Dominican Republic Holidays

Dominican Republic Holidays

The Dominican Republic offers visitors a chance to experience the idyllic beaches, natural beauty and year-round sunshine of a Caribbean island, all at good value for money and with a distinctly Latin American twist. Situated in between Cuba, Jamaica and Puerto Rico, and sharing the island of Hispaniola with its' neighbour Haiti, the Dominican Republic retains its' Spanish heritage, being the site of the first Settlement in the New World when Christopher Columbus discovered it in 1496, and has managed to hold onto its' natural beauty and simple charm, despite the influx of tourism and development. More and more visitors are discovering the appeal of the Dominican Republic, with its numerous all-inclusive resorts, friendly locals and laid-back atmosphere.

The resorts

The major resort area in the Dominican Republic is the Punta Cana region, which accommodates more than half of all visitors to the region. Situated on the east coast, and served by the airport of the same name, the region of Punta Cana emcompasses a multitude of smaller resorts, housing a large number of all-inclusive resorts and hotels. The beach at Punta Cana stretches for an amazing 50km - the longest uninterrupted stretch in the Caribbean- and boasts fine white sand and calm turquoise waters. Further north in the Dominican Republic lies the Amber Coast, named for the abundance of natural amber deposits found throughout the area, and the popular resorts of Playa Dorada, Sosua and Cabarete, together with the regions' capital, the port city of Puerto Plata. Playa Dorada, 'the golden beach', offers plenty of all-inclusive resorts along the wonderful beach and an array of watersports, whilst serious thrill-seekers should head to Cabarete, the world-class windsurfing and kitesurfing capital of the Caribbean. Along the south coast lies the capital Santa Domingo, with fabulous opportunities for shopping, dining and soaking up the vibrant local culture, along with other developed resort communities, such as Juan Dolio and Boca Chica.

Hotels & resorts for all, from honeymooners to families

Holidays in Dominican Republic are all about the idyllic tropical atmosphere - the fabulous white sand. the swaying palm trees and the crystal-clear blue waters - all of which add up to the perfect ingredients for a holiday full of complete rest and relaxation. For those looking for a little more activity, the resorts of the Dominican Republic offer facilities for all manner of watersports, from windsurfing and kitesurfing, to scuba-diving and snorkelling in the coral reefs found offshore. There are plenty of excellent golf courses to choose from and activities such as horse-riding and river-rafting, to bowling and go-karting. There is accommodation to suit everyone, from romantic and secluded couples resorts for honeymooners, to complexes packed with facilities and activities for families, and guests can choose to stay within the secure and luxurious confines of their all-inclusive hotels, or explore the real Dominican Republic, with its' stunning landscapes and friendly local people. An ideal winter destination, the best time to visit is between the months of November and April, in the 'cool' season when the tropical climate is at its' best (temperatures in the eighties) and the days are dry and sunny.

Dominican Republic Weather

The heavy rainfall from May to August is enough to keep much of the island green and fertile. There is very little rain in November and December. For sun-worshippers this really is a paradise with temperatures particularly high in coastal areas and the climate often referred to as ‘the endless summer’. In winter, coastal regions generally experience highs of around 28°C during the day and lows of about 20°C in the evening. This compares to around 31°C during the day and 22°C at night in the summer, when the humidity can make it feel considerably warmer. As you would expect, the mountain regions are much cooler.

Dominican Republic All Inclusive

All inclusive holidays to Dominican Republic allow guests to relax and enjoy the colourful Latin American atmosphere from a secure and luxurious base, with the option of venturing out to explore the real character of the area in local towns and villages, too. Although there are a wealth of accommodation choices available, many visitors find the convenience and ease of an all inclusive holiday can't be beaten, and there are a great number of options for their stay, all at varying prices and styles. There are no hidden extras to worry about with the price generally featuring all meals and drinks, and use of hotel facilities, including water sports in the warm coastal waters of the Atlantic - a major attraction. The main resorts that offer all inclusive holidays in Dominican Republic include those in the Punta Cana region on the east coast, where there are numerous hotels lining the long stunning beachfront, which also boasts the longest coral reef in the country - perfect for snorkelling or scuba-diving. Other all inclusive holiday resorts are situated along the Amber Coast further north, such as Playa Dorada, Calabrete and Sosua, and all offer a relaxing base with plenty of amenities throughout the hotels.

More useful information

• For official Dominican Republic tourist information click here - Go Dominican Republic 
• The FCO occasionally release travel advisory warnings for the Dominican Republic. Check the latest on the Foreign Travel Advice website.