Local Flavours: Dominican cuisine blends local tastes and flavours with Spanish influences to create an array of exciting dishes. Pork, goat, chicken and seafood are perhaps the most popular meats used in cooking and when washed down with locally produced Presidente Beer or Brugal Rum taste great. If you want to sample local delicacies, try ‘La Bandera’ (which comprises rice, red beans, meat, salad and fried green plantain) or ‘Chicharrones de Pollo’ (small pieces of fried chicken).
On a Night: Colourful and lively are just two words to describe the nightlife in the Dominican Republic, but at the same time you could also use chilled and relaxed – put simply, if you are after a laid-back Dominican Republic honeymoon or a hotspot for an upbeat wedding, there is something for everyone in this Caribbean gem. Casinos, nightclubs, beach-front restaurants and Vegas-esque revue bars can all be found here, and discos and bars playing everything from bachata and merengue (local speciailities) through to the latest Euro and US Chart toppers can be found.
Shopping: Shopping on the island is relatively low-key so if it’s malls teeming with high-street brands that you’re after then here probably isn’t for you. What the Dominican Republic can offer in the way of shopping however are a number of local specialities for you to take home with you. The jewellery sold on the island is ornate and unique, and often pieces will incorporate the local milky-blue larimar stones or amber. Cigars, rum and salsa CD’s are popular take-aways, or if you have a little spare luggage allowance then why not take home a vibrant painting from the region or even a Dominican Republic speciality – a rocking chair!
Top Resorts: To the North of the island, Puerto Plata is the main resort featuring miles of beautiful golden sand beaches. Towards its Eastern shore, Punta Cana is the star with white sandy beaches and beautiful turquoise waters. The capital of Santo Domingo lies on the South coast and offers culture and heritage as well as being lively and fun.
Out & About: A visit to the Dominican Alps including the Caribbean’s highest peak – the Pico Duarte, is a great day out, especially if you take a mule to the summit! The cigar factory in Santiago (towards the North) makes for interesting viewing, whilst for those after more natural entertainment, the Jimenoa Waterfalls provide breathtaking scenery. The Manati Park near Punta Cana offers visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the zoo, gardens, wildlife and recreated Taino village, in fact you can even arrange to swim with dolphins. Boat trips to the marine caves at the Gri Gri Lagoon are popular as is a catamaran visit to the unspoilt island of Saona. Adreniline seekers will love the opportunity to go tubing (floating down a river in a giant rubber tube!) or cascading (climbing up, the rappelling down a waterfall), or if you are after a more sedate activity then watch the locals play baseball. For culture-seekers, Santo Domingo offers rustic charm as well as the National Theatre and Gallery of Modern Art.
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