LA ROMANA, Dominican Republic – Bursting with endless excitement, distinct heritage and experiences that titillate all five senses, La Romana is a favored vacation destination for international travelers. From flavorful gastronomical specialties, colorful artistic masterpieces, exclusive vibrant gemstones to elaborate theatrical performances city-wide festivals and fascinating historical sites, La Romana’s rich and unique cultural attractions are plentiful.
La Romana enjoys a growing art scene that includes boutiques, galleries, craft shops and freelance artisans. Just as the indigenous people of the island have always embraced artistic expression evident by numerous Taíno cave paintings local artists are inspired by the bright colors of the island, incorporating them into their masterpieces. Whether a lover of art or a novice souvenir collector, visitors will find perusing art boutiques or strolling around the streets to look at the works of local craftsmen a rewarding endeavor.
The musical sounds, lively entertainment, and numerous festivals actively engage many of those visiting the La Romana area. Festivals are a frequent part of the culture ranging from Carnival, a pre-lent celebration where participants don masks and costumes, and enjoy multiple parades to Vive Bayahíbe, a more localized celebration. At Vive Bayahíbe, visitors can enjoy the immense street party of performers, musicians, artisans, painters and various other vendors. Dance-inspiring sounds of Dominican and other Spanish-style music genres such as perico ripiaos, trios, bachata, and palos can be heard year round.
Visitors also favor the cultural metropolis of Altos de Chavón, which is a replica of a 16th century Mediterranean village with artists’ studios, craft shops, galleries, restaurants and bars. Travelers are particularly mesmerized by Altos de Chavón’s impressive amphitheater, a 5,000 seat open-air facility descending underground. Hosting concerts, symphonies and festivals the famed amphitheatre has attracted famous performers such as Frank Sinatra and Carlos Santana.
Dining in any of the fine restaurants in the La Romana area is sure to be an experience of gastronomic delight. Visitors can enjoy regional favorites like pescado con coco, or fish cooked in a coconut milk sauce; casaba, flat and round cassava bread, and catibias, or flour fritters stuffed with meat. Patrons can also indulge in tasty yaniqueques, which Americans refer to as “johnny cakes.” In addition to the variety of traditional, regional and local meals, patrons can enjoy a range of fine international cuisine including French, Mediterranean and Southeast Asian fare.
Those with a taste for more adult pleasures, a trip to the region is simply incomplete without a chilled cocktail including premium rum, made from local sugar cane, accompanied by a rich, robust Dominican cigar – considered by many among the best in the world.
For the avid shopper in search of a beautiful keepsake, La Romana offers quality crafts made from the finest wood, horn, snail shell, pottery, ceramic as well as baskets and embroidery. Boats Guaba features handmade boats, which are scale-model replicas of neighboring city Bayahíbe’s traditional sailboats, each requiring 10 to 12 hours to complete. La Romana is known for its exclusive jewelry and vibrant gemstones including its national gemstone, amber, available in rare hues of blue, red and black amber that cannot be found anywhere else on earth. Larimar, another gemstone that is unique to the Dominican Republic, is also popular among visitors as it exudes intense shades of blue, green and turquoise that are reminiscent of the ocean.
La Romana is an exciting and fulfilling destination for singles, couples and families. Visitors can enjoy La Romana’s breathtaking scenery, vibrant culture, and rich colonial past while in the midst of miles and miles of clean white sandy beaches and pristine waters. Along with the destination’s range of recreational activities, which includes adventures with Tropical Tours and the soon to open Casino Dominicus, La Romana offers a variety of first-rate accommodations including the popular resorts of Casa de Campo, Oasis Canoa, Sunscape Casa del Mar, Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach and Viva Wyndham Dominicus Palace. Visitors will enjoy La Romana’s breathtaking scenery, vibrant culture, and rich colonial past while in the midst of miles and miles of clean white sandy beaches and pristine waters.
For more information, visit http://www.explorelaromana.com
By Gary Zemialkowski
