Book a hotel in the Dominican Republic: a land of contrast. Vast mountains and rampaging rivers give way to lush rainforest and colourful plant life. You can experience tranquillity and natural beauty, as well as lively Caribbean lifestyles with a Latin flavour. The country is found on the island of Hispaniola, which is shares with Haiti to the west, and is a land of sugar plantations, alpine mountains and sweaty mangrove swamps. It was visited by Columbus on his first voyage to the Americas and has a fascinating history which can be explored in depth during your stay. And with numerous National Parks to visited, it’s a place of real discovery.
Where to Stay in the Dominican Republic
Metropolitan Area - The area around the capital, Santo Domingo, to the south of the country. The most urban part of the island where you can find the best shopping, cultural attractions and hotels.
Eastern Plains - Taking up the whole eastern end of the country, here is where most of the major tourist resorts and hotels are based, including Casa de Campo and Cap Cana.
Eastern Cibao - With a huge sweeping bay often regarded as one of the most beautiful on the planet, this is a must visit destination.
Western Cibao - Taking up much of the northern half of the country, this mountainous region also boasts some gorgeous beaches.
Enriquillo Valley - Covering the southern part of the island, the most secluded area of the country with little tourism but some stunning wildlife.
How to Make the Most of Your Hotel in the Dominican Republic
The capital Santo Domingo is a lively place where you can soak up the culture, sample cuisine and shop. The east coast area of Bavaro and Punta Cana are where you can discover sweeping beaches and the country’s premier resorts. Discover the central highlands, where vast coffee plantations dominate or head east to explore the Peninsula de Samana, where there’s a real European vibe. Spend some time in the upmarket fishing village of Las Terrenas or explore an underwater world at Sosua. The city of La Romana is another of the island’s biggest with a bustling atmosphere, surrounded by large sugar plantations.
Hit the trail in one of the country’s many national parks, including Los Haitises, Jaragua and Isla Cabritos. Take a catamaran cruise from Saona Island to Punta Cana, where you can dune buggy or fly through the canopy on a zip line adventure. Meet sharks at the Marinarium or take a mega truck safari out into the wild. Around the coast there are some amazing snorkelling and dive spots, including the Bay of Sosua and Punta Cana, or, for those with a head for heights rather than a passion for depths, you can ride the cable car at Puerto Plata to enjoy some incredible views over the island.