How to Have a Luxurious Holiday in the Dominican Republic

The Caribbean’s most visited destination, the Dominican Republic, attracts almost five million tourists each year and offers the ultimate luxurious holiday. Some come for a week of relaxation and sunbathing. Other’s want an adventure. The only certainty is that most visitors will have a very luxurious holiday. You can find lots of rentals in Dominican Republic along with the all-inclusive resorts that hug the coastline. And there are many other activities you can take part in as well as enjoying fine dining, exotic cocktails and having a fantastic time.

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Why the Dominican Republic?

If you don’t like white-sand beaches, lush rainforests and a high standard of luxurious holiday, then you won’t enjoy a holiday in the Dominican Republic. In fact, tourists who don’t like this shouldn’t visit the Caribbean at all! But, if you do, you’ll love it here.

The beaches are some of the best in the Caribbean. White-sand stretches as far as the eye can see with a backdrop palm tree and dense jungle in some parts. You’ll find plenty of bars with a selection of cocktails and cold beers to enjoy after a day of relaxing.

The Dominican Republic has incredible diversity in its landscapes, cities, cuisine and wildlife. If you want to escape the resort, take a day trip to the national parks in the interior. The 27 Waterfalls, a collection of 27 individual cascades near Puerto Plata, are some of the island’s best. Want to see flamingos and crocodiles? Head to Lake Enriquillo. Or why not get reacquainted with nature and hike along the jungle trails in one of the national parks?

When is the Best Time to Visit?

There are two peak seasons in the Dominican Republic taking place in both the summer and winter. School holidays see families heading to the island for a summer vacation while those living in the northern hemisphere come in the winter to escape the cold.

If you don’t mind the crowds, the best time to visit would be between December and March. Approximately 2000 Humpback Whales swim in the Atlantic Ocean off Samaná Bay. Whale watching is one of the best things to do when you visit this Caribbean destination.

You should also be aware of hurricane season. This starts in June and lasts until November. Storms can and do develop on a regular basis with some hitting the island and others not. The prices tend to drop during this time of the year, which means you should be able to get more value for your money.

The Best Places to Stay

The country’s best resorts are along the north and east coast which has several five-star all-inclusives and beachside vacation rentals. Favourite spots for tourists are Punta Cana, Samana Peninsula, Puerto Plata and San Domingo. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, and you should find out which one suits your interests the most before making reservations. But, expect luxury, an active nightlife and a laid-back atmosphere in most places around the island.

Punta Cana

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Punta Cana has the Dominican Republic’s best sandy beaches. The town is in the eastern part with 32 kilometres (20 miles) of white-sand beaches and crystal clear water. If you’re looking for luxury while relaxing in paradise, look no further than Punta Cana. You’ll find endless megaresorts with a very high standard of comfort and security. Almost all have their own adjoining bars and discos.

Samana Peninsula

The Atlantic Ocean is to the east of Samana Peninsula on the eastern part of Hispaniola Island. Lots of resorts and different types of accommodation stretch along the peninsula where you’ll find everything from quiet beachside chalets to towering hotels. If you want to be in a bustling environment, stay near Samana City. Or, head to Las Terrenas for the more secluded beaches. The biggest attraction in this part of the Dominican Republic takes place during the winter months when the migrating whales swim come to mate.

Puerto Plata

Puerto Plata is the best place to stay if you want to combine relaxation with history and culture. The old town is full of impressive Spanish colonial architecture and a few pretty churches. You could spend hours wandering around the narrow streets snapping away to get that perfect photograph. Most tourists tend to stay in the Plata Dorada area, which is a gated complex with 15 hotels inside. If you’re concerned about safety, this is the best place to stay. Other activities include grabbing some bargains and souvenirs at the shopping centre or playing a round of golf. The 27 Waterfalls are a short drive from this part of the island.

Santo Domingo

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Santo Domingo

The capital has a combination of Spanish colonialism, historical centres and countless bars and cafés. Few tourist stay in this part on the southern coast unless they’re here specifically to enjoy the rich history and architecture or want to party the night away. You can find luxury here, but it won’t be at the same levels as at the coastal resorts mentioned above. However, you will get to experience more of the real Dominican Republic. If you do stay in Santo Domingo, be aware that some of the neighbourhoods aren’t as safe as the resort areas. You need to exercise more caution, especially after dark.