SEARCH for PUNTA CANA VACATIONS
An Eden in
the East
To the far east of
the island is one of the most beautiful gems of the entire Caribbean
region: Punta Cana.
Every year, more and more travelers from around the globe wing their
way to this enchanting area for the opportunity to unwind along its
30 miles of super fine white-sand beaches. Often called the "Coconut
Coast" due to the hundreds of coconut palm trees gently swaying
along the beaches, the Punta Cana and Bávaro resort areas are home
to more than 30 resort properties and 20,000 hotel rooms, making it
one of the most popular vacation destinations in the entire region.
Gloriously, with all of the visitors coming to
the Punta Cana area, the gorgeous beaches are so pristine and large
that a traveler can just as easily find a quiet stretch all to
themselves for a romantic getaway or a relaxing afternoon as well as
find an exciting game of volleyball or take a swim in the warm azure
waters.
Getting There
Punta Cana
International Airport serves Punta Cana and the surrounding areas. A
short drive from the airport takes visitors right to their
accommodations and they can be on the beach before they know it.
Where to Stay
The majority of the
resorts in the Punta Cana and Bávaro region are all-inclusive hotels
that are almost destinations in themselves. With a wide variety of
family-friendly resorts, upscale properties and smaller romantic
hotels, there is surely a match to be found for any interest when it
comes to booking a hotel. At many of the hotels and resorts,
visitors often have all of their needs met right on hand: they can
eat, play, sleep and party the day and night away without ever
leaving the property grounds. This area has been home to a massive
boom in hotel growth over the last 25 years and shows no sign of
slowing down. Major hotel projects continue to be developed every
year, promising that Punta Cana will long be on the top of the list
of most popular vacation destinations in the entire Caribbean.
Major properties from the Club Med, Iberostar, Melia, Occidental
Allegro, Secrets, Superclubs and Barceló brands can be found in and
around this area, as well as the world-class Punta Cana Resort and
Club and many others. Accommodations range from budget to luxury
here in Punta Cana and can meet everyone's needs and interests. The
luxury Roco Ki Beach & Golf Resort (www.rocoki.com), scheduled to
open in November 2006 20 minutes from Punta Cana's airport, will
offer real estate options, a golf course designed by Nick Faldo, an
aquatic sports center with full-service marina, a spa and hotel
accommodations by Westin.
What to Do
Whatever your
clients are looking for in a fun-filled vacation, they'll find it
here, beginning with great golf. Punta Cana is home to several great
courses, including the P.B. Dye-designed La Cana Golf Course at the
Punta Cana Resort & Club that offers breathtaking views of the
Caribbean Sea at every hole. There are also the Pepe Gancedo-designed
Cocotal Golf and Country Club and the Juan Manuel Gordillo-designed
Golf de Bávaro in the region. And there's more to come: New courses
bearing the stamp of Tom Fazio, Jack Nicklaus, P.B. Dye and Nick
Faldo will undoubtedly grow the demand for this area.
In 1994, the Punta Cana Resort and Club established the Punta Cana
Ecological Foundation to protect and preserve the natural resources
of the Punta Cana region, while contributing to sustainable tourism
on all levels; locally, regionally, and nationally. This led to the
creation of the Punta Cana Ecological Park, a natural sanctuary for
local flora and fauna. Visitors follow trails that meander through
forest settings and beautifully cultivated gardens where they will
see unusual plants and rare and endangered animals. Living
exhibitions showcase the island's diverse bird species and insect
life, the native rhinoceros iguana, a petting farm where children
can feed the animals, and some of the unique history of the island.
Beyond the links, excursions are available to Manati Park in Bávaro
where they can interact with iguanas, sharks, birds, and other
wildlife, as well as swim with dolphins and walk through a
reconstructed Taino village to learn about the indigenous culture
and history of the Dominican Republic. There are also ongoing shows
and spectacles to enjoy there every day.
Hardcore divers will love the fact that Punta Cana is home to the
island's largest coral reef, offering advanced diving where the
Atlantic Ocean converges with the Caribbean Sea. For the more
laid-back visitors, the endless breathtaking beaches offer up a
wealth of activities and opportunities to relax and rejuvenate under
the warm Caribbean sun or in the shade of a palm tree.
Fishing enthusiasts can try their luck at catching blue marlin,
barracuda and dorado, among others. Arrangements for a full day or
half day of fishing can be made at hotel front desks or at the
Cabeza de Toro Yacht Club or Punta Cana Marina. The best time for
fishing here is in the summer.
Meetings Market
Punta Cana has
emerged as a serious player in the meetings market. Corporate groups
large and small can find their needs met at many of the resorts
throughout the area. Those looking for larger convention space can
turn to the Barceló Bávaro Convention Center with its various
meeting rooms, ballrooms and amenities. Many of the other resorts
offer smaller spaces that work great for a sales meeting in between
tee times or spa treatments. And don't forget, under the terms of
the Tax Information Exchange Agreement
with the Caribbean Business Initiative, business meetings in the
Dominican Republic are tax deductible for U.S. citizens.
SEARCH for PUERTO PLATA VACATIONS
The North Coast of
the Dominican Republic is the granddaddy of tourism for the island.
Generations upon generations of travelers have come to Puerto Plata
and the nearby areas of Sosúa and Cabarete to bask in their charm,
beauty and ambience. Named the Amber Coast because of the abundance
of the semi-precious gem in the region, this is the area where
Christopher Columbus landed during his first voyage of discovery.
And the discoveries continue to this day. Every year, visitors come
to taste the delicious Brugal rum right from its factory here, fly
through the sky on a kiteboard in Cabarete, soak up the culture with
a stroll through the Victorian architecture of Puerto Plata or hit
the links in the mega-resort complex of Playa Dorada. Here, all of
the delights of the island meet amid lush jungle forests, soaring
mountains, gold sand beaches and breathtaking blue waters. With one
foot in the past and one foot firmly in the future, Puerto Plata and
its neighboring destinations continues to be a major attraction for
the island.
Getting There
Gregorio Luperón
International Airport is just west of Puerto Plata, about a
15-minute drive from the Playa Dorada hotel complex.
Where to Stay
The Playa Dorada
complex is located just a few miles east of the city of Puerto Plata
and is home to 15 hotels (most of them all-inclusive, value-added
bargains for travelers), a mall, restaurants, its own 18-hole Robert
Trent Jones golf course and, of course, great beaches. This was the
first true vacation destination on the island and continues to
welcome thousands of visitors from around the world. Most of the
resorts here range in size from about 190 to 500 rooms. As the
tourist destination continues to expand, more hotels are opening up
beyond the walls of this famed complex. Nearby Costa Dorada is now
home to some magnificent new all-inclusive properties, and
higher-end luxury properties have opened in Cofresi. For travelers
looking for a real bargain and more intimate experiences, smaller
properties continue to draw visitors to Sosúa and Cabarete.
Also new is Casa Colonial, which opened in early 2005. A member of
Small Luxury Hotels of the World and a project of Dominican-owned
VHHR hotels, it is already becoming known among the celebrity
circuit its Presidential Suite is a favorite with Donatella
Versace. Future plans include the mega-resort Atlantica near Luperón,
which will feature seven smaller villages among protected mangroves,
limestone cliffs and coral canyons, a 450-slip marina and three golf
courses.
What to Do
The biggest concern about what to do on the North Coast of the
island is trying to decide where to begin. Whether one is looking
for some family fun interacting with dolphins, more adventurous
outdoor activities, or a bit of history and culture, there is
something for everyone to do here. In the town of Puerto Plata,
visitors can soak up the Dominican culture and friendliness by
spending some time simply wandering through the Parque Central and
its side streets. With its gingerbread motifs and welcoming cafés
and restaurants, this area is ideal for a bit of culture when
visitors need a break from the sun. Also located here is the Amber
Museum, a must-see experience for any visitor to the region where
guests learn about the history of the stone while viewing a wide
selection of amber.
No visit to the Dominican Republic is complete without tasting some
of its rum, a highlight of touring the Brugal rum factory in Puerto
Plata. History buffs will also enjoy strolling through the 16th
century San Felipe Fort, which was built by the Spaniards as
protection against seaborne invaders. For a breathtaking view of the
surrounding lands, visitors can ride 2,565 feet to the top of Mount
Isabel de Torres via a cable car (teleferico) or work off the rum
they've enjoyed by hiking up to the summit.
Another major new draw in this area is Ocean World marine theme
park. Here visitors can interact and get up close and personal with
dolphins, stingrays, sharks, birds, iguanas and even tigers. Ocean
World is home to the world's largest dolphin lagoon as well as the
world's first shark inter-action pool.
Golf remains a popular attraction and will continue to be so as new
courses designed by Jim Fazio and Arnold Palmer near opening and
will soon join the aforementioned Playa Dorada Golf Club and the
Playa Grande course.
Damajagua Falls is a series of 27 cascades near Puerto Plata. The
currents can be strong so it is not recommended for children or weak
swimmers. Swim, climb up narrow limestone canyons then jump or
water-slide down. Water shoes are suggested because of the slippery
conditions.
For an added treat, visitors can time their vaction to coincide with
exciting events such as the annual Cabarete Kiteboarding World Cup
in June 2006, where riders and manufacturers from around the world
come together for four days of product testing, competitions and
parties. For music buffs, there's the lively Annual Dominican Jazz
Festival in the fall (www.drjazzfestival.com).
Sosúa
The once-sleepy
village of Sosúa is a growing destination for many travelers looking
for a more intimate and authentic experience on the north Coast. A
short drive from Playa Dorada brings visitors to this laid-back,
bohemian enclave of open-air restaurants, bars and cafes. Grab a
cold Presidente beer and kick back while tourists and locals mingle
together and share in the warmth of the sun and sand. Always popular
with the European crowd, Sosúa is gaining more interest from U.S.
travelers as more hotel accommodations afford more options for
visitors, ranging from budget to high-end luxury.
Cabarete
Always known for its strong winds and
popular windsurfing opportunities, Caberete a 15-minute drive from
Sosúa has adopted a new extreme sport as its favorite pastime:
kiteboarding!
Athletes strap on a board and harness to fly over the waves and into
the air as their kite lifts them up off the water in this difficult
but exhilarating sport. Cabarete is also a convenient base from
which to take excursions to go mountain biking, rock climbing,
hiking and even whitewater rafting. (The Dominican Republic is one
of the few Caribbean destinations where you can really ride the
rapids.) The best time for windsurfing and kiteboarding is in the
summer months. Given Cabarete's popularity with the younger set,
it's no wonder that the town sports nightlife as varied as its
daytime activities. Carretera 5, the town's main road, is jam packed
with bars and dance clubs, many of which feature live music.
SEARCH FOR LA ROMANA VACATIONS
La Romana
is the third-largest city in the Dominican Republic with a
population estimated in 2005 at 240,000. The city is capital of the
southeastern province of La Romana, opposite Catalina Island. The
modern La Romana International Airport was opened in 2000 and the
city is near several other cities, such as San Pedro de Macorís and
the national capital, Santo Domingo de Guzmán. The city is a hub for
a growing tourist industry with several nearby local resorts, such
as the beachfront Bayahibe, Punta Cana and Casa de Campo.
La Romana is not a typical Dominican
town; instead, it is a company town, with the Central Romana
Corporation owning the majority of the town. It is a town with
nearly 100% employment, mostly in the tourism industry or with The
Central Romana Corporation, the Free Zone, or one of the service
businesses there.
This town is characterized by its
tremendous influence in the country's tourism programs. Its filled
with beautiful beaches and many hotels and resorts. There are also
many growing suburban areas with huge mansions that are surrounded
by tropical trees.
This town has a large population,
and all the problems associated with high-density areas.
It does not have many notable sights
in terms of architecture or urban spaces, being barely 100 years
old. It grew very fast compared that to the much older and
slower-paced La Vega or Seibo, which are more typical Dominican
towns.
La Romana has become one of the most
popular tourist destinations in the country because of the beautiful
beaches and the tourism infrastructure that has been put in place.
Casa de Campo
Resort complex is the flagship of the La Romana All Inclusive
Resorts area. Built in 1975 to be the premiere destination in the
Caribbean, it has lived up to the hype. The resort houses 3
championship golf courses, one of them being the famous "Teeth of
The Dog" which is ranked 34th in the world. The Casa de Campo resort
also houses its own polo fields and a private airstrip.
Altos de Chavon
is a replica of a 15th century Mediterranean village located just
minutes from La Romana. Here youll find artists studios,
craft-shops, galleries, restaurants and bars to satisfy all types of
visitors. Take in a show at their 5000 seat amphitheater that still
attracts big name artists. Altos de Chavon is one of those
must-visit locations on a trip to La Romana All Inclusive Resorts.
SANTO DOMINGO VACATIONS
City of Firsts
The heart of the
Dominican Republic can be found in its capital by the sea, Santo
Domingo. Often referred to as the City of Firsts, Santo Domingo has
one foot firmly planted in its rich and fascinating past and the
other foot firmly in the modern day. Set up as the first capital and
European city in the New World and the first to use Spanish coinage,
the city is also home to the New World's first university, street,
cathedral, monastery, palace and court of law. For a more modern day
visit, this metropolis is home to top-notch cafes and restaurants,
exciting nightlife spots where the merengue never stops, rich
cultural offerings and, of course, exciting baseball the national
pastime.
Getting There
Las Americas
International Airport in Santo Domingo is the most popular gateway
into the country, welcoming flights from all around the world.
Visitors can opt to spend a day or two exploring the city before
heading off to their beach resort or they can stay right in the
heart of the capital.
Where to Stay
Throughout the
city, visitors can choose from a range of accommodations. Many of
the city's hotels cater to business travelers but vacationers are
also just as welcome. Five star hotels include the new Hilton, the
Jaragua Renaissance, the Santo Domingo Hotel, V Centenario, Melia
Santo Domingo, among others, as well as a variety of hotels in the
Colonial City.
What to Do
The most popular
attractions for visitors to Santo Domingo are found throughout the
Colonial City section, which has been designated as a UNESCO World
Heritage Site. Here tourists find a charming expanse of 16th century
buildings that simply drip with history, including El Alcázar de
Colón (the home of Columbus' son Diego); Calle Las Damas, the oldest
street in the New World where Spanish women would spend their
afternoon; the Ozama fortress; and the palace of the Spanish Court.
Visitors can also experience modern life in the Colonial City by
partaking in the hustle and bustle of the Calle El Conde street
marketplace. For culture and history buffs, visits to the Museum of
the Dominican Man, the Museum of Modern Art, the National Museum of
History and Geography, and the National Museum of Natural History
await exploration. No trip here is complete without a visit to the
Faro a Colón, the Columbus Lighthouse.
Constructed in 1992, this massive lighthouse is a modern work of art
with its architecture and is home to several museums and the guarded
remains of Christopher Columbus himself. Fans of horse racing can
catch some action at the Perla Antillana hippodrome on Tuesdays,
Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Party Pleasures
Nothing beats a
night on the town in Santo Domingo. Dinner is usually served late
around 9 p.m. and the choices are limitless. Visitors can select
from eclectic cuisine at trendy new restaurants or enjoy a hearty
meal from one of the street vendors which cooks up more traditional
Dominican fare. These dishes embrace the flavors of local Antillean
and hearty Creole recipes. Rice, fish, other seafood, meat and
vegetables with light spices or coconut to add flavor are
staples of the island's diet.
Once dinner is completed, visitors still face a barrage of choices.
They can enjoy some of the island's own rich coffee, flavorful rums
or the "miracle" and aphrodisiac Mamajuana (a concoction of herbs,
roots, leaves, bark, rum, gin, wine, honey and lemon which is said
to cure everything from impotency to the flu).
After the palate has been satisfied, travelers can dance the
merengue throughout the night in one of the hot dance clubs, enjoy a
performance at the National Theater, or stroll down the Malecón
pedestrian walkway with its general people watching and outdoor
entertainment. Even when the sun goes down, there is always
something to keep visitors going through the night.
Festivals
Santo Domingo hosts
a number of festivals each year. The Merengue Festival is a
week-long celebration (late July/early August) of the country's most
famous music genre. Revelers dance in the streets along the Malecón
to music provided by some of the world's best known merengue acts.
The colorful Carnival, held just prior to the Lenten season, is
characterized by homemade masks, parades, food and, of course,
drink. Every weekend, Thursday to Sunday, starting at 8:30 p.m. on
the Colonial Zone at Plaza España and Columbus Park, Santo Domingo
de Fiesta brings together artists and musicians to entertain with
beautiful songs and music.
Play Ball!
For true baseball
fans, catching a game in the Dominican Republic is a real treat.
Santo Domingo's Quisqueya Stadium is one of four venues where six
teams compete from October to January for the honor of representing
their country in the Caribbean World Series. It's not uncommon to
see major league stars such as Baltimore's Miguel Tejada and
Cleveland's Ronnie Belliard playing for local teams alongside
potential future big leaguers. Your clients may be able to "scout"
the next Pedro Martínez, Bartolo Colón, Albert Pujols or David
Ortiz, just a few of the dozens of outstanding players who hail from
the Dominican Republic. Entrance fees range from about $1 to $5 at
the beginning of the season. Fees increase to about $1.25 to $9-$10
at the end of the season. Call 809-566-4488 for this season's
schedule.
Boca Chica
Boca Chica
Conveniently located near Santo Domingo's airport, Boca Chica is a
resort town bustling with activity. The beach is actually a
reef-protected lagoon characterized by powdery sand and turquoise
waters. And because of its conditions calm, warm waters the area
is a popular destination for Santo Domingo residents and their
children on the weekends. Considered a "shopping beach," vendors
set-up shop up and down the main street that runs parallel to the
beach. Visitors, many of whom come from the wide array of the hotels
and resorts in the area, can buy everything from jewelry and artwork
to food and drinks.
Juan Dolio
Located halfway
between Santo Domingo and La Romana, Juan Dolio is a perfect escape
for couples and families. While the town is calm and peaceful,
excitement is only minutes away in the form of an excursion to La
Romana or Santo Domingo. Tour operators offer daytime excursions to
go scuba diving, see a baseball game at San Pedro Tetelo Vargas
stadium, or other diversions. Evenings in Juan Dolio begin with a
meal in one of the town's many fine restaurants serving a variety of
international cuisine, including Spanish, Mexican, German, Italian
and, of course, Dominican. Later visitors can go to a disco and
dance to the vibrant merengue, or try their luck at one of Juan
Dolio's casinos, which offer free transportation to and from the
hotels.
SAMANA VACATIONS
Samaná
is a province of the Dominican Republic. Its capital is Santa
Bárbara de Samaná, also known as Samaná City.
Samaná is located on the coast of
the Atlantic Ocean in the northeastern part of the Dominican
Republic. It is known for its mountains of which it is almost
entirely formed. Samaná has numerous beaches, and with the 6
November 2006 opening of the new Samaná El Catey International
Airport, it is bound to become one of major tourist destinations in
the Dominican Republic.
It was discovered on January 12,
1943 by Christopher Columbus who was greeted with a barrage of
spears and arrows from native Taino warriors. It is said that this
was the first instance of violent opposition to the Spanish
Conquistadors in the Americas.
Samaná is considered one of the most
beautiful areas of the Dominican Republic, yet remains one of the
least known by Dominican natives in general and foreign visitors in
particular. Its tourist industry has not yet exploited the full
potential of its location: the tropical forests, coconut groves,
hundreds of cozy alcove beaches with turquoise crystal clear waters,
waterfalls, protected national parks, a protected bay, a peninsula.
Samaná is one of the breeding places
of the humpback whale. Thousands of humpback whales come to the
coast off Samaná from January to March.
At one time proposed to be the
capital of the country, Samaná was to be sold to the United States
as a military base during Pedro Santana's presidency, but the deal
was never realized, because the United States felt that the cost was
too much
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