ABOUT THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

The Dominican Republic is rich and varied in history, culture, natural beauty, and activities. Whether you are looking for a quiet spot to rest and relax or a dynamic destination for high-impact adventure travel, the DR has something for you!

Most visitors start at the beach. With over 800 miles of coastline, this beautiful island offers quiet, gentle beaches as well as hot spots for wind and water sports. You can explore all the beaches of the North Coast within a short drive from Villa Mediterranea. Cabarete is one of the best kiteboarding and windsurfing beaches in the world, and is home to the World Cup events for both sports. Lessons can be arranged in Cabarete town.

Other adventure activities available from Cabarete include surfing, canyoning, cascading, and paragliding. Again, several tour operators in Cabarete offer lessons and excursions.

Snorkeling and scuba diving are particularly good at Sosua and Punta Rucia beaches due to the exceptionally clear water and calm surf. There are a number of dive shops in Sosua town where you can obtain gear and arrange for dive trips.

From January through March, thousands of humpback whales migrate to Samaná Bay on the northeast coast for breeding season. In fact, the Dominican Republic has one of the largest and best humpback breeding sanctuaries in the world. Whale watching excursions from Samaná Bay provide a thrilling view of these magnificent animals.

Other popular pastimes in the area include horseback riding, bicycle riding, hiking, and golf. Horse and bike rentals are available within the Sea Horse Ranch Resort. Hiking excursions can be arranged through the tour operators in Cabarete. Nearby golf courses include the Playa Dorado Robert Trent Jones course (30 minute drive) and the Playa Grande course (45 minute drive).

DINING AND CUISINE

Dominican cuisine has its roots in Spanish, African, and indigenous Taino cooking. Typical dishes feature rice, fish and seafood, meats and fresh vegetables. Be sure to try some of the nearby beach restaurants, specializing in the freshest possible fish. You can also find a wide variety of international cuisine up and down the beach.

Some favorite nearby restaurants include:

• Castle Club - a spectacular private home in the mountains, where owners Doug and Marguerite offer gourmet dining to small groups (by reservation only).


• La Cositas - a great beachfront shrimp and langostino place.


• Marabu –a fun Italian spot, with elevated deck, tent, and glass walls to give a protected beach dining experience.


• Miro – delicious Moroccan food and excellent sushi, on the beach
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• Natura Cabana- wonderful restaurant in this hotel and spa, located in Perla Marina
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• Otra Cosa -a very nice French restaurant, on the beach .


• The Waterfront - great fish, beef and steak dishes, nice desserts and great service.

ARTS, CULTURE, AND SHOPPING

The arts and culture of the Dominican Republic are colorful, vibrant and lively. Drawing from the diverse Taino, Spanish, French, and African heritage of the island, beautiful arts and crafts abound. Be sure to look for amber, larimar, shell, and ceramics items.

Merengue and bachata are the most popular forms of dance, each with distinctive and compelling music. The DR also hosts a variety of music festivals each year, featuring  merengue, salsa, jazz, and  pop.

Several museums on the North Coast highlight the history and culture of the region. The Amber Museum in Puerta Plata contains some of the world's finest specimens of this semi-precious gem, formed from fossilized tree resin. The Fort Museum in Puerta Plata features a fort  built by Christopher Columbus when he arrived on the island in 1492. The museum also contains artifacts from the Spanish Colonial rule of the island.

Many visitors to the DR like to bring home fine hand-rolled cigars, which some consider to be superior in quality even to Cuban cigars. Locally produced rum is also a popular item. You can even visit a nearby rum factory for a tour and samples!

You will also find a nice selection of boutiques, jewelry stores, art shops, and souvenir stands in both Cabarete and Sosua.