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Central Region
Home to some of the country's lushest and most fertile lands, the central region of the Dominican Republic includes the towns of Santiago and La Vega, as well as the stunning Cordillera Central mountain ranges and the Cibao Valley. Well endowed with rich soil and incredible natural resources, this region regularly attracts nature lovers, cigar connoisseurs and adventurers.
La Vega
A quiet town with a rich history, La Vega was also blessed with fertile soil and precious gold. It is fairly quaint, with 60,000 inhabitants. However, when February rolls around, the city is anything but quiet and reserved. La Vega is the home of Carnaval, one of the oldest and most vibrant of Dominican traditions.
With the colorful yet devilish masks worn and created by attendees, the Dominicans get rowdy and celebrate the victory of good over evil. A matchless celebration, both natives and non-residents freely dance through the streets to blaring, energetic music while sampling the finest food and drink the Dominican Republic has to offer.
Santiago
Often compared to Santo Domingo, the city of Santiago, the second largest metropolis, is comprised of natives that prefer a less chaotic and more purposeful lifestyle than its counterpart. Home to over 750,000 people, the heart of this laid back city proves to be the cultured downtown area. In addition, Santiago is where most of the country's presidents were raised; giving the city well-deserved bragging rights.
A primary downtown attraction and a place were boredom is not in the vocabulary is Calle del Sol. Known as the city's main shopping district, the street is stocked with shops, hotels, restaurants, bars and an array of vendors.
Located north of Calle del Sol is Parque Duarte. A popular area to kick up those traveling feet and get acquainted with the natives, this shady park is a great representation of Santiago's laid back lifestyle.
An ideal spot for cigar lovers and a perfect place to relax after a day of shopping is the Museo del Tabaco. Visitors will learn about the art of cigar-making while purchasing some of the country's top brands. Located in Santiago, it would be a sin to exit Cibao Valley without stopping by this one-of-a-kind museum.
People from around the globe visit Santiago year-round to stay at some of the finest accommodations that satisfy the needs of any traveler. In addition, the city provides a vibrant nightlife and variety of stores that are comparable to the capital city.
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East Coast Region
The East Coast region contains the most popular and fastest growing tourist area in the country - Punta Cana/Bavaro. One look at the surroundings and there is no question as to why. This is the place to be if tourists are seeking an all-inclusive style vacation set on one of the most picturesque beaches in the world.
Vacationers don't have to travel far for a change of scenery. Just south of the thriving area is environmentally forward Bayahibe. This area not only contains one of the most celebrated national parks, but has also received two awards for its conservation efforts in tourism.
Another popular east coast destination is La Romana. Most people who know a thing or two about the Dominican Republic instantly think of Casa de Campo when asked about this quaint area. While the luxurious resort frequented by many celebrities is a top attraction, the city of La Romana is historically important, especially for baseball fans, and worth a visit.
Bayahibe
A small fishing village, Bayahibe is gaining recognition as a growing tourism destination and as an environmental benchmark for the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean.
There are several all-inclusive hotels in Bayahibe including Viva Resort by Wyndham and Coral by Hilton. The village is comprised of restaurants serving fresh seafood, dive shops, pastel-colored huts, and a few smaller hotels.
Visitors can truly mingle with the locals as several rent out their homes as guest houses for under $25 a night. This is especially attractive to backpackers who use the village as a base camp for exploring Parque Nacional del Este, a 172-square mile national park known for its 200 caves dating from pre-Columbian time.
The hotels of Bayahibe have made a conscious decision to preserve their environment as it welcomes more tourists. They've banded together to create an area worthy of the Green Globe Award, part of an international program which recognizes organizations that make a significant contribution to sustainable development.
The award is monitored by the Caribbean Action for Sustainable Tourism (CAST) and supported by the Caribbean Hotel Association (CHA). Hoteliers receive the Green Globe when they have met international standards for waste prevention, reuse and recycling practices and preservation of the surroundings.
Current environmental projects include: protecting the ocean floor, creating educational programs for hotel personnel and residents of Bayahibe, protection of endangered turtles and iguanas, and fostering children's awareness through the group of Bayahibe Wardens.
The area holds a second environmental preservation award which stands proudly on the beach, the Blue Flag. Governed by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), the DR is one of 33 countries whose beaches have been recognized for maintaining high water quality, developing environmental education programs, environmental management, safety and other ecologically sound services.
For visitors looking for a little metropolitan flare, day trips to Santo Domingo and the Mediterranean village of Altos de Chavon can be arranged through the hotel or one of the several tour operators.
La Romana
Known for its sugar factories, the area of La Romana is one of the more industrialized in the Dominican Republic. In fact, it's the sugar that makes La Romana and neighboring San Pedro de Macoris two of the leading Major League Baseball player producing towns.
During the six months when sugar is not in high production, workers often compete in baseball games against other sugar mill workers. This has helped to brew the excitement and passion for baseball that has become synonymous with the country. Baseball fans will want to take in a game at the Michelin Baseball Stadium located at the city's west end. The home team is the La Romana Azucareros, which translates to La Romana Sugar Bowls. Tickets range from $50-$150.
To the northeast of the stadium is the Mercado Municipal, an open-air marketplace spanning several city blocks where tourists can purchase fresh produce and shop for crafts and souvenirs.
Casa de Campo
Casa de Campo is considered one of the most complete and luxurious resort communities in the Caribbean. Many celebrities vacation at the complex such as George Hamilton, Bill Clinton, Shakira, Elizabeth Taylor, former President George H. Bush, and the country's very own Sammy Sosa.
PGA golf greats including Dana Quigley, Jim Thorpe, Ed Dougherty and Tom Wargo have all made their way to Casa de Campo to play Teeth of the Dog, the first course to open at the resort nearly 30 years ago. Since creating Teeth of the Dog, Pete Dye has designed Links and his newest course Dye Fore. While this new course is receiving rave reviews from international golfers, Teeth of the Dog is still a favorite and for this reason the resort has invested in its extensive makeover, which is scheduled for completion in October 2005.
In addition to golf, the resort also has a full-service marina capable of accommodating yachts up to 250-feet long with its new expansion. The full-service marina is encapsulated by international boutiques, jewelers, galleries and flavorful restaurants.
The resort has a variety of accommodations from spacious guestrooms with balconies overlooking the golf course to luxury suites brushed with Caribbean flair. Lavish villas ranging from two to six bedrooms provide an elite option for families and groups of friends. Villas come complete with private pool, personal touring car and dedicated maid and butler who will prepare and serve breakfast daily among catering to other requests.
Beyond golf, yachts and living the life of luxury, Casa de Campo also features a polo club, private beach, pool and spa area, horseback riding, sport shooting, tennis and meeting facilities.
Altos de Chavon Cultural Center
Built in 1976, Altos de Chavon is a cobblestone lined replica of a quaint 16th century Tuscan hillside village. Set high above the Chavon River, this cultural center features shops, restaurants, artists studios and galleries housed in stone and coral block buildings. The complex also features a school of design, an open-air amphitheater, archeology museum and art gallery.
The semi-circled 5,000 seat amphitheater practically turns back time thanks to its Grecian qualities. This limestone concert bowl was inaugurated by Frank Sinatra and Carlos Santana in 1982 and has since hosted dozens of concerts, symphonies, theatrical events and festivals. International recording artists Julio Iglesias, Dizzy Gillespie, Air Supply and Gloria Estefan have played under the stars to adoring fans at this one-of-a-kind amphitheater.
The country's most famous fashion designer, Oscar de La Renta, is intimately involved in the Altos de Chavon School of Design. In addition to fashion design, the two-year Associate in Applied Science degree program has concentrations in graphic design, interior design and fine arts/illustration. The controlled curriculum was developed in conjunction with the world renowned Parsons School of Design, which accepts graduates to complete their four-year degree.
The Center also has an artist-in-residence program in which established and up-and-coming artists live and work in Altos de Chavon for three months. Painters, sculptors, photographers, writers, musicians and architects exchange knowledge in open studios throughout the village. Past artists have included author Julia Alvarez and artists Henry Koerner and Roberto Juarez.
Punta Cana and Bavaro
In Punta Cana, it's all about the beach. Punta Cana is undeniably breathtaking with tall swaying palms scattered along 21 miles of some of the whitest and finest coral sand beaches in the world. The area has become a haven for vacationers who are seeking a beach chair, a Pina Colada and a good read.
Punta Cana is the perfect atmosphere for families, couples or friends who are looking for a resort-style vacation. Just about every tour embarks from this area so no one in the group can complain about being bored.
The majority of the over 30 resorts in Punta Cana are all-inclusive, allowing for an easygoing vacation with plenty to do. As one of the fastest growing areas in the country, more luxurious and bigger complexes are planned to open in 2006. Beyond new accommodations, a 24-mile long boulevard is being built to easily move vacationers throughout the area.
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