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.

Ron Ponch

Rum disguised with sweet fruit juices and cordials, and therefore to be treated with extreme caution.
Rum

White, golden, or añejo (dark and aged), each has its appeal and is much cheaper than at home.
Rum

Dominican rum is among the Caribbean’s best, and is the national drink.
Sail Boats

Boats and catamarans are available at the main tourist resorts in the country. A good option is the small Hobie One cat (boats), to be found as part of all-inclusive packages at places such as Bávaro, Boca Chica, Puerto Plata, Punta Cana, and Bayahibe.
Salón La Fiesta

With a capacity of 1,400, this is one of the main venues in the capital for hosting live bands. However it’s mainly used as a disco (see Salón La Fiesta, Santo Domingo).
Salón La Fiesta, Santo Domingo

One of the top international hotels along the Malecón, offering a variety of nightlife, starting with a piano bar for evening cocktails. The disco usually plays Dominican music. When you’re tired of dancing, move on to the casino for a spot of gambling.
Samaná

Santa Bárbara de Samaná is the main town on the Peninsula, a busy little port overlooking the huge bay. While much less of an obvious tourist destination than Las Terrenas, it has plenty of charm, despite the fact that most of its Victorian-era architecture was demolished in an ill-advised 1970s modernization scheme. The mostly concrete buildings are laid out in a grid system. The focal point is the wide seaside Malecón (boulevard) – a magnet for those who enjoy a walk, especially in the evening. Look out, too, for La Churcha (see La Churcha, Samaná).
Samaná (Dec 4)

Santa Bárbara’s day is the pretext for processions and partying in Santa Bárbara de Samaná (see Samaná). The local popular music bamboula is played.
Samaná Bay

The vast, glittering expanse of Samaná Bay comes into view as you drive along the Peninsula’s southern coast road. This magnificent natural harbor, sheltered by surrounding hills, forms a perfect haven from hurricanes. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, several European powers as well as the US saw the Bay’s potential as a naval base. Luckily, the plans never materialized, and the bay remains largely unspoilt, with beautiful beaches, seaside villages, and fantastic views across the placid water. The bay attracts not just sailors and devotees of water sports, but also humpback whales, which mate and raise their young here.
Sammy Sosa (b. 1968)

A household name, who rose from shoe shining to become a millionaire star and philanthropist.