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The large and attractive square has been renovated since the hurricane and is bordered by the pretty Santa Rosa de Lima church. This is the place for meeting the locals and visitors can also watch the early evening streetlife.

One of the world’s premier resorts, this 700-acre expanse of beautifully tended gardens and tasteful villas is a world away from workaday La Romana. Its sports facilities are second to none, and its undeniable prestige is reflected in its prices.

This bustling market is crammed with agricultural produce as well as handicrafts and other souvenirs of interest for visitors. The botánicas do not sell plants, but religious and magic items, often related to local beliefs and superstitions.

The internationally famous “Teeth of the Dog” course, with 8 holes right next to the Caribbean, is one of the region’s most difficult. Day visitors are allowed to inspect (see Golf).

A tiny and secluded strip of perfect sand sheltering behind a coral reef, this beach is reserved for guests of the Casa de Campo, although visitors are normally accepted.

This modern water-side complex is intended for the well-heeled yachting enthusiasts who use the marina’s mooring facilities. The crescent-shaped plaza facing the yachts contains several up-market cafés, restaurants, and boutiques.

This tiny uninhabited island draws large crowds of excursionists from the Marina to a fine white beach, where Casa de Campo has set up tourist facilities. The diving off the North Coast is best.

A bizarre replica of a Tuscan hillside village, the cluster of stone houses and plazas is both an arts center and a major tourist magnet. The imitation has attracted criticism, but many love the village’s old-world air.

Altos de Chavón’s most eye-catching feature is its 5,000-seat open-air amphitheater, a vast limestone concert bowl inaugurated by Frank Sinatra in 1982. With Greek columns and spectacular views all around, it provides an impressive backdrop for big-name performances.

Below Altos de Chavón, the river moves slowly through a densely wooded gorge, where palm trees are reflected in the water. New Orleans-style paddle-boats ply this dark, enigmatic, and mysterious waterway.