Villas in Dominican Republic, The Caribbean

As one of the oldest settlements in the Americas, the Dominican Republic is bursting with culture and history to immerse yourself in during your stay. From royal residences found in the capital, Santo Domingo, to archaeological museums nestled in the south, there’s plenty to keep you occupied.
Santo Domingo, founded by the younger brother of Christopher Columbus, has a blend of colonial and modern architecture filling its skyline. Walk the cobbled streets and visit the famous cathedral which stands decadently, in its Spanish Renaissance style, in the city centre. For a mix of culture and history, the ruins of a 14th century monastery are used as a backdrop to open-air concerts on Sunday evenings.

Punta Cana is one of the country’s most famous beach resorts, with the white shores lined with hotels and restaurants. Here, you can enjoy a spot of snorkelling, parasailing and flyboarding or a trip out to sea on one of the many catamarans or speedboats. Just north of Punta Cana is Bavaro Beach, one of the top rated beaches, known for its calm Caribbean waters and warm white sand, perfect for a long walk along the shores.
If peace and tranquillity is on your agenda, there are a number of undeveloped beaches scattered across the country. The beaches of Las Galeras provide unparalleled blends of turquoise, green and blue waters which lap the shore of the remote destination. Close to the small town of Las Galeras, you can experience the country’s quainter, rural life.

A country of rich ecological diversity, the Dominican Republic is an ecotourism destination like no other. With a total of 19 national parks and six wildlife reserves, there is plenty of outdoor adventure to be had. For animal lovers, there are a variety of whale-watching tours to be enjoyed, as well as horseback tours of the country’s beautiful coastlines. Trek to one of the many waterfalls and enjoy a day of sightseeing, cliff jumping and bathing in the warm waters. For more up tempo outdoor quests zip lining and flyboarding are a must.
If spending a day in the great outdoors and immersing yourself in the country’s rural culture sounds ideal, head to the mountainous region of Jarabacoa, set 525m above sea level and home to three stunning waterfalls.

If a spot of shopping is on the cards, there are plenty of places to buy traditional Dominican souvenirs. Arguably the most popular purchases are the vibrant, colourful crafts which reflect the country’s infectious charm. Pick up a painting of your favourite beach or even a quirky, native-inspired print. For coffee lovers, the mild and chocolaty blend is a treat for the tastebuds, so why not get a take some back to enjoy in your very own villa, or even home to share with friends and family?
Santo Domingo also has a variety of modern malls with clothing, jewellery and shoe stores to treat yourself or pick up some gifts during your stay.

• Take a visit to Plaza de España in Santo Domingo, with views of the famous Alcázar palace and the Ozama River. With plenty of restaurants with outdoor terraces, this is the perfect place to enjoy the sunshine whilst taking in the sights. Visit on the weekend when the town hosts traditional music and dance performances in the square.

• Close to Punta Cana sits a stunning lagoon, Hoyo Azul, which literally means Blue Hole! Walk through the nature trail approaching the lagoon and take a dip in the stunning blue waters which at some points reach depths of over 30m deep.

• If you’re looking to do a spot of scuba diving on your visit, La Caleta National Marine Park is the perfect place. With multiple shipwrecks and an array of colourful reef, divers from all across the world are drawn to this location.

• For snorkelling enthusiasts, Catalina Island provides the perfect location. An undisturbed island provides a glorious backdrop to a day of sea exploration.

• For families, Monkeyland and Zipline Adventure has something for everyone. With an extensive zip line course, opportunities for coffee and coconut tasting and a guided tour of the monkey sanctuary, it’s a fun-filled day out.