The Dominican Republic- Beyond "All-Inclusive Hotels"
As the second largest Caribbean island - diverse and rich in culture, the Dominican Republic is the perfect destination for every kind of traveler wanting to explore beyond the clichés of staying in an “All- inclusive hotel”.
It was my first time visiting the Dominican Republic and I must say I was truly impressed at how easy it was to explore the island and enjoy a safe travel experience.
How to get there:
Start your trip by flying to Punta Cana International Airport. Since the Dominican Republic is a holiday destination hub, it is serviced by most Airlines.
Make sure to change money at the airport because you will need the local currency, for example for tollbooths when renting a car. I would suggest that you exchange about 60 to 70 USD for toll payments. Car rental companies are located outside of the airport. We paid about 300 USD for seven days.
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El macao
Where to stay?
El Macao is about 30 minutes from Punta Cana International Airport and a perfect place to start of your trip. I personally really enjoyed El Macao because it wasn’t a typical destination for tourists and therefore not crowded at all. Another thing that I preferred in El Macao was that it wasn’t lined up with huge resorts like Punta Cana was. Instead, you can enjoy sustainable and eco- friendly accommodations, just as we did at the Villa Flamboyan Macao.
The Villa has a fully equipped outdoor kitchen and a beautiful pool area. If you love all things home décor, like me, you will absolutely enjoy this space. It’s rustic with a hint of chic.
You have enough space for yoga sessions in the morning. If you just wish to kick back and relax, there are lots of lounge chairs and hammocks all over the property to help you relax.
Samana
The Dominican Republic’s northeastern shore has some of the most beautiful beaches. If you arrive before sunrise, you will have the luxury to discover some isolated beaches and enjoy them all by yourself.
Playa El Limón is a must visit. Very authentic and laid back. It couldn’t get any less touristy in an area like that – and that was exactly what I was looking for.
Where to stay:
El Limón is a cute little village with lots of charm. You get a sense of what life is like in the Dominican Republic and a picture of how local people live and work there. We booked our first two nights at Samana Ecolodge. I loved the view from the tree house room and the greenery surrounding the entire property.
It was a rather rustic experience. Hence, if you prefer a little bit more comfort, I would recommend staying only one night and booking the tree house bungalow, which is isolated from all other rooms. In addition, the tree house bungalow faces beautiful palm tree fields, which will give you an amazing view from your room.
What to do
Whale Watching:
Unfortunately, I didn’t get to see whales but if you find yourself planning a trip from January to March you will probably be luckier. Drive to Samana Bay and you will have more than one person approaching you for a whale-watching excursion that you can organize on the spot.
Chasing Waterfalls:
You can’t visit El Limón without exploring the most incredible El Limón waterfall. It’s truly an adventure that you won’t want to miss out.
It took us about an hour to walk to the waterfall. You will have to walk through little parts of the river so make sure to pack a comfortable and waterproof set of sneakers. On the way to the waterfall we walked through a short forest path and lush green landscapes spotting all kinds of flora and fauna along the way. What is also nice is that you have the option to take a horseback ride to avoid walking through the river if you wish to.
El Valle
Our next stop was the region of El Valle. Planning our trip, I knew I wanted to see local villages and top rated beaches of this area. The turquoise colors didn’t disappoint and I would highly recommend staying here.
Palm trees surround the local beaches. As soon as you get there, you feel the laid-back vibe of the community. You will observe families bringing their barbecue and enjoying their time at the beach. There are many outdoor activities such as renting an ATV four-wheel drive or exercising in an outdoor jungle gym. The people were so loving and kind and in this regard don’t you worry about your Spanish skills at all, everyone was very forthcoming.
Where to stay:
We decided to stay at El Valle lodge, which was a such a great place to stay in. What I loved most about their concept was their mindfulness towards sustainability. If you are looking for a slower pace of living, you came to the right place. Everything is kept in harmony with nature and the local community.
The room we stayed in faced a little river. What I loved most was that all doors were sliding doors that could open, giving you the feeling of being one with nature without compromising in comfort.
The owner and chef of the lodge is such a kindhearted woman. Not to mention the food she prepared and because of her, dinners became the highlights of our day. The open living space and comfortable seating area invites you to lounge and feel completely relaxed.
What to do:
About an hour drive from El Valle lodge one of the most beautiful beaches ever will startle you. Playa Rincon is a must visit when coming to the Dominican Republic. Ranked as one of the top 10 most beautiful beach in the world it’s definitely a feast for the eyes.You will witness a turquoise and white colored sand beach just how you would expect it to be on a postcard. It is the perfect beach for snorkeling and sunbathing. Casual restaurants can be found in walking distance that serve tasteful local dishes, which are freshly prepared for you. A must try is the grilled fish with “platanos” (deep friend plantain which are crushed and salted).
Bring home a souvenir:
Thinking of what to take back home? If you are tired of buying souvenirs such as magnets and key chains, you should definitely stop at the little local shops, which you can find on the stretch from El Valle to Playa Rincon. You can try the local herbal rum (also called “Mamajuana “) and learn about other herbs that are commonly used in the Dominican Republic.
A great gift that I personally always love to take back home with me is coffee. If you are a fan of the Cafe Dominicano, make sure to buy a pack! I will assure you your friends and family will love it.
While you are at it, buy some tasty fruits and local cheese at any of the beautiful fruit stands that are lined up along the roadside. The pineapples were a dream.
Punta Cana
We spent our last two days in one of the most amazing Airbnbs. The direct beachfront was the best part of this beach hut. Having the freedom to enjoy your breakfast with direct access to the beach and hearing the waves crashing as you go to sleep!It was the perfect location for our last days, close to the airport but still located well enough for various excursions.
Wearing : QASAFEME AWU Kimono
Montana Redonda
I knew I had to visit Montana Redonda before leaving the Dominican Republic. The amazing panoramic view you get up there is one of a kind. A beautiful mountain that will astound you and leave you speechless at the same time. If you have seen pictures of this place, you are already familiar with the famous swings located all over. Each Swing located at an amazing viewpoint, do not hesitate to visit Montana Redonda and experience nature at its best.
