A feast of colour, it's evident that the Dominican Republic is influenced by its closest neighbours, Cuba and Puerto Rico. With a distinct Latin flavour, the coast of this Caribbean island is awash with postcard-perfect sceneries, from white sand beaches to jutting mountains and thick rainforests further inland.
In the north is Puerto Plata, a traditional Dominican town where there's a rum factory, an old quarter with colourful painted wooden buildings, and a cable car which goes all the way to the top of Mount Isabel del Torres. If you're wanting a vibrant Caribbean beach break, Puerto Plata is perfect.
Punta Cana, on the island's eastern edge, is a popular choice with holidaymakers. Known as the 'Coconut Coast', the region has more than 50 miles of coast running from Bavaro to Uvero Alto, most of which is backed by nut-bearing palm trees.
One thing you can be certain of on Dominican Republic holidays is beach-friendly weather. Boasting around 300 days of sunshine a year, average temperatures are in the high 20s or low 30s. Humidity is particularly high in this part of the world; travel between November and April to avoid the worst of it. Between June and September is hurricane season, but severe storms are pretty rare.
Choose Dominican Republic holidays and escape from it all. Relaxation is the order of the day; soak up the Caribbean sunshine on one of the island's many picture-perfect beaches. Watersports are a popular pastime on Dominican Republic luxury holidays. Snorkelling, scuba diving, sailing - you name it, it's here. When you've topped up your tan, go off-road and see the real Dom Rep. Climb aboard a monstrous 4x4 and head through the countryside, taking in the lush rainforests and sugar plantations, and powering through rushing rivers.
Dominican cooking combines Spanish influences with local produce, such as island-grown tomatoes, lettuce, papaya, mangos, passion and citrus fruits. Dominican beer, Presidente, is popular, as are rum-based drinks.
The vast majority of hotels in the Dominican Republic offer traditional shows, including folk music and dancing.
It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct travel insurance and vaccinations and / or special medication for your destination. Please consult your GP for advice at least one month ahead of travel. It is essential that you meet the visa and passport requirements for your chosen destination. Visit the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (http://www.fco.gov.uk) website for up to date entry requirements listed by country.
