This beautiful Caribbean country, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, is surrounded by blue seas and beautiful beaches. It is also rich in culture, art, and history. So, if you’re thinking about a destination for this summer’s holiday, here are five reasons to keep the Dominican Republic in mind.
The escape:
Many traditional holiday destinations feel as jam-packed as a typical workday. Rise at dawn, stand in line to enter a famous museum, stare at a painting, rush off to the next museum, go to a fancy dinner, catch a play, fall into bed. The Dominican Republic, on the other hand, feels like a true escape. Whether you choose to relax on the beach, visit the local art markets, or explore the island’s natural rivers and waterfalls, you will feel like you have left your everyday life behind.
The adventure:
Here’s a quick list of the adventures you can have in the Dominican Republic – white-water rafting amidst the waterfalls of Jarabacoa, hiking the Jarabacoa trails, windsurfing on the beautiful beaches of Cabarete, riding the 823-metre cable car to the top of Mount Isabel de Torres in Puerto Plata, (or even skipping the cable car and hiking to the top of Mount Isabel de Torres), riding zip lines in Puerto Plata, and taking eco-tours of the various beaches and wildlife areas. No matter what your proclivity, ability, or level of experience, there’s always something to suit your age, physical fitness, and budget.
The resorts:
There are loads of gorgeous resorts in the Dominican Republic, and choosing where to stay may be the hardest part of your trip! If you want to step away from the typical tourist atmosphere, try Sunrise Villa. This Bali-themed resort offers beachfront property, stunning views, and a unique sensibility: to provide a calming experience away from the “hustle and bustle” of other tourist destinations, according to sunrise-villa.com. With all the beautiful resorts available, you are sure to have a wonderful time regardless of where you stay. Choose the type of resort to best suit your needs, whether you hope to relax, seek out adventure, or dance all night long.
The food:
The traditional cuisine of the the Dominican Republic includes both Spanish and African influences, as well as dishes and flavors that come from the indigenous Taíno population. ThatsDominican.com includes the following dishes in its list of best Dominican Republic foods: kipes (a deep-fried mixture of bulgur wheat, meat, and spices). chicharron (salted fried pork and pork skin), mangu (a breakfast dish made of boiled, mashed plantains topped with scrambled eggs, onions, and fried cheese), and flan, the famous Dominican dessert. You’ll find plenty of delicious food in the Dominican Republic, and will probably leave your holiday with a few new favorite foods to add to your list!
The beauty:
There are many beaches in the world, but few top the beauty of the Sando Domingo or the Punta Cana. There are many lakes, but few as stunning as Lake Enriquillo, which has the distinction of being the largest lake and the lowest point in the Caribbean. It is also a saltwater lake, and one of the few saltwater lakes that includes a crocodile population. Better get snappy with that booking.
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