Dominican RepublicTravel Guide

Casa de Campo is where Hollywood’s A-listers stay, and it’s easy to see why. It takes the concept of a vacation resort to the next level. Located in the port city of La Romana, it has three world-renowned golf courses, a shooting range, an equestrian centre, several swimming pools and direct access to the beach. Whether you go all-inclusive or not, Casa de Campo won’t disappoint, as long as you have a sizeable budget! 

If the Dominican Republic’s second-largest city is on your radar, Sana El Jardin Secreto on its outskirts offers you two-in-one accommodation! It’s both a guesthouse and a comfy hostel with air-conditioned rooms, set in beautiful gardens with an inviting pool and friendly staff ready to help you settle in. This is a great option for the budget-conscious.

If you’re travelling to the Dominican Republic with your significant other, you’ll like the sound of Secrets Royal. Tucked away in Punta Cana, this all-inclusive, adults-only resort ticks all the right boxes if you want to escape the crowds and the kids! It has some great amenities like a fabulous spa, swim-up pool bar and in-room Jacuzzis.  
 
A family-friendly option is the Royalton Splash in Punta Cana. Set in a lush tropical setting and offering an all-inclusive stay, a variety of dining experiences and access to a beach, it also features one of the largest waterparks in the Caribbean. Then there’s a private spa and casino should moms and dads want some downtime, and a dedicated Kids’ Club to keep the little ones entertained.  

Barahona is a port city known for its ecotourism attractions. Keen to dodge the crowds? How about an immersion in nature? Then Platón Eco Lodge is for you. Surrounded by spectacular scenery and jungle, this three-star lodge offers a variety of wooden cabins and a waterfall and river on-site! Activities include hiking up the mountain to the springs, horseback riding and tubing.

Santo Domingo is the Dominican Republic’s thriving capital and one of the oldest cities in the Caribbean. During the day, wander along the cobblestone streets in the buzzing neighbourhood of Zona Colonial (Colonial Zone), partly surrounded by old stone walls and extending across some 11 blocks. Admire the centuries-old architecture, pop into the historic houses that are now museums, and fuel up on locally sourced coffee or a rum cocktail at one of the colourful cafés. You’ll also discover ancient forts, impressive cathedrals and beautiful plazas on your walkabout. At night, the pulsating merengue beats will lure you into one of the many underground nightclubs.

Head off on a day trip to the bustling beach town of Cabarete. Known for some of the island's gustiest winds, it's a hotbed for kiteboarders. Cabarete is also popular with surfers, who head to the town’s main strip at the end of the day to tuck into Dominican fare at one of the local hangouts — Gordito’s Fresh Mex or La Casita de Papi.

The sloping valleys of the Northern Corridor mountain range are home to the 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua, a natural wonder near Puerto Plata. The journey there involves a trek through the rainforest — all part of the adventure — and afterwards you can take a delightful dip in the natural swimming pools created by the cascading water. Even more fun is a guided tour of the waterfalls, discovering caves and jumping ledges, and hearing about the fascinating legends of the falls. 

Punta Cana boasts some of the most scenic beaches in the country and also plays host to the island’s top casinos, luxurious hotels and resorts. Keen to channel your inner high roller? Dress the part and go forth, or simply mingle and watch. The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is guaranteed to make your jaw drop with all the glitz and more than 500 slots and 28 tables!  

No, this is not one for hikers, and you need to leave your fear of heights at home! In Puerto Plata, if you take an 800-metre teleférico (cable car) ride to the top of the Pico Isabel de Torres mountain, you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the city and its port. It’s the only cableway in the Caribbean but get there early, as clouds tend to cover this flat-topped mountain as the day goes on.  

Ajualä, an upmarket tapas bar and restaurant in Santo Domingo, is known for its adventurous fare created from locally sourced produce. The menu combines Caribbean-style cuisine mashed up with South American and Italian influences. The ambience is relaxed and welcoming and the service is muy bien! 

El Gallego in Santo Domingo is one of the best dining experiences in the Dominican Republic. Try to grab a table on the balcony of the second floor. The menu features delicious Spanish cuisine with a Dominican twist — do yourself a favour and order a hearty serving of paella. 

Also known for Spanish dishes done in the traditional and authentic way, Don Pepe in the Piantini District in Santo Domingo has hosted foreign dignitaries and celebrities over the years. Their salpicon de mariscos (seafood salad) is a must-try.  

Fancy great food in a vibey, quirky setting?  Square 1 in Santiago de los Caballeros is it! Designed with a New York subway theme, you can naturally expect American fare but also Mexican and Dominican dishes, and yes, sushi. The menu is extensive, and the place is really popular so you may have to wait for a table. 

Bao Restaurant, part of the prestigious Punta Cana Resort & Club, offers Asian cuisine dished up in a relaxed atmosphere. From Chinese fried rice dishes and sushi to dumplings and curries, you’ll find your favourite Asian dish on this eclectic menu. The resort has several other eateries on-site ranging from steakhouses to Mediterranean cuisine. 

Part of Dominican life, street food can be found on every corner and on the beaches. Tuck into empanadas (fried pastry pockets) filled with meats and cheese, Dominican fried chicken (pica pollo), the iconic La Bandera (chicken, rice and beans) or sancocho (a hearty stew made of up to seven different kinds of meat). Wash it all down with fresh coconut water. Or maybe some local rum!

In Santo Domingo, the Blue Mall is one of the go-tos, housing many top international brands, such as Rolex and Dolce & Gabbana. Take a break from shopping and pop into the Hard Rock Café for a meal or enjoy live music or a comedy show at Hard Rock Live while the kids hang out at the play zone called the Funny Factory. 

Uvero Alto Plaza in Punta Cana offers 24-hour shopping. This small centre features minimarkets and gift shops, where you can find souvenirs like traditional Dominican faceless dolls crafted from clay (Muñecas Limé) and semi-precious stones such as amber and larimar, as well as cigar stores. 

Located on Avenida Mella in Santo Domingo, Mercado Modelo has been going for over 70 years. Featuring an indoor section with little shops and an outdoor section of stalls, you’ll find all sorts of local crafts and treasures at this bazaar — from paintings, wooden carvings, pottery and sculptures to amulets, jewellery, bags and clothes. Oh, and even love potions! 

Staying in self-catering accommodation? Shop for locally grown produce at the Merca Santo Domingo on the Duarte highway. It’s the best place to stock up on fresh fruit, vegetables and other products grown in the Dominican Republic.  

Yes, the Caribbean has two Chinatowns and one is in Santo Domingo! Called the Barrio Chino, it is near the Colonial Zone and is as authentic as it gets with massive Chinese gates, sculptures, traditional eateries, a veggie market and a wonderful atmosphere you have to experience for yourself!

The water at Bávaro Beach in the Punta Cana area is wonderfully warm, and a designated swimming area prevents bathers from getting too close to the coral reef. Although there are several resorts here, this palm-fringed beach is never overcrowded. If you’re an experienced diver, discovering the sunken ship The Astron, will really float your boat!

If you’re keen on an underwater adventure, Bayahibe Beach, in the tiny fishing village of the same name, should be on your list! A spectacular coral reef is the starting point for diving and snorkelling excursions (shipwrecks included). If you’re here just for the sun and the sea, it’s perfect for that too. With nearby restaurants and shady palm trees, you can spend all day here if you like. 

Some say this is THE most beautiful beach in the Dominican Republic! Part of the Jaragua National Park in the Pedernales Province, this beach is as secluded as it gets, accessible only by all-terrain vehicle or boat from Cabo Rojo. Imagine: no resorts, no tourists, no restaurants, no trees, just 8km of white sand!

Condé Nast Traveler has ranked this beach among the Top 10 in the world! Located a short drive from Las Galeras, this 3km stretch of golden sand dotted with coconut trees and picnic tables offers the best of both worlds. One side has calm waters for swimming and snorkelling and the other has rolling waves for the surfers. There are several restaurants to choose from, but even better, enjoy freshly caught fish barbequed for you in the local way at the bar and grill spots on the beach.