Dominican Republic Holidays - All Inclusive, Tailor made and package holidays to Dom Rep

Widely known for its attractive beaches, glamorous beach resorts and rugged inland landscape with the lowest and highest point in the Caribbean, as well as being one of the few places in the world where visitors can enjoy spectacular whale-watching, the appeal of the Dominican Republic (also known as Dom Rep) stretches well beyond its hot year-long weather, its warm and crystalline turquoise waters and strikingly beautiful countryside. Its unique allure ultimately lies in a peculiar mix of elements and the cheerful attitude of its always welcoming inhabitants.

With a unique blend of cultures, ethnicities, contrasts and contradictions, physical and figurative, the Dominican Republic is one of the most culturally diverse and historically rich nations in the Caribbean, and to no one's surprise one of the most popular too, not only because of the many cheap holiday deals available here, but also due to the amazing wealth of experiences and attractions it offers to the intrepid, curious and discerning traveller.

The first land that Columbus landed on upon his arrival to the West Indies, the Dominican Republic is an important point of reference in the discovery of the New World, being home to the oldest colonial cathedral in The Americas and hosting an impressive collection of buildings and architectural wonders from the colonial era, when Spain ruled over the island.

Nowadays, long after years of colonisation and independency battles against the Spanish colony, the modern landscape in the Dom Rep (as many in the travel industry call it) is full of colourful contrasts, especially when you compare the lively urban street life of the capital city of Santo Doming, the country's beating heart and soul, and the quiet seclusion of the beautiful rural countryside, as well as the lower pace of life in the highlands and the villages.

In the Dominican Republic there's much to take in, whether you're visiting for relaxing and affordable beach holidays where you plan to never leave the resort and laze around the shoreline all day long, or if you're an active and inquisitive traveller in search of thrilling adventures, natural encounters, cultural exploration and a touch of history.

Dominican Republic Holidays — A Snapshot

Sharing one third of the island with the poorer, French-speaking nation of Haiti, the Dominican Republic occupies the two eastern thirds of what is known as the island of Hispaniola, facing the North Atlantic Ocean to the North and the Caribbean Sea on the south. This was the land that started it all, acting as a springboard for the Spanish domination and conquest of the Caribbean and The Americas.

With one of the fastest growing economies in the hemisphere, the Dominican Republic's tourism appeal has been growing rapidly and steadily over the last decades, with former coastal villages being suddenly transformed into world class beach resorts with a great variety of all inclusive hotels and resorts, in all categories and price ranges to fit all pockets. Many head to the Dominican Republic for an inexpensive getaway, but many also do so for the incredible wealth of attractions and things there are to be seen and done here. Do not forget that this is one of the Caribbean's most richly diverse nations and beyond the long stretch of pristine beaches there's a lot going on.

The birthplace of intoxicating Latin rhythms like "merengue" and the soft melodic tunes of "bachata", during Dominican Republic holidays you can immerse in the local culture and learn a new dance step or two. For a lively nightlife scene Punta Cana is the place to be with an international mix of visitors and holidaymakers like yourself dancing all night long to international rhythms, while heading to Puerto Plata will give you a more local flavour into the country's night time scene with more Latin sounds.

Whilst many may regard Dominican Republic holidays as cheap Caribbean escapes, there are certain areas and indeed some swanky resorts that have been specifically crafted for high end travellers and wealthy visitors. Some specific regions in the Dominican Republic have been developed for a more exclusive elite segment with lavish facilities unlike anything you'll find in the Caribbean.

Such is the case of the Cap Cana Resort and Real Estate development, and the PUNTACANA Resort and Club, both luxury communities with their own marina, golf course and residential community. In fact the PUNTACANA Resort and Club is one of the Dominican Republic's most exclusive luxury retreats where some of the rich and famous have set permanent and holiday homes. Celebrities like Julio Iglesias, Oscar de la Renta and Mikhail Baryshnikov have all bought homes in exclusive residential communities here and are based in the Dominican Republic.

This destination is best for beach resort seekers and real adventures in search of cultural discoveries and new thrills, whether that's on a dune buggy adventure, swimming with the dolphins, going bird-watching, whale-spotting or embarking on a unique journey by jumping on a monster truck safari to see local rural villages, learn about the daily way of life for Dominicans on the countryside or taking a boat trip to Saona Island. When in the Dominican Republic, the possibilities are truly endless.

Package holidays to the Dominican Republic

The most affordable way to head to the Dominican Republic, our perfectly crafted holiday packages to the Dominican Republic are fully inclusive of the return flight tickets and the accommodation, allowing you plenty of room to spend your spare cash on the things you like and the kind of attractions you'd like to do during your Dominican Republic holidays.

Offering a convenient and easy way to choose a full travel package of 7, 10 or 14 night's duration is a great option. Our ready-made package holidays to the Dominican Republic offer superb accommodation, fully inclusive of the cheapest air fare available at the time of your booking and complete with return airport transfers for everyone in the travelling party.

For the kind of easy holidays that you can almost instantly book with the click of a mouse, package deals to the Dominican Republic are the way to go. Occasionally, many of our holiday packages may also feature special added value deals and seasonal discounts, promotions and exclusives guaranteed to give you more for your money.

All Inclusive holidays in the Dominican Republic

Often working out to be the most affordable and hassle-free way to travel to the Dominican Republic, all inclusive holidays give many travellers the peace of mind of knowing that all they will have to worry about upon getting to their destination is relaxing and having fun, without a single worry about how to spend their money on meals, and budgeting for the cost of food and drinks.

With most hotels in the majority of the most popular beach resorts in the Dominican Republic operating under an All Inclusive basis, it's extremely easy to find a good all inclusive deal to the Dominican Republic. In fact you might be overwhelmed by the amazing variety of all inclusive hotels to choose from in every category, from basic 3-star resorts to full-blown luxury at five-star properties.

The beauty of all inclusive holidays in the Dominican Republic is that often they not only include your food and drink but also a wide range of facilities, activities as well as land and water sports, bound to keep the fussiest traveller entertained. And if you want to do anything outside the resort, you'll know that any extra cash you bring can be spent as you wish without worrying about bare necessities like food and drink, as this will always be guaranteed at your resort, at absolutely no extra cost.

Tailor-made holidays to the Dominican Republic

Because of our years of experience operating in the Dominican Republic and the great relationship we have built with local ground-handlers and Dominican Republic hotels overtime we are able to easily customise every aspect of your holiday to the Dominican Republic. If there's anything specific that you would like to do during your holiday in the Dominican Republic or you have a very peculiar itinerary you'd like to follow, we can make it all happen by custom-making every aspect of your trip to fit around your plans.

Whether it is staying in a place for longer or making some very specific changes to our set holiday packages, it's very easy for us to accommodate your special requests and help you put together the tailor-made holiday to the Dominican Republic you've dreamed of!

Twin-Centre holidays in the Dominican Republic

For when one destination is simply not enough, our twin-centre holidays in the Dominican Republic let you combine a stay in this Caribbean nation with a holiday in a different destination, like Miami or Cancun. Our fantastically put-together twin-centre holiday packages in the Dominican Republic typically consist of a 10 night trip, where you will be staying three nights at the trendy and cosmopolitan Miami Beach resort and spending the rest of your days in a top five-star luxury all inclusive hotel in Punta Cana.

Where to go and stay in the Dominican Republic – Top 3 holiday destinations

Famous for its pristine and lively beach resorts, it's no surprise that most of the people that head to the Dominican Republic do so for sun and beach recreation. To enjoy this kind of relaxing holiday there are many places in the Dominican Republic to head to and while some of them are certainly more crowded and touristy than others, the volumes of people you will find here are nothing like the massively exploited congestion of high-rise buildings in places like Cancun or Miami.

Despite large hordes of tourists heading to the Dominican Republic, it still doesn't feel crowded; it is nowhere near as crowded as other places like the Spanish beaches or over-commercialised beach resorts like Miami. This Caribbean nation has managed to retain its laidback allure with many secluded beaches for you to explore off the beaten path.

Punta Cana holidays

Widely regarded as the number one holiday destination in the Dominican Republic, famous for its swanky hotels and resorts, vibrant nightlife and lively atmosphere, this is the Dominican Republic's most international beach resort. Having been considered by UNESCO as one the most beautiful beaches in the world, Punta Cana's gorgeous coastline is fringed by flat vegetation and countryside, a blue lagoon and lush mangrove forests.

A natural haven attracting thousands of travellers every year, the long coral reef that protects its coastal waters make Punta Cana even more attractive, boasting idyllic conditions for gentle swimming, sun-bathing and active water sports that range from windsurfing to sailing and scuba diving. Here you can go go-carting, swim with the dolphin or enjoy a good game of golf at a championship golf course.

Many excursions and tours depart from Punta Cana and take visitors to explore the neighbouring islands of Saona and Catalina (an excursion not to be missed!). While in Punta Cana, beyond the obvious sun-bathing and water activities you can also go on a helicopter tour of the area to enjoy amazing views!

Bavaro Beach holidays

Much quieter and relaxed than the trendy and pulsating Punta Cana, this charming beach resort is a world away from large crowds, much less tourist-populated but still providing an amazing range of tourist facilities for visitors who stay at the region's fabulous range of luxury hotels.

When staying here you enjoy easy access to explore the historical and vibrant capital city of Santo Domingo. Probably one of the quietest and most tranquil beach resorts in the Dominican Republic, Bavaro is for those seeking sheer relaxation and pampering, as there is little nightlife atmosphere.

La Romana holidays

The capital city of the south-eastern province of La Romana and the third largest city in the Dominican Republic, this region has quickly become the favourite beach holiday hotspot for many international holidaymakers that come to the Dominican Republic.

With a blooming tourism infrastructure that has been developing fast over recent years, La Romana is now one of the most attractive beach resorts in the Dominican Republic, thanks to its stunning beaches and the many nearby sites of interest that guests can visit while staying here.

Beyond the luxurious all inclusive hotels, tourists in La Romana can visit the largest handmade cigar factory in the world, the impressive Teeth of the Dog golf course, the charming and picturesque Altos de Chavon village with its Museum of Archaeology and plaza market and enjoy the quietest and calmest beach of the region at Bayahibe.

What to Do in the Dominican Republic – Things to see and fun attractions

Dominican Republic beaches

With no less than 1566 kilometres of pristine coastline, bathers and surfers will have plenty to choose from when in search of their perfect beach. The most tranquil and calmer waters in the Dominican Republic are those located on the western side, with Boca Chica in particular being the most idyllic and all along the southern coast of La Romana and Bayahibe.

In contrast, those located along the northern Atlantic coast in places like Punta Cana, Samana and Puerto Plata, are likely to have more wavy waters, more suited to surfers and wave-lovers.

Culture and History

Famous for being home to the oldest city of the New World, with the oldest settlement being the capital city of Santo Domingo, there is plenty of historical and cultural value to enrich any Dominican Republic holiday. If you're an avid history lover you could easily spend a whole week explore the pre-Colombian Taino sites from the original Amerindian inhabitants of the region but there is so much more to the history of the Dominican Republic than the Taino era.

It encompasses the Spanish colonisation and the many battles of independency. You can find many traces of this contemplating old colonial buildings and churches dating to that time period, such as the oldest church in the Americas, a place which you must add to your list of must-see places. To explore the Taino world in Santo Domingo head to La Cueva de las Maravillas to see some of the best examples of Taino art in the Caribbean with many pictograms pristinely preserved.

To really immerse in the vibrant and colourful atmosphere of Santo Domingo, stroll along the Ciudad Colonial to see some of the museums and some remarkable examples of the presence of the Spaniards in the country. If you're travelling with the family (and even if you're not) go on the Chu Chu Colonial, a historical tourist train on which you will discover 500 years of history along the 45 minute ride. Stroll along Plaza Colon and Calle de las Damas in Santo Domingo, the main gathering place and square in the city and the first ever cobblestone street build in the New World – a truly spectacular sight not to miss!

While still in Santo Domingo, make time to see the Fortaleza Ozama fortress, one of the oldest forts in The Americas, completed in 1507. And before you leave head to Mercado Modelo for a fun shopping experience – probably the best in the country!

If staying in La Romana you cannot miss paying a visit to Altos de Chavon Village for an incredible immersion in the local culture and if based in Puerto Plata you might like to explore the San Felipe Fort Regular excursion tours and day trips run daily from the most important beach resorts in the Dominican Republic and they offer a good way to learn more about the country's history and culture through various trip experiences.

Adventure holidays in the Dominican Republic

If you're the adventurer type of traveller you will not be short of action during a trip to the Dominican Republic as it's indeed very easy to fill your days with astonishing adventures of all kinds, from nature discoveries to monster truck safaris through rugged terrains.

Take the plunge at the 27 waterfalls of Damajagua, climb to the highest mountain peak in the Caribbean at Pico Duarte, go on a dune buggy adventure, or visit one of the many national nature parks and preserve including the Monte Cristi National Park, the Jaragua National Park and Parque Nacional del Este. Explore sugar cane fields, tobacco plantations and rum factories.

Whale Watching

The only place in the Caribbean where you can actually get close enough to get a clear view of humpback whales in the wild, a trip to Samana during the mating season (usually running from 14th January through to 15th March) visitors will be able to witness these amazing creatures (from a safe distance) making a splash, performing all sorts of antics and emitting their seducing sounds as males vie for the attention of females.

Special excursion tours are organised during whale-watching season and these take all measures to protect the species and not disturb them in their natural habitat.

Extra tips and other attractions in the Dominican Republic

Money and currency

The Dominican Republic's national currency is the Dominican Peso, represented by code DOP and the $ symbol but American currency is widely accepted at most resorts and cities with many local businesses and vendors preferring to be paid in dollars instead of pesos. However, this only applies to the U.S. dollar as any other currencies such as Euros or British pounds are not wanted or accepted at resorts, shops or restaurants.

The best advice for a UK visitors heading to the Dominican Republic is to exchange some British pounds at home for U.S. dollars (the Post Office usually offers the best rates) and once there, if needed, exchange U.S dollars to Dominican pesos, especially if you plan to buy things outside the resorts, but beware that anything that for you purchase with U.S. dollars you will receive change in Dominican pesos, often at a disadvantageous rate.

Still, the best way to proceed for a UK traveller is usually to take U.S. dollars, as they are accepted everywhere in the Dominican Republic and if you try to exchange British Pounds you will receive an very poor rate.

Alternatively, if you want to change as you go (with the risk of incurring a fee levied by your local bank – always make sure to call your bank before you go) you will find that most ATMs in the Dominican Republic accept international bank cards while American Express, MasterCard, Visa and Diners Club are all accepted.

However, it must be noted that all local banks and ATM machines give out Dominican Pesos, NOT U.S. dollars so to avoid being left with leftover Pesos (which will be worth next to nothing if you want to change them back to your currency when you leave) it might be better to come prepared from home with a wad of U.S. dollar bills. In general, most visitors find that they tend to get a better deal when buying goods from locals when they use American dollars.

Eating out in the Dominican Republic

With distinctive flavours that are the result of a combination of Spanish, indigenous Taino and African dishes, the local cuisine in the Dominican Republic might resemble that of other countries in Latin America, but there are some truly distinctive dishes to try during a holiday there. Even when you will be sumptuously fed by most all inclusive resorts in the Dominican Republic and while many may offer traditional local dishes, a trip to a local restaurant outside the resort, if only for a day, it's still worth a try.

Sample the local breakfast of mangu (mashed plantain), savour a plate of guisado, taste some handmade empanadas, dig in to a dish of Locrios or the go for the most famous of all, the national dish: La Bandera.

For a truly authentic Dominican meal experience, head to El Conuco Restaurant in Santo Domingo to sample the La Bandera Dominicana dish while you see some traditional meringue dancers perform in front of your eyes. For the freshest of seafood dishes plan a trip to the Bayahibe beach and have a meal at the La Punta restaurant, always offering the freshest catches of the day.

Public holidays and national festivities in the Dominican Republic

Most public and state holidays in the Dominican Republic have a religious origin with the rest commemorating historical events. With as much as 95 per cent of the Dominican Republic being devout Roman Catholic Christians, many of the festivities in the island surround.

• New Year's Day — like most of the Western world, New Year's Day in the Dominican Republic is celebrated on 1st January and marks the beginning of the New Year.
• Epiphany — also known locally as Dia de Reys (The Day of the Kings) in biblical reference to the Christian Three Kings whom after the birth of Jesus came from the Orient bearing gifts, the Caribbean nation celebrates this festivity, a national holiday, in a day where children receive gifts, much like the Santa Claus or Father Christmas equivalent in our society. Like in many other Hispanic countries, such as Spain and much of Latin America, Dominican children receive their Christmas presents this day and not on Christmas day.^*
• Our Lady of Altagracia — celebrating the Dominican Republic's main official patron saint and Queen Protector of the heart of Dominicans, this national holiday honours the Virgin of Altagracia (or Virgin of Highest Grace).
• Juan Pablo Duarte's Day — this public holiday acknowledges the birthday of the first of Dominican Republic's three Founding Fathers and national heroes. Remembered on 26th January each year, this holiday celebrates the legacy of one of the nation's most visionary and liberal leaders.
• Independence Day — like most other former Spanish colonies, this date marks the liberation of the Dominican Republic from the colonial Spanish rule. It is celebrated on 27th February each year.
• Good Friday — as in most Christian countries, this holy day is widely celebrated in the Dominican Republic, with processions in the capital city and special masses held all around the island. As this date is guided by the Julian calendar it is subject to change each year and usually takes place sometime between late March and early April. 
• Labour Day — like most Latin American countries, 1st May marks International Workers Day and is a national holiday.^*
• Corpus Christi — with a variable date subject to when Easter Sunday falls, this day is celebrated on a Thursday, 60 days after Easter, somewhere between May and June.
• Restoration Day — celebrated on 16th August, on this day in 1863 the Dominican Republic started a war against the Spanish rule under the leadership of Ulises Heureaux who later became a three-time president of the country.
• Our Lady of Las Mercedes — a day that commemorates the island nation's second patron saint, this festivity is a public holiday celebrated on 24th September each year.
• Constitution Day — this day celebrates the drawing up and signing of the Dominican Republic's first constitution which took place on 6th November 1844.
• Christmas Day — celebrated on 25th December each year, expect everything to be closed in the Dominican Republic this day and the previous day where businesses close after midday.

^*This date is movable, if it falls on a Saturday, Sunday or Monday it is celebrated on said date. If it falls on a Tuesday or Wednesday, it is celebrated on the preceding Monday and if it falls on a Thursday or Friday, it's celebrated the following Monday.

The weather in the Dominican Republic

With temperatures remaining fairly hot and pleasant all year long, with little variation between seasons, the Dominican Republic is an ideal holiday destination to visit all throughout the year. 

With seasonal averages oscillating between 25°C and 31°C in most places (except in the central mountain region) for much of the year, the Dominican Republic's tropical humid climate can often make the temperatures feel higher although this effect is often alleviated by sea breezes.

Due to the Dominican Republic's sunny and warm conditions experienced all-year-round, the island nation is often referred to as the "land of endless summer" with very slight variations between temperatures in the summer and winter season.

The slightly cooler winter season in the Dominican Republic typically runs from November to April with humidity being at it lowest during these months. During this season the temperatures in the evenings tend to be much cooler than in the summer but generally not dipping below 20°C on coastal areas and beach resorts. In the interior mountainous region of the country the temperatures are considerably lower and on the highest mountain peaks, temperatures can even drop below freezing point at times.

The incredibly hot summer season runs from May to October and the high level of humidity in this period can make temperatures feel much higher than they actually are. During this season daily highs typically rise to around 31°C during the day and lower down to around 22°C at night.

Whatever the season, the coldest temperatures in the country can be seen in the central region around the Cordillera Central mountain range while the driest and hottest weather can be found in the Dominican Republic's desert regions with the thermometer soaring up to 40°C at times.

The rainy season in the Dominican Republic runs from May to October although in places like Samana in the northern coast the rainy weather can last until December. The northern region tends to typically experience the highest level of rainfall and tends to do so between October and April while the southern region sees the largest amount of rainfall between May and November. When planning Dominican Republic holidays however, don't be scared out of going during the rainy season, as most tropical showers here are short-lived and you're bound to see the sun shining again after half an hour.

Lying in the middle of the hurricane belt, like in most other Caribbean countries, the hurricane season in the Dominican Republic runs from June to November and historically the country has seen the most hurricane activity during the months of August and September.