Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic has undergone some major changesin the last few years, starting with the airport which now features six rush roofs instead of one! And this is just one example. Charming holiday resorts have sprung up, while the originals have taken care to remain in tune with the times. The roads have improved and the excursion destinations are more easily accessible.

The Dominican Republic is now ready to welcome all-comers, whether they are looking for peace and quiet, nightlife experiences, a gourmet extravaganza or local culture.

The colonial quarter of the capital of Santo Domingo was granted UNESCO World heritage site status in 1990. The palace of Diego Colombus, Christopher’s son, can be found here at a stone’s throw from the oldest cathedral in the Americas, constructed between 1521 and 1540. The Dominican Republic is also home to the highest peak in the Caribbean, the Pico Duarte. With an attitude of 3087 metres, it reminds us that the temperatures are not always tropical and that night frosts are not uncommon in winter.

It would of course be unwise to ignore the white sandy beaches, as they really are the main attraction of the Dominican Republic, which shares the island of Hispaniola with the Republic of Haiti. A list of the top ten most beautiful beaches on the planet is drawn up every year by a magazine such as Conde Nast and Travel & Leisure. Some can be found on small, uninhabited, sometimes private and inaccessible islands, these beaches are not reserved for the jet set. Not so for Samana, the finger shaped peninsula on the map of the country. The playa Rincon beach has certainly remained unspoiled and is a piece of paradise accessible to all. However, you need a pick-up or a 4X4 to navigate the spectacular route that takes you there.

Let’s take a closer look at Samana itself, which will not fail to enchant beaches worthy of Bounty commercials, the wonderful El Limon waterfall, watching the humpback whales that come here to mate and give birth each year between January and March. Los Haitises National park is known for its mangrove forests, the ancestral cave paintings by the Taino people, deserted beaches, creeks once upon a time used by pirates of the Caribbean and last but not least, wildlife to take your breath away.

On the way you can discover life as it is lived in the Dominican Republic . Small villages of hastily built rainbow colour huts.

Children kicking patched up inner tubes, an old ball, a piece of wood, whatever they can find. The pot over the fire with chicken or goat stew, cooking for days at a time. And rice, often accompanied by black-eyed beans in a fragrant dark sauce. People selling coconuts on makeshift tables, others selling sweet ripe mangoes, coffee, cocoa. And for the adventurous, rum, possibly diluted with lemonade.
Paradise without a price tag.