Wonder what there is for a couple to do in the Dominican Republic? Try these eight ways to find bliss:
Run Away to Your Own Deserted Island. No Dominican Republic honeymoon would be complete without a real island adventure, the type that involves running away to an idyllic, isolated beach. The perfect place to live out this fantasy is scenic Saona Island, which looks like the setting for a Hollywood movie. Reaching this remote spot requires a relaxing two-hour catamaran ride one way, complete with unlimited rum drinks and beer, and a half-hour speed boat trip the other way. In between, a couple on a Dominican Republic honeymoon can lounge in a hammock or lounge chair, enjoy a barbecue lunch with another open bar, play beach volleyball, and swim or snorkel in the warm turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.
Go Back in Time at Altos de Chavon. The idea of recreating a 16th century Mediterranean village on a Caribbean island may sound odd. But in 1978, this charming fantasy, Altos de Chavon, came alive on the grounds of Casa de Campo, a sprawling hotel in La Romana. The amazingly authentic cobblestone village contains restaurants, shops, an archeology museum, an art gallery, and a 5,000-seat amphitheater, all constructed from stone. Altos de Chavon is a “must” on every Dominican Republic honeymoon, since it’s ideal for shopping for amber or larimar jewelry and other souvenirs, dining in an Italian or Mexican restaurant, sharing a pint at an English pub, or simply enjoying the dramatic views of the Chavon River far below. Altos de Chavon is also a popular spot for weddings.
Explore the Island’s Natural Wonders at Indigenous Eyes. Couples on a Dominican Republic honeymoon who want to explore some of the island’s less-known natural beauty should head to Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park, a 600-acre preserve on the grounds of a hotel, the Punta Cana Resort & Club. Sprinkled throughout this secluded patch of tropical forest are twelve clear blue lagoons that offer the chance for a quick dip. Visitors will also spot fish, iguanas, and other wildlife amidst their leafy surroundings.
Watch the Pros Merengue at Tropicalissimo. Barcelo Bavaro Casino hosts a colorful stage show called Tropicalissimo that celebrates Latin dance with a Las Vegas flavor. The salsa, merengue, and bachata, a dance that originated in the Dominican Republic, are all on the bill. Couples on a Dominican Republic getaway will be tempted to jump up onto the stage and join the energetic and professional dancers, scantily clad women and amazingly limber male dancers who are all decked out in an amazing array of flamboyant costumes. The non-stop dancing ends with a tribute to Carnival, a celebration held every February, complete with frightening masks and brilliantly-colored headdresses. While Tropicalissimo is slightly camp, it is definitely worth checking out for a glimpse of Latin American culture.
Spend Some Pesos. Every Dominican Republic vacation should include at least one shopping expedition to pick up some souvenirs – especially jewelry made of amber or larimar, a mottled turquoise blue stone found only on this Caribbean island. The best shopping is at the Palma Real Shopping Center, which looks like it was transported from Miami. Check out the chic boutique Alta Mar for reasonably priced warm-weather clothing, Mara for crafts, coffee, and jewelry, and Unicare Bavaro for elegant housewares. The exhibits at the Museo Joyeria demonstrate how both amber and larimar are formed, and the gift-shop is first-rate. There’s also good shopping at Altos de Chavon, as well as in the seaside village of Cortecito, particularly at a tiny jewelry shop called Arte Rapestre. By all means steer clear of Plaza Punto Cana, where offensively aggressive vendors physically block your way to try to get you into their shops, as well as Plaza Bavaro, which looks nicer but has vendors who are just as pushy.
Dine Outside the Hotels. While the resorts of Punta Cana and La Romana offer an array of dining options, venture outside their gates during your Dominican Republic getaway to sample truly terrific seafood. You can’t go wrong at Capitan Cook, located right on the beach in the quaint if somewhat ragtag seaside village of Cortecito. This casual restaurant serves up fabulous grilled seafood, like the tray-size sampler crammed with luscious lobster, shrimp, calamari, and local fish. Prices are reasonable and the fabulous view and refreshing breezes are free.
Tour the Island’s Sights in a 4x4. While much of the action on the island revolves around the beach, couples on a Dominican Republic honeymoon should check out some of the sights inland. Several tour companies, including Bavaro Runners Safari Adventures, offer full-day and half-day land tours with stops at coffee, chocolate, and fruit plantations, sugar cane fields, and the island’s caves, once the home of aboriginal people.
Replenish Body and Soul at a Spa. Most of the island’s resort hotels have a spa, and couples on a Dominican Republic honeymoon should schedule in a stop wherever they’re staying. Most offer couples treatments, and many use local natural ingredients, like Dominican cane sugar and freshly harvested seaweed at Casa de Campo’s spa treatment center and coconut and pineapple at Agua Resort & Spa. After all, relaxation is the whole point of coming to the Caribbean in the first place.
