As the holidays approach and the winter vacation period gets into full swing, our travel PR firm is busy building our bucketlist of the top Caribbean destinations to visit in 2015. While the Dominican Republic has long been associated with such all-inclusive and mega-resort hotspots as Punta Cana and Casa de Campo, three emerging Dominican Republic destinations are at the top of our list.
Recently Fodors.com published a feature entitled, “Three Places in the Dominican Republic to Visit Now” – highlighting both remote and culturally rich urban regions that should be on everyone’s bucketlist next year. Below are just a few reasons why Fodor’s Travel is recommending trips to Santo Domingo, Barahona and the stunning Samana Peninsula for travelers seeking an authentic tropical getaway.
Santo Domingo
“Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, is not only the oldest city in the New World (and a UNESCO world heritage site), but also one of the most populated in the Caribbean. The city is an intriguing mix of old world appeal and a modern, urban aesthetic that is rarely seen on other large Caribbean islands. This contrast is visible not only in its architecture (old ruins standing proudly next to new, sleek buildings, and narrow stone streets dotted with a mix of small bright-colored houses and imposing Colonial fortresses), but in the city’s everyday culture and nightlife as well. With a lively Latin panache that throbs like a drum throughout each historic plaza, Santo Domingo has a true Latin beat to it—it may very well be the beat of the Merengue or the Bachata, the island’s most popular dances.
Where to Stay: Casas Del XVI, a new boutique hotel nestled in Santo Domingo’s Ciudad Colonial, has taken historic, colonial homes that date back to the Spanish settlement of Hispaniola and renovated them into beautifully unique accommodations with chic rooms and decorations that perfectly reflect the city’s tropical flair and contrast of Old World and new. The small details of each room and villa are what make this hotel so captivating. One villa has a romantic cigar bar and relaxing outdoor courtyard, while another has a stunning pool perfect for a quiet afternoon dip. With such intimate and distinctive touches, this historic gem offers each guest a personalized and unique experience.”
Barahona
“The southwestern coast of the Dominican Republic is a relatively tourist-free spot, and that’s why this stunning area is, at least for now, somewhat of a hidden treasure. With spectacular, relatively isolated beaches, dense rainforests and true local flavor, this is the place to go to experience a side of the Dominican Republic that many people don’t know about yet.
Where to Stay: Perched high up in the canopy of the lush Barahona rainforest and surrounded by the Sierra Barahuco Mountains and Riosito River, Casa Bonita Tropical Lodge is truly situated amid a jungle paradise. The island’s leading eco-tourism offering, this luxury boutique eco-hotel features an organic garden, a river spa, and a stunning infinity pool overlooking the dense rainforest, and beyond, the expansive sea.”
Samaná Peninsula
“Home to the country’s most spectacular beaches and lush, mountainous landscape, the Samaná Peninsula is considered by both locals and visitors to be the most beautiful part of the Dominican Republic. Refreshingly quiet and relatively isolated in comparison to other much more developed areas of the island, this region is a popular destination for vacationers looking to truly relax.
Where to Stay: Sublime Samana Hotel & Residences is an exclusive collection of private suites and ‘casitas’ on an immaculately kept property that leads from a luxurious, interconnected pool directly down to one of the most magnificent beaches in the Caribbean. The large, modern rooms and casitas are perfect for couples as well as families or large groups. The hotel boasts a natural spa located on the beach just steps away from the calming surf, two unique restaurants, and beachside cooking courses and trips to the local fish market with the hotel’s chef.”