The Dominican Republic is one of the most highly sought-after beach destinations for Americans going abroad this winter.
Boasting miles upon miles of sugar-white sands, fringed by teal-colored waters, and lively resort zones packed with luxury hotels, it is a no-brainer for vacationers keen on relaxing and pampering themselves a little after another long, laborious year.
It’s such a tried-and-true hotspot you’d think that, at this point, its trendiness would start wearing off, but in reality, the DR (as it is commonly shortened to) is expected to have the greatest year in tourism since records began, with 11.5 million guests expected.
2023 was already record-breaking, and back then, they hosted 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 the primary reason why the DR is on the radar of millions of Americans this winter is the fact it is home to Punta Cana, the second best offer in the Caribbean after Mexico’s Cancun, and a bustling resort town catering to an international crowd.
Between the picture-perfect beaches and moderately-priced hotels, with adults-only zones, water parks and shopping options, a Punta Cana vacation is guaranteed fun for all, whether you’re traveling solo, in a couple, or as a family with small kids.
Some of the top-rated five-star listings this season that do not cost an arm and a leg include the Grand Bavaro Princess ($181-a-night), Hideaway at Royalton in the Bavaro strip ($198), and the adults-only Royalton CHIC in Uvero Alto ($172).
Incredible Service At All-Inclusives
Let’s face it: as incredible as those Caribbean beaches and the lush nature are, the biggest draw of Punta Cana, and the DR as a whole, are its top-notch all-inclusive resorts:
Americans are out here slaving away to get an average 11 days of paid leave in a calendar year, and it’s no wonder that, when they consider flying abroad, it’s a minimal-hassle vacay with everything taken care of that they need, from check in to check out.
Lucky for them, the DR is essentially synonymous with luxury and relaxation, with numerous wellness havens scattered along the pristine coast: regardless of where you go, there’ll be beautiful properties with state-of-the-art amenities.
We’re talking lagoon-style oceanfront pools, private beaches, spa facilities that are ideal for unwinding, and exceptional service, with staff sure to treat you like royalty––it’s not exactly cheap, with one-week stays setting you back by at least $1,204, but it’s worth every cent.
Plenty Of More Resort Towns To Pick From
You may not the DR for Punta Cana, the busiest town on the island, where all of the most famous resorts are located and where it can definitely get significantly crowded in the peak season, but there are countless other more laid-back destinations to pick if it’s beaches you’re after.
There’s Cabarete, a seaside settlement straddling a peaceful bay, full of authentic seafood restaurants and B&Bs––just north of town, Encuentro is a popular surfing beach, and if you’re a foodie like us, the best Spanish-style tapas are YALLA‘s.
As it directly faces the Caribbean, Bayahibe has some of the most beautiful beaches in all of the DR, with gentle, crystalline waves breaking against soft sands, and the colorful reef lapping the shoreline make it particularly great for snorkeling.
Let’s not forget Puerto Plata and its landmark Playa Dorada, which as the name indicates, is a dreamy stretch of golden sand––overnight stays here start at just $107––or the up-and-coming La Romana, the closest you can get to an idyllic Mediterranean getaway on this side of the pond.
The DR Is Culture-Rich!
Speaking of La Romana, not only is it a world-class beach zone, it’s a hugely-underrated cultural gem: perched on a scenic riverfront, Altos de Chavón is a recreation of a 16th-century Mediterranean village, filled with artisan shops and Instagram-ready corners.
South of town, Catalina Island has unruffled beaches yet to be ruined by mass development, more coral reefs, and if you’re a History buff, you don’t want to miss out on snorkeling around the wreckage of infamous pirate William Kidd’s ship, sunk in the 17th century.
Then there is the country’s host of historically-charged cities, from the walled Ciudad Colonial, in Santo Domingo, the first area ever settled by Europeans in the Americas, to a sprawling Santiago de los Caballeros, dominated by a 16th century fort and a whitewashed cathedral.
Resort Zones In The DR Are Perfectly Safe
Other than its unmatched coastal scenery and culture, the Dominican Republic keeps trending with tourists thanks to the impressive levels of safety in tourist zones.
Though larger cities like Santo Domingo and Santiago pose a higher risk, due to the gang activity, the beaches in Punta Cana, Bayahibe, La Romana and Puerto Plata are all perfectly-safe for visitors, especially if they’re staying within resort premises.
The DR is officially a Level 2 destination, as asserted by the U.S. State Department, which means Americans should simply exercise ‘increased caution’ when vacationing on the island due; still, they’re not discouraged from visiting, as is the case with Jamaica.
Learn more about the DR’s steps to ensure tourists remain safe, even amid the crisis in neighboring Haiti, here.
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