Dominican Republic Honeymoon

Comparatively low prices, good beaches, and easy accessibility from the U.S. have made the Dominican Republic one of the Caribbean’s most popular honeymoon destinations.

Contributor Cynthia Blair traveled to the island's southeastern end (the Dominican Republic's western border butts tumultuous Haiti, the Western Hemisphere's poorest nation) and came back to describe what it's like to honeymoon in the DR.

Dominican Republic Lodging
Says Cynthia, "The Dominican Republic offers a variety of hotel options, from charming boutique hotels to sprawling all-inclusives:

• "Sophisticated Sivory is a fine, intimate hotel with a friendly, polite staff; elegant furnishings; and superior restaurants.

• "Casa de Campo is such a huge resort (7,000 acres) that the mostly older guests receive their own golf cart and drive (or need to be driven) everywhere. It includes a beach, 3 pools, 10 bars, 3 golf courses, and the unique Altos de Chavon, a recreated 16th-century Mediterranean village.

• "Excellence Punta Cana is an attractive, well-maintained all-inclusive without the annoying party atmosphere.

• "All-inclusive Paradisus Punta Cana has 8 restaurants, a casino, a disco, and a 27-hole golf course. It is so large (100 acres) that guests are transported around in a tram golf cart.

• "Cheapest of the lot, the sprawling, 795-room Barcelo Punta Cana may not appeal strongly to honeymooners, as it attracts many families (screaming children dominate the pool) and has mediocre food and a frustrating staff.”

Note: Despite its attraction to visitors, the Dominican Republic continues to have sanitation problems that affect tourists' health in some locations.

_{Photo of Casa de Campo by Cynthia Blair.}