My husband and I are planning a vacation to the Dominican Republic and would like some advice on the best area to stay. We're fairly novice travelers and are a little uneasy about finding our way around the island on our own for sightseeing and meals. However, we'd like to avoid the crowds and "touristy" type attractions that the all-inclusive resorts seem to offer. Our goal is to see the real DR and experience the beauty of the beaches and rainforests. We love to hike and explore. My first question is which area of the island would be best to visit? Second, is there an all-inclusive resort that is secluded and focussed on seeing the natural beauty of the island as opposed to centering the vacation on entertainment and drinking? Thank you all so much in advance for your advice!
- Thread starter harc00
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Best Area to Visit in DR?
you want the beach, the hills and A/I in one package? If novice you will be best finding a nice A/I site and getting in there, then take day tours from the resort. You can't avoid tourists if you want an A/I package, and you will struggle to get the coast and hills in one place. And there isn't really a real DR, it is so diverse and changing.
For mountains and beach and eco tourism your best bet is Barahona. Check out Casa Bonita in Barahona Casa Bonita Tropical Lodge : Bahoruco Barahona, Dominican Republic - Welcome | Bienvenidos
It is not cheap but gorgeous and there you get the hills and the beach and you can experience the real DR.
Matilda
It is not cheap but gorgeous and there you get the hills and the beach and you can experience the real DR.
Matilda
I would agree with Matilda's choice another area to consider is the Samana Peninsular. - try Todo Blanco in Las Galeras.
As to the "real" Dominican Republic - can you explain what you mean. In the AIs there is a small industry devoted to giving tours of the "real" Dominican Republic - this usually involves disrupting a local school, going to a car wash and having a beer in a colmado. As Anastacio states the country is so diverse that there are many "real" Dominican Republics to explore. Hope you enjoy it.
As to the "real" Dominican Republic - can you explain what you mean. In the AIs there is a small industry devoted to giving tours of the "real" Dominican Republic - this usually involves disrupting a local school, going to a car wash and having a beer in a colmado. As Anastacio states the country is so diverse that there are many "real" Dominican Republics to explore. Hope you enjoy it.
Depends on what you really want to do. If you are interested in history and culture, there is more of it in the old part of Santo Domingo, than ion the rest of the free caribbean area combined. If it is the arts, you have theaters, galleries, and many other facilities in the capitol city. Of course, there are the beach areas which are second to none, the hotels , and plenty of local area places to stay. You first have to clealy define your wants and time frames. This is a big island and cannot be covered in a short time.
What about that hotel in the mountains [maybe run by Tim Hall?????] that someone had posted photos of? The rooms were so inviting and so part of the environment.
Anyone have a link?
AE
Anyone have a link?
AE
If you're looking for an AI that has close proximity to the DR's natural diversity, I would look into Samana (Bahia Principe) or resorts in Puerto Plata.
To really experience the country's diversity in a non-AI, I second the suggestion for the Southwest.
To really experience the country's diversity in a non-AI, I second the suggestion for the Southwest.
Hi:
I am a little bit bias, because I live here about 6 months a year, but the Samana Peninsula has the best beaches in the country. It also has Limon Falls, which you can either hike or take horses to. If you hike it it will take about 1hr to the base of the falls, where there is a natural pool, in which you can swim. Las Terrenas has many small hotels and would be an ideal place to use as a base. There are many day trips within an hour or less drive time. Based on what you seem to be looking for you could google Juraasic Park Hotel, Las Terrenas and see if this is something that might work for you. I am not affiliated with this hotel. Good luck.
S
I am a little bit bias, because I live here about 6 months a year, but the Samana Peninsula has the best beaches in the country. It also has Limon Falls, which you can either hike or take horses to. If you hike it it will take about 1hr to the base of the falls, where there is a natural pool, in which you can swim. Las Terrenas has many small hotels and would be an ideal place to use as a base. There are many day trips within an hour or less drive time. Based on what you seem to be looking for you could google Juraasic Park Hotel, Las Terrenas and see if this is something that might work for you. I am not affiliated with this hotel. Good luck.
S
This is a favorite tourist destination by families, friends and, most especially, newlyweds who are on their honeymoons.
There are many places for visit but top 5 places are mentioned here:
<big></big>Colonial Zone
Malecon
Plaza De la Cultura
Parque Mirador Sor
Eastern Santo Domingo
<big></big><big></big>
All these are very beautiful Places.
magic kingdom Orlando
There are many places for visit but top 5 places are mentioned here:
<big></big>Colonial Zone
Malecon
Plaza De la Cultura
Parque Mirador Sor
Eastern Santo Domingo
<big></big><big></big>
All these are very beautiful Places.
magic kingdom Orlando