Dominican Republic –
Caribbean Sun & Sand.

Why the Dominican Republic?

The Caribbean Classic – and for Good Reason.

The Dominican Republic occupies the eastern two-thirds of Hispaniola, the second-largest island in the Caribbean, and it has long been the region's most popular destination for European package tourists. The reasons are obvious: reliably warm weather year-round, some of the finest beaches in the hemisphere, a well-developed resort infrastructure across all price categories, and a flight time from Germany of around ten hours – short enough for a two-week holiday to feel genuinely worth the journey.

Punta Cana is the engine of Dominican tourism. The resort strip along the east coast – Bávaro, Cap Cana, Punta Cana itself – contains hundreds of hotels ranging from budget all-inclusives to some of the Caribbean's most palatial luxury resorts. The beaches here are textbook Caribbean: long, wide, white sand, gentle surf, palm trees. The water is shallow and warm. For a classic beach holiday with no surprises, Punta Cana delivers consistently and reliably.

La Romana and Bayahibe, on the southeast coast, offer a different pace. The Saona Island day trip – a coral-fringed sandbank in the middle of a turquoise sea, reached by catamaran – is one of the Caribbean's great excursions. Casa de Campo, the enormous resort complex near La Romana, has three of the Caribbean's finest golf courses along with a polo club, shooting range and private marina.

Samaná Peninsula in the northeast is the most naturally beautiful part of the country. Between January and March, humpback whales congregate in the bay to breed – the whale watching here is among the best in the world. Las Terrenas and Las Galeras are low-key beach towns with a strong French and Italian expat community, excellent food and a bohemian atmosphere that could not be further from the Punta Cana all-inclusive experience.

Tips for Your Dominican Republic Trip

• 01Best season: December to April – dry season, lowest humidity. The Atlantic coast has some rain year-round; the south is drier.
• 02Hurricane season: June to November brings increased risk. Travel insurance covering weather disruption is strongly recommended if travelling then.
• 03All-inclusive value: The Dominican Republic all-inclusive model is among the best-value in the Caribbean. Food and drink quality has improved dramatically at mid-range resorts.
• 04Merengue: The national dance is everywhere. Most resorts have evening entertainment including dance lessons – even the most reluctant dancers tend to enjoy it.