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.

Piña

The familiar pineapple is locally grown and is a firm favorite not only in milkshakes but also at buffets.
Pinar Dorado, Jarabacoa

A single block of hotel rooms set in a pleasant garden surrounded by pine trees with a pool. It’s comfortable but not remarkable. Air conditioning and TV in all rooms, buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner on offer. Meal plans available.
Playa Baoruco

Harboring one of the many small and undeveloped beaches on the coastline south of Barahona, Baoruco is more a fishing village than a tourist resort, although an all-inclusive hotel has recently opened nearby. The pretty beach has rather rough white sand, but the views into the wooded mountains are stunning.
Playa Bávaro

Another well-equipped stretch of beach, where independent dive operators compete with the all-inclusive amenities.
Playa Boca del Soco

The best beach in the San Pedro de Macorís area, it marks the point where the Río Soco meets the sea. It also offers swimming in both salt and fresh water.
Playa Bonita

This is probably the nearest thing to the classic image of tropical paradise. White sand meets calm turquoise sea, watched over by a stretch of coconut palms. Even the nearby hotels and guesthouses fail to intrude on the peaceful beach heaven.
Playa Cabo Rojo

Lying on the coastline of Parque Nacional Jaragua, Red Cape is named for the rich red seams of bauxite that once fed a now-derelict processing plant. The wildness is certainly a draw for the penguins and other birds.
Playa Caletón

A perfect cove of white sand with mangrove forest surrounding it, this is one of the most beautiful beaches on the North Coast. Even so, it is still not overcrowded yet, and on a week day visitors are liable to be few and far between. At weekends there are more locals around, and you can buy fried fish on the beach. Protected by two rocky and forest-clad promontories, the small bay, known locally by the diminutive La Playita, has shallow clean water, ideal for children.
Playa Colibrí, Las Terrenas

One of the larger complexes of studios and apartments with one or two bedrooms, a pool, Jacuzzi, and parking. You may negotiate daily, weekly, or monthly rates.
Playa Corbanito

The gray sand may not be the finest in the Dominican Republic, but the view over the Bahía de Ocoa towards the distant sierra is breathtaking. The bay’s water is calm and inviting, and the beach itself, untroubled by tourists and home only to a few fishermen, is attractive and extremely relaxing.

Jump to top

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