DK Travel : Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is a country of surprising contrasts and extraordinary variety. From the chilly peak of the Caribbean’s highest mountain to some of the region’s most delightful beaches, the country boasts lush valleys, spectacular waterfalls, and sun-baked deserts. The past and present also blend in a fascinating mix of colonial buildings and modern hotels, sleepy rural villages and lively tourist resorts. The people, too, reflect a kaleidoscope of influences — Spanish, African, indigenous — creating a culture that emphasizes both creativity and fun in the fields of music, sport, and art.

Fusion Rose

Midweek hip-hop electronic music with DJ Mahogany makes this a very popular spot with a young Dominican crowd.
Go-karting

With most adults happy to drive their cars at breakneck speed on the country’s roads, this is normally reserved for children, although there’s no reason why grown-ups can’t roar around the corners. There’s an excellent track on the Malecón at Santo Domingo and another good one inland from the Bávaro beach resort, Costa del Coco. Test your skills if gearing up to compete with your kids.
Golf

The two top courses are integral parts of upmarket tourist resorts, but are open to non-residents. Designed by Pete Dye, Casa de Campo’s challenging golf course in La Romana lies right next to the sea, as does the Robert Trent Jones course at Playa Dorada. Other golf sites are the Punta Cana and Playa Grande.
Gran Bahía, Samaná

An all-inclusive, elegant hotel not normally found in Dominican resorts. The service is good and there are many facilities, including a 9-hole golf course and horse riding. Boat trips and whale-watching excursions can be arranged.
Gran Jimenoa, Jarabacoa

Outside town on the edge of the beautiful Río Jimenoa, the rooms here are nothing fancy, but are comfortable, with TV. Rates include breakfast and taxes.
Guácara Taína

The premier club of Santo Domingo is in a beautifully lit cave located about 98-ft (30-m) underground. Bands often perform live, and there are merengue workshops for foreigners (see Guácara Taína, Santo Domingo).
Guácara Taína, Santo Domingo

Set in a natural cave, this place is decorated with stalactites and Taíno pictographs. There are native dance shows (the club has two dance floors), and fashion shows are also held here.
Guanábana

A variety of sugar apple or sweetsop , its sweet white flesh tastes rather like vanilla.
Guineo

The local name for bananas, but unlike the large starchy plantains the guineos are the smaller and sweeter variety.
Haciendas El Choco, Sosuá

This place has villas with every comfort including private swimming pools, large thatched verandas, and tropical gardens. It offers full service with maid, gardener, and pool maintenance.

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Hotel price categories

For a standard, double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes and extra charges.
- under $30
- $30–$50
- $50–$100
- $100–$150
- over $150