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.

Batatas

Baked sweet potatoes are cooked over embers and scooped out of the skin. Can be eaten either hot or cold.
Batidas

Fruit juice mixed in the blender with crushed ice and condensed milk to produce smoothies.
Bayahibe

Until the 1990s this was a quiet fishing village, with nothing much more than a few boats pulled up on the beach. But a wave of tourist development has changed its character, bringing more amenities and many more visitors. Even so, the pastel-colored wooden huts and gracious palm trees that line the beach still form a pretty scene, while the jetty is the starting point for boat trips to the offshore Isla Saona and Isla Catalina. Bayahibe is also well endowed with eating and drinking spots.
Beach Markets

Big tourist resorts such as Bávaro and Bayahibe often allow small traders to set up informal markets. These are places to find genuine bargains away from the overpriced malls. Look out for rum, music, cheap Haitian art and fabrics.
Beer House, Santo Domingo

The locally brewed Presidente is a great beer for a hot day, but here you can also choose from up to 40 beers from around the world. The atmosphere is casual and friendly, and often there’s live music, including jazz.
Bella Vista Condos, Boca Chica

This attractive modern complex of condos offers parking and 24-hour security. Each condo has two bedrooms and bathrooms, and is comfortably furnished with tiled floors, air conditioning, and fans. Monthly rates are a particularly good deal.
Bird-Watching

The Cordillera Central is home to a number of exotic species, especially in the national parks. Look out for parrots and parakeets, as well as the Hispaniolan woodpecker and the emerald hummingbird.
Blue Moon Retreat, Cabarete

Accommodation is in four bungalows and comprises four individually decorated suites, a family suite, and a two-bedroom apartment with kitchen. Breakfast is included and the restaurant serves Indian food.
Blue Moon, Cabarete

Reservation is required for this authentic East Indian restaurant in the countryside. Dinner is served on banana leaves, and diners sit on cushions on the floor. It’s fun to go in a group as this enables you to order and sample a wide selection of dishes.
Boca Chica

The easiest beach to reach from Santo Domingo is a boisterous and unpretentious place, verging on the raucous at weekends when tens of thousands of people escape from the capital to swim and listen to music. During the week it’s a lot quieter, but even then there’s no shortage of bars and restaurants. There are a number of hotels and guesthouses, too, offering good-value accommodation. The main draw is the beach (see Boca Chica Beach), a lovely strip of sand set in a protective bay with clear water.

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Restaurant price categories

For a three-course meal and a beer for one including tax and service.
- under $10
- $10–$20
- $20–$30
- $30–$40
- over $40
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