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.

Sosúa

Like other North Coast communities, Sosúa’s transformation from a small fishing town and banana port to a pulsating tourist venue has been little short of astonishing. The place developed a rather unsavory reputation in the 1980s for the worst excesses of tourism, but has been cleaned up since and now offers a great mixture of nightlife and lazy days on the beach. Divided by the beach and bay into two separate and different barrios , Sosúa has a distinct tourist area called El Batey, where streets are lined with cafés and stores, and the more authentically Dominican district of Los Charamicos.
Sosúa

A protected crescent cove in the town’s center with an easily accessible reef that attracts snorkelers.
Sosúa-by-the-Sea

This pleasant hotel offers the advantages of booking either room-only or all-inclusive. The rooms are clean and tidy, with air conditioning, and there is a pool. Northern Coast Diving is on site for scuba diving lessons and excursions.
South Coast Drive

Morning

Leave congested Santo Domingo in a rental car after spending an hour admiring the sharks and manatee at the seaside Acuario Nacional. You could have a late breakfast or snack in the aquarium’s cafeteria. A half-hour or so driving along the well-maintained Carretera 3, which passes the airport, brings you to the resort of Boca Chica. Take a look at its famous beach a few blocks to your right, traffic allowing, and have lunch at one of the many beachside shacks selling fish, conch, or shrimps.

Afternoon

Passing eastwards through tourist developments such as Juan Dolio and flat stretches of agricultural land, you reach San Pedro de Macorís, where you might take a look at some of the Victorian-era buildings. Or press on to La Romana for a quick tour of the old quarter around the Parque Central .

If returning to Santo Domingo, there’s enough time to drive up to Altos de Chavón , the replica Tuscan village with designer boutiques and fantastic views over the river valley. Head back towards the capital, allowing a couple of hours before night falls.

Or drive back to the coastal road and turn left towards Bayahibe, where you can spend the night in one of the inexpensive hotels (advance booking necessary) or the beach-side complexes along Playa Viva Dominicus.
Sully, Santo Domingo

A good place for all seafood-lovers, with generous portions of fish, prawns, and other delicacies. Seafood chowder is recommended. The catch of the day is also good and everything is absolutely fresh.
Swimming

There are good swimming options all around the country, but as a general rule the beaches on the South Caribbean coast have calmer waters than those on the Atlantic north. While some resort beaches have lifeguards, most public ones do not, and it is worth being cautious of strong currents.
Swimming

This can be enjoyed on the quieter stretches of the Cordillera Central’s rivers as well as in many balnearios or swimming holes.
Syroz

This lovely spot on the beach is run by French proprietor Michelle. There ia an impressive bar, and a dance floor, right on the pristine sand. At weekends there’s live jazz and on week days the DJ plays house and soul until dawn (see Syroz, Las Terrenas).
Syroz, Las Terrenas

This famous bar, on the beach by the Pueblo de los Pescadores, has a dance floor where most of the action takes place. Live music on the weekends.
Taboo Bamboo

Try the vodka-based Absolut Tambo Bamboo cocktail, as a change from rum. They also host music festivals and live music shows.

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Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal and a beer for one including tax and service.
- under $10
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- over $40
Hotel price categories

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