The Dominican Republic is without doubt one of the most extremely sought-after seaside locations for Americans going overseas this winter.
Boasting miles upon miles of sugar-white sands, fringed by teal-colored waters, and energetic resort zones full of luxurious inns, it’s a no-brainer for vacationers eager on stress-free and pampering themselves somewhat after one other lengthy, laborious 12 months.
It’s such a tried-and-true hotspot you’d assume that, at this level, its trendiness would begin carrying off, however in actuality, the DR (as it’s generally shortened to) is predicted to have the best 12 months in tourism since data started, with 11.5 million visitors expected.
2023 was already record-breaking, and again then, they hosted 10 million individuals.
So what makes it so widespread, even in spite of everything these years?
Well… Ever Heard Of Punta Cana?
It ought to go with out saying the first cause why the DR is on the radar of tens of millions of Americans this winter is the very fact it’s house to Punta Cana, the second greatest provide within the Caribbean after Mexico’s Cancun, and a bustling resort city catering to a global crowd.
Between the picture-perfect seashores and moderately-priced inns, with adults-only zones, water parks and purchasing choices, a Punta Cana trip is assured enjoyable for all, whether or not you are touring solo, in a pair, or as a household with small children.
Some of the top-rated five-star listings this season that do not cost an arm and a leg embody the Grand Bavaro Princess ($181-a-night), Hideaway at Royalton within the Bavaro strip ($198), and the adults-only Royalton CHIC in Uvero Alto ($172).
Incredible Service At All-Inclusives
Let’s face it: as unimaginable as these Caribbean seashores and the plush nature are, the most important draw of Punta Cana, and the DR as a complete, are its top-notch all-inclusive resorts:
Americans are out right here slaving away to get a mean 11 days of paid depart in a calendar 12 months, and it is no marvel that, after they take into account flying overseas, it is a minimal-hassle vacay with every part taken care of that they want, from test in to take a look at.
Lucky for them, the DR is basically synonymous with luxurious and rest, with quite a few wellness havens scattered alongside the pristine coast: no matter the place you go, there will be lovely properties with state-of-the-art facilities.
We’re speaking lagoon-style oceanfront swimming pools, personal seashores, spa amenities which might be perfect for unwinding, and distinctive service, with employees positive to deal with you want royalty––it isn’t precisely low cost, with one-week stays setting you again by a minimum of $1,204, but it surely’s value each cent.
Plenty Of More Resort Towns To Pick From
You might not the DR for Punta Cana, the busiest city on the island, the place the entire most well-known resorts are positioned and the place it might probably undoubtedly get considerably crowded within the peak season, however there are numerous different extra laid-back locations to choose if it is seashores you are after.
There’s Cabarete, a seaside settlement straddling a peaceable bay, filled with genuine seafood eating places and B&Bs––simply north of city, Encuentro is a well-liked browsing seaside, and in the event you’re a foodie like us, one of the best Spanish-style tapas are YALLA‘s.
As it immediately faces the Caribbean, Bayahibe has a few of the most lovely seashores in the entire DR, with light, crystalline waves breaking towards comfortable sands, and the colourful reef lapping the shoreline make it significantly nice for snorkeling.
Let’s not neglect Puerto Plata and its landmark Playa Dorada, which because the identify signifies, is a dreamy stretch of golden sand––in a single day stays right here begin at just $107––or the up-and-coming La Romana, the closest you will get to an idyllic Mediterranean getaway on this facet of the pond.
The DR Is Culture-Rich!
Speaking of La Romana, not solely is it a world-class seaside zone, it is a hugely-underrated cultural gem: perched on a scenic riverfront, Altos de Chavón is a recreation of a Sixteenth-century Mediterranean village, crammed with artisan retailers and Instagram-ready corners.
South of city, Catalina Island has unruffled seashores but to be ruined by mass growth, extra coral reefs, and in the event you’re a History buff, you do not wish to miss out on snorkeling across the wreckage of notorious pirate William Kidd’s ship, sunk within the seventeenth century.
Then there’s the nation’s host of historically-charged cities, from the walled Ciudad Colonial, in Santo Domingo, the primary space ever settled by Europeans within the Americas, to a sprawling Santiago de los Caballeros, dominated by a Sixteenth century fort and a whitewashed cathedral.
Resort Zones In The DR Are Perfectly Safe
Other than its unmatched coastal surroundings and tradition, the Dominican Republic retains trending with vacationers because of the impressive levels of safety in vacationer zones.
Though bigger cities like Santo Domingo and Santiago pose a better threat, as a result of gang exercise, the seashores in Punta Cana, Bayahibe, La Romana and Puerto Plata are all perfectly-safe for guests, particularly in the event that they’re staying inside resort premises.
The DR is formally a Level 2 vacation spot, as asserted by the U.S. State Department, which implies Americans ought to merely train ‘elevated warning’ when vacationing on the island due; nonetheless, they don’t seem to be discouraged from visiting, as is the case with Jamaica.
Learn extra in regards to the DR’s steps to make sure vacationers stay protected, even amid the disaster in neighboring Haiti, here.
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This article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed listed here are the writer’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, lodge, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, authorized or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included inside the submit.