Known for nice resorts and slim coconut palms reaching the skies, the Dominican Republic boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean. This hot and exotic destination attracts visitors with its tropical climate and fabulous white sand.
Located on the Amber Coast, the palm-lined Playa Dorada is Puerto Plata's primary resort beach. Situated on the north shore, just a short drive eastwards from Puerto Plata, Cabarete is a great place for water sports. Kite Beach is a premiere kiteboarding destination, and it is also a popular spot for windsurfing, surfing, and stand up paddle surfing. Sosua Beach, approximately 20 minutes from Puerto Plata, is highly popular among families. A coral reef that surrounds this crescent beach is a great spot for snorkelers.
Take a day trip from Puerto Plata to the nearby beach of Playa Grande. This hidden gem maintains its privacy by not permitting any hints of mass-tourism. The soft-sand beach is complemented by swaying palm trees and giant waves.
Photo: laesperanza, Shutterstock
How to get there:
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Where to stay:
In Punta Cana we recommend you staying at 3* Karibo Punta Cana with very good reviews. This 3-star property is set within White Sands Golf Course. It offers outdoor pools, gardens and free transport to Arena Blanca Beach, just 900 m away. Each air-conditioned apartment is decorated in stylish white, and offers views of the pool and gardens. All apartments have free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV with international cable channels and a bathroom with free toiletries. You can prepare meals in your fully equipped kitchen, which includes a dining area, coffee maker, oven and ceramic hob. You can also enjoy international cuisine in the Karibo’s restaurant. A lobby bar and terrace can also be found on site. Free wifi and parking available.
In Santo Domingo, we encourage you to stay at 5* Dominican Fiesta Hotel & Casino with excellent reviews. This 5-star property is located next to Mirador Park. It features an outdoor pool with swim-up bar, and a well-equipped spa. The hotel offers comfortable rooms, a 10-minute drive from the city centre. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout. Guests staying at the Dominican Fiesta Hotel and Casino can enjoy a variety of on-site gambling, including slot machines and card tables. There is a sports centre with 7 tennis courts, and the spa includes a sauna, hot tubs and a steam bath. The hotel has a number of bars and a rooftop lounge with ocean views, where there is live jazz music every Friday. The restaurant serves international cuisine and offers show cooking. There are buffet and à la carte options.
All Inclusive 4* Grand Paradise Playa Dorada in Dominican Republic for €36/ £32 per person >>
All Inclusive 4* Gran Ventana Beach Resort in Dominican Republic for only €68! (€34/ £30 pp) >>
When to visit:
The weather in the Dominican Republic is warm year-round. However, it experiences some of the effects of the Atlantic hurricane season and gets hit with a major storm every decade or so. The rainy season takes place during the summer, which occurs between May and October. August-September is prime hurricane season. Summer can get very warm, humid and wet, with July and August being the warmest months of the year.
The best time to visit Dominican Republic is the winter season between December and late February, when the climate is at its optimum, having cooled down to more comfortable levels. The best time for snorkelling and scuba diving is July onwards for warmer waters and clear views of the surrounding coral reef. Between December and March you can spot giant humpback whales in the Bay of Samana.
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DOMINICAN REPUBLIC TRIP – 2016 from Oleg Zayanov on Vimeo.