The Dominican Republic is one of the most popular destinations for Canadians seeking the sun. The Dominican Republic (or the DR to its friends) is the second largest and most diverse of all the Caribbean Islands. Canadians flock there in the winter months to escape the snow – but the DR offers much more than just sun and sand. Known for its warm and hospitable people, the Dominican Republic has a rich menu of astounding nature, intriguing history and rich culture.
The DR is a lush tropical island surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the north and the gentle Caribbean Sea to the south. It has over 1600 kms of coastline and over 400 kms of the most perfect sugar sand beaches. The green, lush interior sweeps up to the towering Pico Duarte, the highest mountain peak in the West Indies at a height of 3,125m. The hypnotic beat of merengue music exemplifies the vibrancy of the culture and this is the land of cigars, rum, chocolate, coffee, and jewelry fashioned from amber and the beautiful semi-precious stone called larimar, which is unique to the Dominican Republic.
The Dominican Republic has a number of different resorts for you to choose between.
Punta Cana
For relaxing and “fun in the sun” - Punta Cana has crystal seas, vast stretches of white sands and first class golf. Most travelers come to this region because its beaches are among the most beautiful in the country, if not the entire Caribbean. The big hotel complexes all organize activities. Their prime locations mean that guests can enjoy scuba diving, snorkelling, sailing, windsurfing, horseback riding and many other sports, including tennis. Punta Cana is a golfer’s destination, with 11 courses located all along the strip.
Puerto Plata
Puerto Plata lies on the more verdant, and rainier, north shore of the island. Instead of the tranquil Caribbean Sea, the beaches of Puerto Plata face the Atlantic Ocean, which means that waters can be more turbulent, especially in the winter months. Puerto Plata has a renewed buzz with revitalized beaches, new resorts, ramped up nightlife and fabulous windsurfing and water sports - the beach towns of Sosua and Cabarete, world famous for windsurfing and kiteboarding, are less than half an hour away. The newly developed Ocean World is a “must see”. Visitors at Ocean World have the opportunity to snorkel in the tropical reef aquarium, walk through a tropical rain forest, swim with dolphins, pet and feed sharks or play with sea lions. The marine park is also home to stingrays, tropical fish, exotic birds, reptiles and even tigers.
La Romana
You can blend the Caribbean with art and culture in La Romana. Altos de Chavón, located to the east of La Romana, is a surprisingly beautiful reconstruction of a late 14th century Italian village. It was built by ambitious entrepreneurs to create a major tourist attraction in the region. This replica is faithful in many ways to the original village, due to its incredible attention to detail. Bayahibe Beach in La Romana is the gateway to Saona Island in the National Park of the East – which is the most visited natural attraction in the country. It is where you will find the rare Bayahibe Rose, a cactus-shrub that in 2011 was named the National Flower.
Santo Domingo
The historic, cosmopolitan capital of Santo Domingo is the oldest city in the Americas. It mixes the stately grandeur of colonial architecture with glamourous casinos and nightclubs. It is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. In a very walkable grid of 16 short streets you will discover jewels of 16th to early 20th century architecture. Visit the magnificent Catedral Santa María de la Encarnacíon, constructed during the 1540s, the Alcazar of Columbus and many other beautiful buildings in the old city. Cobblestone lanes and iron street lamps lead to the many small museums, shops, hotels, restaurants and bars that are tucked away on every street. Marvel at the lushness of the Botanical Gardens and walk over to the Malecón for people waching and the sea views.
Transat Holidays and sister company Nolitours have weekly flights and many excursions to help you discover The Dominican Republic and its culture. They also feature Be Live Hotels throughout The Dominican Republic.
Fly to the Dominican Republic with Air Transat – offering flights from Toronto and Montreal that are daily to Punta Cana, 5 days a week to Puerto Plata and weekly to La Romana.
If there is only one flight per week then you can only go to your chosen destination for 7 or 14 days. But where there are multiple flights per week it opens up the chance to go to for different durations such as 3, 5, 10 or 12 days. |
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Air Transat also have fights to the Dominican Republic from Thunder Bay, London, Hamilton, Vancouver, Halifax and Newfoundland – so if, for example, you are gathering a group from across Canada, they have it covered from East to West.
The flight time is just over 4 hours, made all the more comfortable by travelling Air Transat who have been voted No 1 Leisure Airline in North America (3yrs in a row) and 2nd best in the World!
You can buy a package with Transat Holidays that includes flights on Air Transat plus transfers to and from the airport in the Dominican Republic, all inclusive accommodation and the services of a Transat Holidays representative in destination. Transat also offer excursions to help you explore the beautiful Dominican Republic.
Be Live Hotel Choices with Transat
Here are the details of the luxurious Be Live hotels on offer from Transat Holidays and sister company Nolitours in the Dominican Republic.
4 star Be Live Collection Punta Cana from Nolitours
The Be Live Grand Punta Cana hotel is located directly on Cabeza de Toro Beach, approximately 20 km from the Punta Cana airport. The hotel comprises 821 rooms in 14 buildings of 3 storeys. Extensive amenities include 3 pools, disco, casino, spa and on site scuba diving centre. There are 7 restaurants including 5 a la carte (Mexican, Brazilian, Italian, Asian – and Dominican so you can try the local cuisine). There is an activities program, kids club, teen club and 2 kids pools.
4 ½ star Be Live Collection Marien from Transat Holidays
The Be Live Grand Marien hotel in Puerto Plata is a superior resort located directly on a beautiful beach in Costa Dorada, approximately 16 km from the Puerto Plata airport. The hotel comprises 584 rooms in 9 buildings of 3 storeys. Extensive amenities include 4 pools, disco, casino and spa. There are 5 restaurants including 3 à la carte (Mexican, Brazilian and Gourmet). There is an activities program, kids club and kids pool.
4 star Be Live Collection Canoa from Nolitours
The Be Live Canoa hotel in La Romana is located directly on the beach, approximately 25 km from the La Romana airport and 72 km from Punta Cana airport. The hotel comprises 532 rooms in 12 buildings of 3 storeys. Extensive amenties include 2 pools, disco, casino (off site) and spa. There are 7 restaurants including 5 à la carte (Mexican, Brazilian, Asian, Seafood and Gourmet). There is an activities program, kids club and kids pool and a mini disco.
4 star Be Live Experience Hamaca Garden from Nolitours
The Be Live Hamaca hotel in Santo Domingo is located on the beach, 36 km from the Santo Domingo airport. The hotel comprises 694 rooms in 15 buildings of 6 storeys. Extensive amenties include 5 pools, disco, casino (off site) and spa. There are 7 restaurants including 5 à la carte (Mexican, Brazilian, Italian, Seafood – and Dominican so you can try the local cuisine). There is an activities program, kids club and 2 kids pools.
Want to know more about the destination? Check out Chris' Travel Notes!
Chris writes extensive Travel Notes for each show that will help you plan your next trip. Find out more about the Destination; Climate; Getting Around; Accommodation; Kids to Seniors; History; Sports and Activities; Attractions; Culture; Cuisine; Special Deals and where to go to get even more information!
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