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.

Scuba Diving

Most dive companies are owned by Europeans or North Americans, who offer training as well as rental equipment. Diving around the country is incredibly varied, yielding up 16th-century shipwrecks, coral reefs, and marine life. Try the Tropical Dive Centre, Tropic Banana Hotel at Las Terrenas or Viva Diving, Bayahibe.
Sea Grape

Ubiquitous along the wilder beaches, this tough shrub looks twisted and stunted but thrives in the inhospitable terrain of sand and salt water. Some grow tall and provide a welcome shade. The so-called grapes, though edible, are extremely sour and taste better when made into a jelly.
Secreto Musical Bar

Latin music with merengue, salsa, and bachata ballads are played, but, most importantly, this is the headquarters of the Club Nacional de los Soneros, so there’s lots of Cuban music, particularly son.
Sierra de Baoruco

A wild and rugged range of mountains that march westwards over the Haitian border, these impressive peaks make up the Dominican Republic’s second highest sierra. It was in this impenetrable tangle of mountains, valleys, and forests that the Taino leader Enriquillo (see Enriquillo (1498–1535)) assembled his rebel forces and held out for 14 years against the Spanish. Now designated a national park, the range is covered in dense pine forests and subtropical rainforest. There are few passable roads, but it’s theoretically possible, with a sturdy jeep, to drive along the rough track from Pedernales to Aguacate.
Siestas

Although some offices and shops stay open all day, most people like an afternoon nap.
Sir Francis Drake (1540–1596)

Hated in the Spanish world as a Protestant bigot.
Snorkeling

A snorkel and mask allows you to enter a multicolored underwater world of rocks, reefs, and teeming fish. The beaches around Las Terrenas are recommended as a good base for snorkeling.
Sofitel Francés, Santo Domingo

This small hotel set in a renovated colonial mansion with a central courtyard has a gourmet French restaurant. The rooms are elegant and comfortable. Buffet breakfast, tax, and service are included in the rates.
Sofitel Nicolás de Ovando, Santo Domingo

This restored historic mansion dating from the 16th century features massive stone walls and high ceilings in every elegant room and suite. A pool overlooking the Rio Ozama, a small state-ofthe-art gym, and a gourmet restaurant complete the picture.
Solenodon

You won’t see one of these long-nosed ant-eating mammals in the wild, as they are rare, extremely shy, and nocturnal. They are also now a threatened species, largely because their habitat is shrinking, and they are easy prey for dogs and other predators. A few can still be seen in captivity.

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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