica “habitación secreta” que se abre para postres (aquí los niños pueden elegir sus dulces y entrarlos en una fuente de chocolate), un programa de actividades para ayudar a crear recuerdos familiares memorables, divertidos… una oportunidad para reconectar. Si le gusta la aventura, deportes, excusiones, puede aprovechar, aquí hay mucho por hacer -y aprendercomo surf, el trapecio volador, cabalgar, hacer yoga y actividades de fitness; además puede visitar la bahía de Samaná, rica en flora y fauna, y lugar al que las ballenas jorobadas vienen cada año a aparearse y tener sus crías (si viene entre enero y marzo podrá verlas), o también puede disfrutar visitando Montaña Redonda, donde podrá hacerse foros espectaculares en las hamacas, el columpio o sobre una escoba como si pudiera volar, ¡quedan super
bien! Claro que cerca de Miches hay muchas otras opciones por conocer, otras playas, etc. La comida es deliciosa, en el restaurante de la playa se especializan en pescado y mariscos con recetas tradicionales y combinaciones exóticas de frutas tropicales, el restaurante principal es Cayuco, el más sofisticado, y también un Steakhouse para por las noches, con reserva previa. Añada a esto cuatro bares, una cafetería, una bodega de vinos y mucho más y entenderá. Por cierto, el aeropuerto de Punta Cana queda cerca, lo que sin duda facilita el acceso. Viaje feliz y, como sugiere el Sr Blitz, sea feliz. El momento es ahora. El lugar, este.
WE ARE DIFFERENT
Av. Mirador del Sur, No. 1
A natural underground cave, it is the way down to a unique gastronomic experience.
Reservation Tel: 809-533-2818 eventosmesondelacava@gmail.com www.elmesondelacava.com
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Jueves, 20 de Febrero, 2020 • República Dominicana www.touringdominicanrepublic.com
An eco-friendly paradise in
Playa Esmeralda
By Miriam Veliz A tropical colorful lobby welcomes you with its comfortable and colorful furniture in natural fiber and an impressive view of the awesome turquoise beach open in front of your eyes, preceded by an infinite pool. Vacations, relax, pasadise… We are at Club Med Miches, Playa Esmeralda (yes, the name of the beach is Esmeralda -Emerald-, but water is turquoise, at least today) in Samaná, Dominican Republic, an eco-chic, allinclusive luxury resort for families and couples who love sun-and-beach tourism. I want to share with you a motivational sentence from Gerard Blitz, Club Med founder “The aim of life is to be happy. The place to be happy is here. The time to be happy is now”. I think that’s the main idea behind this luxury concept.
Today I´ll just mention some of the ways that idea is made true here: First, they are experts in choosing “heavenly destinations”, the kind of hideaways we all love. And this brand new resort (formal inauguration was January 30th, 2020) proves it: It’s a great location! Palm trees, white and soft sand beach of turquoise waters and excellent climate… They complement it with a beautiful and relaxing tropical decoration, premium all-inclusive vacations packages for families – with no hidden costs (for example electric surf boards, yoga in their tree top wellness canopy, movies under the stars and surprises for kids with a sweet tooth are included, no extra fees). Add to all that one thing I value the most: They listen to their customers (that is why they are so successful and I guess that’s why they have done this eco-touristic) Club Med Miches, Playa Esmeralda is relaxing and full of amenities. It is divided in four areas, the most exclusive
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Thursday, February 20, 2020 • República Dominicana www.touringdominicanrepublic.com
They also use glass bottles you can refill in the drinking fountains, and even though they have straws, those are biodegradable too, because they are replacing single-use plastics with sustainable options in the resort. Another initiative they had was replanting all the trees they removed to build the resort facilities, plus planting about 2000 more plants (if you go now, you´ll see them small, they are still growing, but the replanted tress, many of them palm trees are tall and strong). They use solar panels and also, they decided not to have buildings taller than two floors, to reduce impact and enjoy nature better. Definitely, this is an eco and human friendly tourism, good for people, good for nature. Oh! and Punta Cana Airport is nearby, because accessibility is a major factor. So it’s easy to get there. Enjoy a new and beautiful spot with world class level. By the way, food is delicious! There’s a Lots of seafood in Coco Plum Beach Lounge, located on the beach; Cacao & Co., the family restaurant, (here they have the Secret Chocolate Room!); Cayuco, is the most sophisticated one, and, for dinner, they also have a Grill Steakhouse. Add to that four bars, a coffee shop and a wine cellar, and you´ll understand a little bit more.
one, oceanfront, for adults only, is called Archipielago, and its suites have a personal pool!!! Definitely, the best option for honeymoons. But also for adults, they have the Emerald Jungle (what they call Zen area), extra relaxing, with garden view and just steps away from the spa. Now, this resort focuses in families. For you they have “Explorer Cove”, connecting rooms with capacity for 6 people, and “Caribbean Paradise” (colorful, as the name may suggest, inspired in Dominican exotic flora), and of course, children’s clubs, Childcare available starting from 4 months, special pools for children... and the Chocolate Room, in the family restaurant. But not only that, they have a program with activities for all ages designed to help reconnect and create cherished and fun memories. Besides, if you love sports, you should try electric surf, or horse riding, but I also recommend you to ask for excursion arrangements (take the chance to visit new places, such as Samaná Bay, rich in flora and fauna diversity -and from January to end of March you have the opportunity to watch humpback whales that every year visit our warm waters to mate and give birth to their calves- or you can go to Montaña Redonda, in Miches, a popular spot to take fun pictures…) and visit other beaches too. Here, beauty, great service and luxury, go along with the interest on protecting our planet, our environment, and helping the communities, so they have taken ecofriendly measures, some of them new for me, such as using biodegradable cutlery made from avocado seeds.
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Jueves, 20 de Febrero, 2020 • República Dominicana www.touringdominicanrepublic.com
PLAYA MACAO: A wonder
By Miriam Veliz Who he has seen the dusk, the twilight in Playa Macao has no option but to keep it inside the heart as a piece of poetry, of romance, of encounter or interior communion… Here is where I have seen the most beautiful crepuscle, an invaluable gift of the nature. Perhaps I was particularly fortunate having the image remain vivid in my pupils, and each time I want, or need to, I can embrace that feeling of plenitude, and relive the amazement of an overwhelming afternoon. Only imagine the changing of colors in the sky, water, sand… Indescribable, but to encourage you to live that experience, I will do my best in order to transform emotions into words. If you decide to go early in the morning, you can be lucky enough to see the dawn, always impressive, or a little bit later, you’ll enjoy the palm tree on the fine,
smooth, white sand, that will “introduce” and welcome you to this beautiful and extensive beach of crystal clear water from the Caribbean sea, in colors going from blue and green to turquoise. Remember to use sun block, or you will suffer later. Protection is always suggested when exposing yourself to the sun, and feel free to get into the water -the temperature is so nice!-. but pay attention to the waves. This is an “active beach”, so besides enjoying the impressive landscape that it offers, you can go surfing or enjoy it the way that better suits you. The blue sky, almost always with smooth clouds of the purest white, gives tranquility, and reminds you –as if you needed it– that you are on vacations and holiday’s only “obligation” is to relax and enjoy yourself. So go for it, that’s why you came here, is’t it?
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Thursday, February 20, 2020 • República Dominicana www.touringdominicanrepublic.com
This is a beautiful picture, but let the sun set, and see the change of colors: the sand begins taking gold, yellow, orange tonalities that enter into the water and a little further, change to let the sea colors show: green and blue, clearer and darker by zones, seem the artwork of a painter. And in the distance, you have a glimpse of the other edge of beach, which like a framework of a yelloworange color difficult to describe, embraces the waters. And all that color creates a big contrast with the night that begins to be seen on the sky and the palms and the bushes that you have around. If you are a little like me, probably you notice dawn and dusk when you look to the sky (like I do most of the times), but in this case, the sky renounce, satisfied, to his prominence, to yield it, reverent, to this waters and
sands that, lack of vanity, humbly, receives it. The beach of Macao is not one of those full of people –and even less at sunset– (I don’t understand why, maybe because it is located in Bavaro, Punta Cana, is surrounded by truly beautiful beaches, five stars hotels, and diverse attractions. Don’t miss this opportunity. Not in vain the UNESCO qualifies the beaches of this zone, surrounded by coral reefs, as some of the most beautiful ones in the world.
MARCH + INFO: 809.959.2222 www.puntacana.com/coraleschampionship
Graeme McDowell CORALES CHAMPIONSHIP 2019 WINNER
#coraleschampionship