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The Dominican Republic is one of the most sought-after beach destinations for Americans heading abroad this winter.
With miles of sugar-white sand, fringed by blue-green waters and vibrant resorts packed with luxury hotels, it’s a no-brainer for holidaymakers looking to relax and pamper themselves a little after another long, arduous year.
It’s one of those proven hotspots where you’d think the trend would decline at this point, but in reality the DR (as it’s commonly abbreviated) is expected to be the best year in tourism since records began, with 11.5 million guests expected.
2023 was already a record and at that time there were 10 million people.
So what makes it so popular, even after all these years?
Well… Ever heard of Punta Cana?
It should go without saying that the main reason why the DR on the radar of millions of Americans this winter it’s home to Punta Cana, the Caribbean’s second-best offering after Cancun, Mexico, and a bustling resort town that caters to an international crowd.
Between picture-perfect beaches and reasonably priced hotels, with adults-only areas, water parks and shopping options, a Punta Cana vacation is worth it. guaranteed fun for everyone, whether you are traveling alone, as a couple or as a family with small children.
Some of the top-rated five-star entries this season that don’t cost an arm and a leg include the Great Bavaro Princess ($181 per night), Shelter in Royalton in the Bavaro strip ($198), and for adults only Royalton CHIC in Uvero Alto ($172).
Incredible service at all inclusive
Let’s face it: as incredible as those Caribbean beaches and lush nature are, the biggest draw to Punta Cana, and the DR as a whole, are its top-notch all-inclusive resorts:
Americans here are toiling to get an average of eleven days of paid leave per calendar year, and it’s no wonder that when they consider flying abroad, that’s a minimal hassle holiday with everything they need from check-in to check-out.
Luckily for them, the DR is essentially synonymous with luxury and relaxation, with countless wellness havens dotted along the pristine coastline: wherever you go, there are beautiful properties with state-of-the-art amenities.
We’re talking lagoon-style oceanfront pools, private beaches and spa facilities ideal for relaxingand exceptional service, where the staff will definitely treat you like royalty – it’s not exactly cheap, a week’s stay will set you back at least $1,204, but it’s worth every penny.
There are many more seaside resorts to choose from
You may not be the DR for Punta Cana, the island’s busiest city, where all the famous resorts are located and which can certainly get quite busy in high season, but there are numerous other, more relaxing destinations to choose from if you are looking for beaches.
There is Cabarete, a coastal town on a peaceful bay, full of authentic seafood restaurants and B&Bs – just north of the city is Encuentro, a popular surfing beach, and if you’re a foodie like us, the best Spanish tapas are here JALA‘S.
Because it directly faces the Caribbean, Bayahibe has some of the most beautiful beaches in the entire DR, with gentle, crystal clear waves breaking against the soft sand, and the colorful reef lapping the shoreline makes it particularly suitable for snorkeling .
Let’s not forget Puerto Plata and its monumental Playa Dorada, as the name suggests a dreamy stretch of golden sand––overnight stays from here only $107––or up-and-coming La Romana, the closest thing to an idyllic Mediterranean retreat this side of the pond.
The DR is rich in culture!
Speaking of La Romana, it’s not just a world-class beach zone, it’s a… hugely underrated cultural gem: Located on a scenic riverbank, Altos de Chavón is a recreation of a 16th-century Mediterranean village, full of artisan shops and Instagram-ready corners.
South of the city, Catalina Island has pristine beaches that have yet to be destroyed by massive development, more coral reefs, and if you’re a history buff, you won’t want to miss snorkeling around the wreck of infamous pirate William Kidd’s ship. sunk in the 17th century.
Then there’s the country’s large number of historically charged cities, from the walled Ciudad Colonial to Santo Domingo, the first area ever inhabited by Europeans in America, to sprawling Santiago de los Caballeros, dominated by a 16th-century fortress and whitewashed cathedral.
Resort areas in the DR are completely safe
Aside from its unparalleled coastal scenery and culture, the Dominican Republic remains popular with tourists thanks to its impressive level of safety in tourist zones.
While larger cities like Santo Domingo and Santiago pose a greater risk, the beaches of Punta Cana, Bayahibe, La Romana and Puerto Plata are all closed due to gang activity completely safe for visitorsespecially if they stay within the resort grounds.
The DR is officially a Level 2 destination, as claimed by the US Department of State, meaning Americans should simply exercise “heightened caution” when vacationing on the island; yet they are not discouraged from visiting, as is the case with Jamaica.
Read more about the DR’s steps to ensure tourists stay safe, even amid the crisis in neighboring Haiti, here.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
