Bavaro
48%SAVING
- Dominican Republic
- 7 Nights,
23 Mar 2015
- All Inclusive
- Manchester
From£619pp
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AVERAGE CUSTOMER SAVING£522
Dominican Republic Holidays
One of the Caribbean's most popular islands, Dominican Republic holidays combine a heady mix of Latin spirit with the laid-back Caribbean beach life.
Dominican Republic Deals
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Regions
- · Bahia Maimon
- · Bavaro
- · Bayahibe
- · Boca Chica
- · Cabarete
- · Cofresi
- · Costa Dorada
- · Juan Dolio
- · La Romana
- · Playa Dorada
- · Punta Cana
- · Samana
- · Sosua
- · Uvero Alto
Affordable luxury
The Dominican Republic shares the island of Hispanola with its closest neighbour, Haiti, but that's pretty much where the similarities stop. Unlike Haiti, the Dominican Republic is all about relaxing, exploring and sipping rum cocktails within luxury beach resorts.
Golden sands, clear ocean and gently swaying palm trees are a clichéd image of paradise that becomes a reality on this country's shores. Whether you're looking for a touristy place with fun and games to be had on the beach, or a secluded desert island experience, you'll find a location perfect for you in the Dominican Republic.
Quick Tips
Santo Domingo
10 million
Roman Catholic
Spanish
Dominican Peso, US Dollar
GMT -4
Fantastic beach resorts
Resorts have sprung close to the capital, Santo Domingo, in Punta Cana in the east and in the popular north western district of Puerto Plata. The climate is warm all year round, making Dominican Republic a great destination no matter when you fancy taking a holiday.
While every resort offers tropical beaches right on your doorstep, taking a boat trip could help you discover even more phenomenal sands to relax on. Just off the south coast lie Isla Saona and Isla Catalina with both shores displaying untouched beauty in abundance. Boat trips can be regularly taken from the La Romana's ports to these different examples of Dominican paradise.
A natural wonder
When Christopher Columbus discovered the Dominican Republic way back in 1492, he thought the country was so beautiful that he claimed it as his own. The country gained independence as a nation in 1844 but has only been a major tourism destination since the late 20th century.
The country is full of natural beauty. Waterfalls tumble into deep, blue lagoons, and mountain peaks rise from lush, green forest. There are so many ways for you to explore the Dominican Republic's stunning scenery too, such as a boat ride through the caves in Los Haitises National Park, a zip-lining safari through the jungle, swimming in the rock pool below Salto del Limon waterfall and whale watching in Samana.
Relaxing or exciting evenings
Holidays in Dominican Republic offer two very different but equally sought after evening experiences. The beaches are even more serene and tranquil come nightfall and the hundreds of beach bars in the country are perfect venues to sip a rum cocktail as the sun goes down.
Alternatively, certain resorts are home to some bouncing nightclubs that keep you partying until the early hours. Nowhere parties harder than Sosua which is a popular destination for singles. In this northern resort tourists and locals mingle along the town's popular neon-lit main street until the sun comes up.
There are a number of late night parties to be found in Bavaro's nightclubs while La Romana is known to throw popular beach parties hosted by the nearby hotels.
Dominican dining
Being a popular tourist destination, there is plenty of options when it comes to meal times. The majority of resorts keep things varied with an array of international themes inside bars and restaurants.
Seafood is plentifully sold in many of the beachside venues while the country's Spanish and African ancestry is acknowledged by the tapas and spicy foods available.
A typical Dominican meal will include rice as a side while snacks and deserts utilise the land's exotic fruit. One of the country's most famous exports is rum and coffee, so depending on the time of day, remember to sample some of each.
Island originals
If your Dominican pesos are burning a hole in your pocket then make sure to go hunting for a holiday memento at one of Dominican Republic's quaint shops, markets or boutiques. When you go shopping, you are likely to stumble across knock-off brand names that can often pass for the real thing.
Popular products on sale that hold distinct Caribbean vibes are the handmade arts and crafts as well as Dominican and imported Cuban cigars. Locally grown coffee beans and genuine island rum are popular products and another great way to take the Dominican flavour home with you.
Getting there
Flight times from the UK to the Dominican Republic often take around ten hours from take-off to landing. Fortunately the country is home to a good number of international airports meaning that transfers to your accommodation are relatively short.
With so much natural beauty and charming towns to discover outside of your resort, hiring a car is the most convenient way to explore.
If you take a taxi anywhere on the island, it is recommended to always agree upon the price and destination before setting off. The cheapest and perhaps most fun way to get around is to take a ride in a guagua bus.
If you thought a holiday to the Caribbean would break the bank, think again. Despite its lavish lifestyle, the Dominican Repubic is very affordable, owing to the great value package holidays on offer. So what are you waiting for? Stop dreaming and start booking your perfect holiday to the Dominican Republic today.
Where to stay in Dominican Republic
Bahia MaimonBahia Maimon is a secluded hotel complex that is a fantastic location to enjoy a holiday in the sun. Within walking distance of the resort you're treated to one of the finest beaches in the world across an 800 metre arch of golden sand and shallow shores.
The entertainment and facilities within the accommodation are second to none. Add in the nearby Caribbean Street which is home to even more shops and restaurants, you'll find it hard to pull yourself away from the luxury.
For the days where you want to get back to civilisation, the city of Puerto Plata offers a great day out just a short drive away.
BavaroHolding the biggest personality in the Punta Cana region, Bavaro has a lot to brag about and this destination raises the bar when it comes to holiday fun.
Bavaro Beach stretches for ten miles and is the most popular patch of sand found along the glorious east coast. Countless days are enjoyed here thanks to the activities, bars and shops that keep guests fed and entertained.
If you haven't expelled your energy on the beach or one of the inland adventures then get ready to enjoy a night at one of the resort's exciting bars or clubs.
BayahibeThis south coast resort offers a stellar combination of beautiful beaches with breath-taking nature just waiting to be explored.
From Bayahibe you can take a boat trip to the indigenous Saona Island; a large area off the coast that has amazing beaches and oceans which provide an exciting excursion.
The weather in the Dominican Republic is good enough but Bayahibe's climate is extra special due to it officially receiving the least amount of rainfall in the country. This means that whenever you choose to visit, dry or wet season, you're likely to enjoy the best holiday weather imaginable.
La RomanaAn exquisite beach resort on the south coast, La Romana is increasingly becoming a popular destination to holiday in the Dominican Republic.
Many of the hotels back onto the beach meaning that guests have a private patch of sand all to themselves that turn into great locations for a beach party at night.
During the day, visit the 16th century styled village that is home to shops and restaurants or jump ship on a day trip to one of the gorgeous islands off the coast.
Playa DoradaA beach resort that offers fun for all ages, Playa Dorada is a packed gated community of hotels that really delivers when it comes to holiday satisfaction.
The shoreline is blessed with beautiful scenery as well as the opportunity to take to the ocean via diving and water sports. Away from the sands, kids will love the Fun City go-karts while adults will love the casinos back in the hotel district.
Playa Dorada is incredibly close to Puerto Plata too so visitors can enjoy the atmosphere of the city before discovering the mountains and waterfalls in the surrounding area.
Punta CanaThe premier destination of the Dominican Republic, Punta Cana is as popular as ever thanks in no small part to the 50 kilometres of paradise beach that lines the coast.
As well as the golden sands and clear waters that are enjoyed by the many towns and resorts in the area, inland there are plenty of fun experiences to be had when exploring the country. Horse-riding, zip wires, caves and natural rock pools are just some of the features across Punta Cana.
Don't forget to stop by the region's capital, Higüey, as this city offers a fascinating history lesson not to be missed.
Location
Monthly Temperature
January
30°C
February
30°C
March
30°C
April
31°C
May
31°C
June
32°C
July
32°C
August
32°C
September
32°C
October
32°C
November
31°C
December
30°C
Best time of year to visit
The temperatures all over this country rarely stray from the late twenties. Holidays to the Dominican Republic offer average temperatures of 25C in January and 28C during the summer.
The country's wet season varies in the north and the south. In the lower sections of the country the wet season falls from May to September while the northern regions such as Puerto Plata gets rainy two months later.
During the month of February, the whole country celebrates an annual Carnival. Four weeks of parades, partying, music and dancing culminates on the 27th of the month in a final festival extravaganza.
Places to Visit
Punta Cana
Head out to sea for a relaxing afternoon's cruising with a twist. At the first stop, you'll have the chance to get up close to nurse sharks and have pictures taken with stingrays as you snorkel amongst them. Then it's back on the boat to set sail for a reef where you can jump back in the water. This time, the fish are slightly smaller and the star attraction is the colourful coral. On the cruise back to the shore, the boat will come to life with a mini Dominican festival - complete with music and dancers. With a drink in hand, enjoy the show.
Puerto Plata - White water rafting
If you've never tried white water rafting before, this is a great place to start. Once your instructor has briefed you, prepare to get soaked on this wet and wild adventure. You'll head through the rainforest, battling rushing rapids and conquering obstacles as you go. If adrenaline-pumping action tops your wish list, don't miss this one.
Monkey Jungle and Zip Line Park
If you're a thrill seeker and an animal lover then make sure to stop off at this Sosua attraction in the Puerto Plata region. No reservation is required to whiz through the tree tops and spot some of the cutest and friendliest monkeys living in the wild.
Mount Isabel de Torres
Set off from Puerto Plata and take a long cable car journey up to the top of Mount Isabel de Torres. Once there you can explore the large forest area as well as enjoying the view back down over the city. You'll also notice the massive replica Christ the Redeemer statue.
Ocean World Park
One of the best aquatic experiences to be had on the island. Guests in Cofresi and the Puerto Plata region must mark this as a must do for a family day out. Interact with dolphins, sea lions and small sharks in this fantastic park.
Charcos de Damajagua (27 levels of waterfalls)
An unmissable natural spectacle in the Puerto Plata region. Guided tours take you around as many of the 27 levels as you'd like to see before you're given the chance to glide back down to the bottom by jumping in rock pools or sliding down water chutes.
Kaiceitos Circus School
A holiday anomaly that stands out for the right reasons in the Puerto Plata region. This fun lesson will teach you or the kids how to master the art of trapeze. Fun, confident instructors help you learn in a safe environment by Cabarete Beach.
Humpback Whale season
Visit Samana in January, February and March to witness the humpback whale mating season. Up to 10,000 whales swim close to Samana's shores for these three months in a natural ritual that is unlike any other. Take a guided boat trip off the shore from Samana town to find them.
Isla Saona
The Dominican Republic's islands live up to their Robinson Crusoe reputation, and Saona is no exception. Marooned off the coast of Bayahibe and La Romana, this palm-fringed isle was once the backdrop for a Bounty ad. With white sands, coral gardens and giant red starfish, it's certainly a taste of paradise.
Santo Domingo
The nation's capital and also the largest city in the Caribbean. Santo Domingo is divided into a modern district filled with high-rise buildings and a colonial area that displays the city's 500 year old history. Close to Juan Dolio and Boca Chica, the Santo Domingo is a must see.
