Jetsettersblog

With the introduction of British Airways (BA) scheduled twice weekly service from London Gatwick to Punta Cana on a Monday and Thursday October 2009, it has never been easier to get to the Dominican Republic and enjoy what this paradise has to offer.

The country features a stunning array of sandy beaches, dazzling green landscapes, mountains studded with waterfalls, exotic cuisine and a remarkable variety of arts and entertainment options that attract international travellers, sport stars and celebrities alike.

The destination offers something for everyone and can fulfil the holiday dreams of those seeking sophisticated luxury, eco-adventure, arts and culture or simple lazy days on white sandy beaches.

Year-round sports, effervescent nightlife, distinctive shopping, relaxing resorts, designer golf courses and magnificent national parks make for a fun-filled vacation to-do list.

Among the Dominican Republic breathtaking surroundings are an extraordinary variety of the hottest and newest hotels ranging from luxury resorts to family-friendly hotels to boutique properties.

The Dominican Republic offers an abundance of accommodations to satisfy every style and budget. And with eight international airports and numerous seaports and marinas, paradise has never been easier to explore.

With the pulse-pounding thrill of the merengue, intriguing relics from centuries past and upscale resorts and marinas, the Dominican Republic is both an exciting and sophisticated country that will delight even the most experienced traveller.

Top 5 Things to do in the Dominican Republic

1. Tour to Cayo Levantado, Samana

Located at the entrance of the Samana Bay, Cayo Levantado is an island of just one square kilometre of tropical Caribbean. It is a perfect place to escape one day and contemplate and enjoy its beautiful turquoise waters, two beaches of white sand, as well as being ideal for swimming or snorkelling practice.

The tour to Cayo Levantado is offered by boats from Samana and several points along the coast. Once on the island, the natives offer typical food, beverages and water activities accompanied by music from the region.

The island is also known as Bacardi Island because there are palm trees that appear in advertisements for the well-known brand of rum.

Move through Cayo Levantado from end to end take only fifteen minutes and contemplate the beautiful vegetation and stunning scenery that since there you can see make it a favourite place for visitors.

2. Monster Truck Safari

Experience the carefree Dominican Republic way of life on board the tallest trucks on the island!

These guided tours depart daily from Puerto Plata and Punta Cana Resorts through Dominican Republic country side, a full day out with professional guides. You’ll be on top of the world, 15 feet high, discovering the unspoiled Dominican Republic country side in these fantastic 8X8 all terrain trucks made especially for your comfort and safety. Visit small colourful villages and explore local Dominican Republic farms.

In this tour you can actually mingle with the local people. Enjoy an all inclusive, all you can eat hot buffet, with an open bar and free flowing drinks. Recharge while taking a refreshing swim in a secluded breathtaking river. Experience the Dominican Republic lifestyle.

The Dominican people are so kind and friendly, they’ll invite you right into their homes, where you’ll meet the families…….let their simplicity surprise you! A visit to a “rum shack” is also part of the tour you can buy cigars, rum, souvenirs and other items for helping fund schools and orphanages.

You can reserve online in their website http://www.monstertrucksafari.com

3. Cabarete (Puerto Plata)

Caberete’s nightlife is legendary. Great restaurants, bars, clubs, shops, cafés and lounges are everywhere, and most of them are right on the beach, which really is the only way to live.

Click this link.

4. Santo Domingo

Follow Columbus’ footsteps down the cobblestone streets of the oldest city in the “New World.” Visit the famous palace, the first cathedral, the first hospital and, when you’re ready, settle into one of the fantastic restaurants and sit back to watch this city of three million go about its business.

Click this link.

5. Whale watching in Samana

From December to early March, the North Atlantic population of humpback whales migrates into the Bay of Samana to calve or mate.

There are many tours to go out and be with the whales but please make sure to choose a tour guide who follows the guidelines put in place to protect the whales.