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.

Joaquín Balaguer (1906–2002)

A politician who didn’t like losing, won six dubious elections from 1966 to 1994.
Johnny Ventura

An extrovert exponent of brass-dominated dance music.
José Oshay’s Irish Beach Pub

A popular beachfront bar that features live acoustic guitar and drum kit performances by Russell, who has an endless repertoire of songs and will also play requests (see José Oshay’s Irish Beach Pub, Cabarete).
José Oshay’s Irish Beach Pub, Cabarete

Walk through José Oshay’s shopping village, off the main road, to reach this beachfront bar. Food is available, but it’s basically a drinking spot, packed at night with windsurfers burning candles at both ends after a busy day on the waves.
Juan Dolio

This long strip of hotels and guesthouses set on the coast is not really a town as such, but an extended tourist enclave. Dating from the 1980s, when investors saw the potential of a new resort on the South Coast, it features mostly modern architecture and well-designed hotels. Most of the action revolves around the beaches, which range from the fairly rocky to the sublimely sandy. The latter are normally situated by the larger all-inclusive hotels, where different water sports are on offer.
Juan Luis Guerra

An international superstar, the classically trained musician blends jazz-influenced merengue and sentimental bachata music.
Juan Marichal (b. 1937)

Popularly known as the “Dominican Dandy” for his flamboyant style, Marichal was a record-breaking pitcher.
Juan Pablo Duarte (1813–1873)

The revered father of the Dominican nation, a patriot who freed his country.
Juices

An infinite variety of tropical fruits (see Top 10 Fruits) are turned into irresistible juices, with or without extra sugar.
Jungle Bar, Puerto Plata

This English-run bar is a favorite with the British crowd. You can get a chip butty (sandwich) or a fried breakfast, and all the usual drinks. There are often event nights, when the bar stays open till late.