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With pristine beaches, rich history, and a lively cultural scene, the Dominican Republic has endless charm to offer its visitors. Most people who travel there, however, don't venture outside of their resort properties. Whether you're staying in the city, at a rainforest resort, or on the beach, make time to immerse yourself in some of the country's best authentic locales.
Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo, the
capital of the Dominican Republic, is not only the oldest city in the New World
(and a UNESCO world heritage site), but also one of the most populated in the
Caribbean. The city is an intriguing mix of old world appeal and a modern,
urban aesthetic that is rarely seen on other large Caribbean islands. This
contrast is visible not only in its architecture (old ruins standing proudly
next to new, sleek buildings, and narrow stone streets dotted with a mix of
small bright-colored houses and imposing Colonial fortresses), but in the city’s
everyday culture and nightlife as well. With a lively Latin panache that throbs
like a drum throughout each historic plaza, Santo Domingo has a true Latin beat
to it—it may very well be the beat of the Merengue or the Bachata, the island’s
most popular dances.
Where to Stay: Casas Del XVI, a new
boutique hotel nestled in Santo Domingo's Ciudad Colonial, has taken historic,
colonial homes that date back to the Spanish settlement of Hispaniola and
renovated them into beautifully unique accommodations with chic rooms and
decorations that perfectly reflect the city’s tropical flair and contrast of
Old World and new. The small details of each room and villa are what make this
hotel so captivating. One villa has a romantic cigar bar and relaxing outdoor
courtyard, while another has a stunning pool perfect for a quiet afternoon dip.
With such intimate and distinctive touches, this historic gem offers each guest
a personalized and unique experience.
Where to Eat: Don’t
be fooled by the simple two-story façade of Mesón D'Bari,
a Santo Domingo staple. This local hangout is the place to see and be seen
throughout the day. Enjoy the no-fuss atmosphere and the casual Caribbean vibe,
as well as some delicious Creole-inspired local cuisine. Grab a cold Presidente
and catch a game or two of football (soccer) on the downstairs TV.
What to Do: Explore
Santo Domingo’s Zona Colonial and feel as if you’re wandering through
Hispaniola the way it looked when the Spaniards colonized it centuries ago (and
when Columbus himself walked these same streets!). Explore Calle de Las Damas—the
New World's first street—and marvel at the 15th and 16th century architecture.
On Sunday evenings, stop at Ruinas de San Francisco to hear live bands playing
Merengue and Bachata and watch the locals dance the night away. And a trip to
Santo Domingo is not complete without indulging in a Dominican cigar or rum
tasting.
BARAHONA
The southwestern coast of the Dominican
Republic is a relatively tourist-free spot, and that’s why this stunning area
is, at least for now, somewhat of a hidden treasure. With spectacular,
relatively isolated beaches, dense rainforests and true local flavor, this is
the place to go to experience a side of the Dominican Republic that many people
don't know about yet.
Where to Stay: Perched
high up in the canopy of the lush Barahona rainforest and surrounded by the
Sierra Barahuco Mountains and Riosito River, Casa Bonita
Tropical Lodge is truly situated amid a jungle paradise. The
island's leading eco-tourism offering, this luxury boutique eco-hotel features
an organic garden, a river spa, and a stunning infinity pool overlooking the
dense rainforest, and beyond, the expansive sea.
What to See and
Do: With such adventurous activities to choose from like
horseback riding, hiking, and a thrilling ten-platform zip line canopy tour
through the rainforest, plus a relaxing restaurant and bar, you won't find much
reason to wander off Casa Bonita's extensive property, but it's worth it to
explore the area's truly remarkable unspoiled beaches and national parks, or to
peruse the local stands selling Larimar jewelry, made from a blue-colored stone
found only in the Dominican Republic.
Insider Tip: Pull
yourself out of bed at dawn, grab a freshly-made green juice from the
restaurant, and head out to the infinity pool to watch possibly one of the most
beautiful sunrises the Caribbean has to offer.
SAMANÁ PENINSULA
Home to the country's most spectacular beaches and lush,
mountainous landscape, the Samaná Peninsula is considered by both locals and
visitors to be the most beautiful part of the Dominican Republic. Refreshingly
quiet and relatively isolated in comparison to other much more developed areas
of the island, this region is a popular destination for vacationers looking to
truly relax.
Where to Stay:
Sublime
Samana Hotel & Residences is an exclusive collection
of private suites and 'casitas' on an immaculately kept property that leads
from a luxurious, interconnected pool directly down to one of the most
magnificent beaches in the Caribbean. The large, modern rooms and casitas are
perfect for couples as well as families or large groups. The hotel boasts a
natural spa located on the beach just steps away from the calming surf, two unique
restaurants, and beachside cooking courses and trips to the local fish market
with the hotel's chef.
What to See and Do: What
was once a simple bucolic fishing village is now the charming, lively sea-side
town of Las Terrenas,
just a cab ride away from Sublime Samana. Well worth a day trip (perhaps on an
ATV, one of the most popular modes of transport in this area) or even just a
visit for dinner at one of the chic beachside restaurants, this town is densely
populated with both tourists and expats—it makes for a unique experience and
some very active nightlife in an otherwise quiet and tranquil area of the
island.
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