The Dominican Republic — known for its luxury resorts, white sand beaches and incredible diving and snorkelling — there isn’t a better place to kick off this year’s summer holiday season.
Nestled in the heart of the Caribbean, the best times to visit tend to be between February and May when it is pleasantly warm but not too hot, not too wet and there is no chance of a hurricane.
Most visitors will head to the west or north sides of the island which has a tropical rainforest type climate. From here, visitors can take excursions to the interior if desired.
On the west side of the island, Tortuga Bay at Puntacana Resort & Club is the premier place to stay. With 30-airy and bright beachfront villas, this beach resort makes the perfect locale to unwind and destress. VIP service will greet you at the airport and take you to the resort, which offers concierge services personal to your villa as well as access to the beach club and restaurants exclusive to this Punta Cana resort — you even get a golf cart.
A lush golf course overlooking the ocean as well as a tennis course and plenty of ocean-based excursions will keep those with an active streak busy while the option to laze on the resort’s exclusive beach is always an option. Rooms start at approximately $750 a night but are subject to change.
Heading up to the north end of the island, Amanera is your resort. This stylish hotel is in a prime clifftop location overlooking the Dominican Republic’s north coast. On one side it is flanked by tropical jungle and on the other a mile-long pristine golden sand beach.
Like Tortuga Bay, this hotel has an award-winning golf course for those itching to try out their swing.
The resort boasts 24-casitas and one private villa and offers some truly unforgettable experiences. Guests can observe how local Dominican cigars are rolled — partaking in one or two themselves afterwards, of course. Water sports including paddle boarding, windsurfing, snorkelling and kayaking are on offer as well.
Rooms start at around $2200 but can drop to as low as $1500 in the off-season. Airport transfers are included in the price.
As for the rest of the island, the Dominican Republic is a welcoming and culturally vibrant country with some aspects of the culture similar to Spain.
For those looking for adventure outside of the resort scene, visit the various islands around the coast — Sarona Island and Catalina Island are virtual paradises on Earth. For a thrill, visitors can rent a buggy around Marcao beach.
Finally, classic activities like snorkelling, deep-sea fishing and horseback riding are all on offer either through your resort or in the local towns.
With its natural beauty and friendly culture, the Dominican Republic is one of the Caribbean’s best places to disconnect and unwind. Start the summer holiday season by leaving your worries behind and travelling to this Caribbean paradise.