Dominican Republic
Sugar-white beaches, inexpensive resorts, and rich natural beauty have long drawn visitors to the Dominican Republic.
The combination of low prices and beautiful terrain has made the Dominican Republic one of the fastest-growing destinations in the Caribbean. The Dominican Republic has its own distinct cuisine and cultural heritage. Its Latin flavor is a sharp contrast to the character of many nearby islands, especially the British- and French-influenced ones.
Columbus sighted its coral-edged Caribbean coastline on his first voyage to the New World and pronounced: "There is no more beautiful island in the world." The first permanent European settlement in the New World was on November 7, 1493, and its ruins still remain near Montecristi in the northeast part of the island.
In the heart of the Caribbean archipelago - nestled amid Cuba, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico - the island of Hispaniola (Little Spain) is divided between Haiti, on the westernmost third of the island, and the Dominican Republic, which has a lush landmass about the size of Vermont and New Hampshire combined. In the Dominican interior, the fertile Valley of Cibao (rich sugar-cane country) ends its upward sweep at Pico Duarte, the highest mountain peak in the West Indies, which soars to 3,125m (10,250 ft.).
Much of what Columbus first sighted still remains in a natural, unspoiled condition. One-third of the Dominican Republic's coastline is devoted to beaches.
Content provided by Frommer's Unlimited© 2009, Whatsonwhen Limited and Wiley Publishing, Inc.
Packages
Occidental Grand Punta Cana
From $202.00+ (USD)
All-Inclusive includes all meals, drinks, activities and more!
The PUNTACANA Hotel
From $505.00+ (USD)
Includes daily buffet breakfast for ALL.
Melia Caribe Tropical
From $300.00+ (USD)
Junior Suite. All-Inclusive includes all meals, drinks, activities and more! PLUS Kids 4 & younger stay and eat FREE. (Must be booked by 9/30/10)
Moon Palace Casino, Golf, & Spa Resort
From $833.00+ (USD)
All-Inclusive Includes: All meals, drinks, activities and more! PLUS Includes a $750 Vacation credit to be used toward tours, golf, spa, room upgrades, premium wines and much more. Stays of 5 nights or more receive a $1500 vacation credit.
Catalonia Bavaro Beach, Golf & Casino Resort
From $471.00+ (USD)
Junior Suite. All-Inclusive includes, all meals, drinks, activities & more.
Iberostar Punta Cana
From $252.00+ (USD)
All-Inclusive includes all meals, drinks, activities and more! PLUS Kids 12 & younger stay and eat FREE.
