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Went here in 2007

On the easternmost tip of the island is Bavaro, site of several major vacation developments with more scheduled to arrive in the near future. Known for its spectacular beaches and clear waters, Punta Cana is an escapist’s dream. White sands, set against a backdrop of swaying palm trees, are unrivaled in the Caribbean, and that’s the chief and perhaps only reason to come here.

Many Europeans (especially Spaniards) rushed to take advantage of Punta Cana and Bavaro’s desirable climate—within one of the most arid landscapes in the Caribbean, it rarely rains during daylight hours. Capitalizing on cheap land and the virtually insatiable desire of Europeans for sunny holidays during the depths of winter, a half-dozen European hotel chains participated in something akin to a land rush, acquiring large tracts of sugar-cane plantations and pastureland. Today, at least a dozen megahotels, most with no fewer than 500 rooms, some with even more, attract a clientele that’s about 70% European or Latin American. The hotel designs here range from the not particularly inspired to low-rise megacomplexes designed by the most prominent Spanish architects.

Don’t expect a real town here. Although the mailing addresses for most hotels is the dusty and distinctly unmemorable Higüey, very few guests ever spend time there. Most remain on the premises of their all-inclusive hotels.

Went here in 2007

This tourist area comprised of Bayahibe and Saona is an excellent choice for rest and relaxation vacations, honeymoons, family holidays, family reunions, teenagers, active travelers, scuba divers and golfers.

Along the cobblestone streets and hidden in the numerous shaded courtyards of Altos De Chavon, visitors will find a tantalizing array of art galleries and shops. Enjoy world-class championship golf courses, explore the archaeological museum, or return to the beach: play in the waves, relax under a swaying palm.

The pristine beaches at Bayahibe are sites of splendid hotels. If friends have raved to you about the Saona Island excursion, Bayahibe is the nearest point from which to embark on a trip to the islands of Saona and Catalina.

Went here in 2007

Boca Chica is a lovely small resort town, conveniently located close to the airport and the capital city of Santo Domingo. No other destination places you as close to all the attractions of the awesome Colombus city.

Boca Chica beach is a reef-protected lagoon of tranquil blue waters and powder-white sand. One can wade out 100 yards from shore into glassy waters and still be only waist deep with nothing but soft clean sand underfoot. It’s the perfect beach for small children because there are no waves and no deep waters.

One can find just about everything in Boca Chica, making it one of the most complete of the ungated beach towns in the country. There are hotels and dining for every budget, great night life, proximity to the airport and capital, yet it’s still small enough to build relationships: it is a free-spirited tourist town where 80% of the people out partying on any given night will be single.