During these challenging economic times, more people are feeling vacation-deprived and have a need for a “personal stimulus” in addition to an economic stimulus. Investing in a personal stimulus or vacation is an investment in your health and overall well-being.
“Now more than ever, the Dominican Republic offers a serene haven in the Caribbean for those who want to relax and getaway from the stress of life,” said Dominican Republic Minister of Tourism Francisco Javier Garcia. “Think of Our lush tropical paradise of pristine beaches in unspoiled natural settings, charming towns, affordable accommodations for every budget, and the remarkable variety of arts and entertainment options. The Dominican Republic’s magnificent sun, sea and sand, will captivate travelers’ senses and refresh their souls.”
Whether you are looking for a romantic trip for two with lazy days spent on the golden sandy shores or budget-friendly accommodations with adventure for the whole family, the Dominican Republic has it all. There are so many ways to relax in the Caribbean’s second largest country. The top ten relaxing things to do on a Dominican Republic vacation include:
Sun, surf and sand: Relax on one of hundreds of unspoiled Dominican Republic beaches. The country is surrounded by 800 miles of stunning sandy coastlines with the azure Caribbean Sea on the South Coast and the rich blue Atlantic Ocean on the North Coast.
Explore the America’s first city: America’s cultural capital of 2010, Santo Domingo is where Christopher Columbus established the first church, hospital and city, known as the Colonial Zone. Explore the museums and walk the streets that conquistadors strolled in the 15th century.
Get your golf game on: Play any of 25 designer golf courses… and the list is growing, in the Dominican Republic. Punta Espada Golf Club at Cap Cana, Teeth of the Dog at Casa de Campo, Nick Faldo’s Legacy Course at Roco Ki, and Playa Grande are just a few of the Dominican Republic courses that have received honors for their beauty and design.
Reconnect with nature: A leader in sustainable tourism, eco-adventures and nature explorations abound. Explore national parks, coastal whale sanctuaries, and reserves. From cascading and canyoning down waterfalls and mountains, to kayaking and fishing in rivers, lakes and bays, the Dominican Republic is a natural.
Dominican Republic Spa renewal: Enjoy world class spas at upscale resorts throughout the country. Well-suited spa hotels in the Dominican Republic cater to visitors every desire for rebirth and renewal. Many spas use local customs, herbs and traditions in their treatments to restore wholeness and wellness.
Dance the merenque: Merengue is a national passion in the Dominican Republic. Visitors can dance away their cares in clubs, street parades, festivals, or just about anywhere the rapid merengue beats play. Most cities in the Dominican Republic have merengue festivals with professional orchestras and activities planned throughout the year including the annual festival held in late July or early August in Santo Domingo and a week-long celebration held in Puerto Plata in October each year.
Celebrate at carnival: During the month of February in the Dominican Republic, the Dominican Carnival is an explosion of joy and a show of cultural identity and spontaneity. Carnival parades held in cities like La Vega, Santo Domingo and more allow everyone to participate and enjoy the dancing masked devils, floats and costumed characters.
Strengthen bonds: The Dominican Republic is a perfect place to get closer. Spend quality time exploring attractions like Ocean World in Puerto Plata or the National Aquarium in Santo Domingo. Kids of all ages will love the Fun-Fun Cave in Los Haitises National Park while Punta Cana beaches are great relaxing together.
Get active on vacation: The Dominican Republic’s North Coast boasts the Kiteboarding Capital of the world. In and around Puerto Plata, waves and wind are just right for water sport activities. Also throughout the country you’ll find caving, kayaking, zip lining, hiking, horseback riding and more.
Experience Dominican Republic culture: The best part of a Dominican Republic vacation is the deep sense of the friendly Dominican culture, savvy sense of design, love of the arts and optimistic zest for life found throughout the country. History, art, music and culture are expressed in the lives and works of the Dominican people.
The Dominican Republic’s first tourist was Christopher Columbus in 1492. Rich in history, the Dominican Republic has developed into a diverse destination offering both Dominican and European flavors to more than one million U.S. visitors each year. Named #1 Golf Destination in Caribbean & Latin America by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators, the Dominican Republic boasts 25 designer golf courses, upscale resorts, pristine nature, and sophisticated cities and quaint villages filled with warm Dominican people. The Dominican Republic features the best beaches, fascinating history and culture, and is a chosen escape for celebrities, couples and families alike.
Visit the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism’s official Web site at: www.GoDominicanRepublic.com or call 1(888) 374-6361 for more information.
