Dominican Republic: More Than Just Amazing Beaches

Palm Studded Bavaro Beach

With more than 1,000 miles of coastline, the Dominican Republic certainly knows how to do a beautiful beach vacation. But after recently spending time in the Dominican Republic touring resorts and getting a closer look at what different areas have to offer, I was reminded of just how much more there is to this Caribbean destination.

The Dominican Republic isn't one-size-fits-all—and that's part of what makes it such an interesting place to visit. You can spend your vacation at a beautiful all-inclusive resort with your toes in the sand, explore the country's natural beauty, immerse yourself in its food and culture, or combine time at the resort with experiences beyond it. The key is choosing the destination, resort and experience that fit the way you actually want to travel.

Here are just a few reasons the Dominican Republic deserves a spot on your travel list.

Beaches & Beautiful Resorts:  Let's start with the obvious: the beaches. From the famous shores of Punta Cana to the quieter beauty of areas like Samaná and beyond, the Dominican Republic offers a variety of coastal experiences. But even within the same destination, beach conditions, resort locations and overall atmosphere can vary quite a bit. That's something I pay close attention to when helping clients choose a resort. A gorgeous beach photo is a great starting point, but it doesn't tell you everything you need to know.

During my recent trip to the Dominican Republic, I toured numerous resorts and spent time learning what makes each property different—from the location and beach to the room categories, dining, amenities and overall feel. Seeing these properties firsthand gives me a much better understanding of which travelers are likely to love them—and who may be better suited somewhere else.

Golf:  For golfers, the Dominican Republic is an impressive destination.Punta Cana alone is home to numerous courses, including designs associated with names such as Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, Nick Price and P.B. Dye. Combine a beautiful Caribbean setting with a variety of courses, and you have a destination that can appeal to both dedicated golfers and travelers who simply want to work a few rounds into their vacation.

Coffee:  If you enjoy a good cup of coffee, don't leave the Dominican Republic without trying the local coffee. Coffee has been grown in the Dominican Republic for centuries, particularly in the country's mountainous regions, where the climate and elevation create ideal growing conditions.And this is one of those little details that I genuinely enjoyed during my time there. I really liked the coffee in the Dominican Republic. There is something especially enjoyable about starting a slow Caribbean morning with a cup of locally grown and a stunning ocean view. 

Whale Watching:  If you're visiting between approximately January and March, Samaná Bay offers an incredible seasonal experience: humpback whale watching.Thousands of humpback whales migrate to the warm waters of the region each winter, making this one of the Dominican Republic's most memorable nature experiences.For travelers who want more than a resort vacation, this is exactly the kind of experience that can change the way you think about a destination.

Rum & Cigars: The Dominican Republic has a long history of producing both rum and cigars, thanks in part to its fertile soil and ideal growing conditions.Travelers can visit cigar factories and tobacco farms, learn about the craftsmanship behind Dominican cigars, or explore the country's rum-making traditions. And if touring a factory isn't your idea of vacation, there's always the option of simply enjoying a Dominican rum cocktail while taking in the Caribbean sunset.

Natural Wonders & Adventure: The Dominican Republic also offers plenty for travelers who want to get out and explore. Waterfalls, caves, cenotes, mountains, national parks and lush tropical landscapes provide opportunities for hiking, swimming, kayaking, horseback riding and other outdoor adventures. Pico Duarte, the highest mountain in the Caribbean, is another reminder that this destination extends far beyond its beaches and resorts.

So, Which Part of the Dominican Republic Is Right for You?

This may actually be the most important question.The Dominican Republic offers a wide range of vacation experiences, and the resort that is perfect for one traveler may be completely wrong for another.

My recent time touring resorts throughout the Dominican Republic gave me an even better understanding of the differences between properties and destinations—and that's information I can bring back to my clients when we're deciding where their vacation dollars are best spent.

Ready to explore what the Dominican Republic could look like for your next vacation? Let's start with how you want to spend your time—and I'll help narrow down the possibilities from there.