THE GOOD QUESTION
What the hell am I supposed to be there
The Dom Rep has everything you could want from a Caribbean dream destination. Heavenly islands, dream beaches and really friendly people who do their daily work with swaying hips. Caribbean cliché? For sure. But one that you like to take with you on vacation. And while we're at the clichés: the legendary Bacardi spot was filmed here too – maybe …
Typical local color from Santa Bárbara de Samaná.
CONTINUE DREAMING HERE
Which region is the most beautiful?
To speak of an insider tip would be an exaggeration, but the Samaná peninsula on the northeast coast is surprisingly neither crowded nor built over. Even though exotic landscapes and dream beaches can be found en masse there. Important info: 550 million coconuts are harvested on Samaná every year. Many of the six to seven million palm trees are picturesquely by the sea. So keep an eye out for vitamin D refueling, otherwise there's something on the – of – the nut.
Well, what can you say: this is how it looks.
CITY CULTURE
Is a trip to Santo Domingo worthwhile?
Three million people live in the capital of the Dom Rep – which does not necessarily speak for a longer stay. But the city, officially founded in 1498 by Bartolomeo Columbus, Christoph's brother, has its charm: the historic old town has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990. In addition, and really only on the edge: The Agora Mall is the best place to feel like a Caribbean shopping queen for a day.
* www.thebeautybackpacker.co.uk, search: "Santo Domingo 10 things to do"
REALLY STRONG
Coffee?
Although the Dom Rep is only 26th among the world's coffee producers, the hot drink is a kind of sanctuary. When you visit one of the (often organic) plantations, you will learn not only the cultivation methods, but also something about the preparation of the cafecito – which is drunk strong and sweet.
Refusing a cafecito is considered rude.
VIEW FACTS
What should I not miss under any circumstances?
BASILICA OF HIGÜEY
From the outside, the church in Salvaleón de Higüey looks like the spacy vision of a stoned "Star Wars" architect, from the inside like an avant-garde corner monument. Even more impressive: visit the basilica when a concert is coming. Enormous!
NATIONAL PARK DEL ESTE
400 square kilometers of wonderful nature. From there you get to the wonderful island of Saona, where you can see starfish on the beaches (without any prior enjoyment …).
Tip: Please leave starfish in the water and don't hold them up for a selfie either!
CASTILLO MUNDO KING
The German dropout and performance artist Rolf Schulz (1942–2018) built a mix of castle and museum from a shell in Sosúa. Totally crazy!
www.hispaniola.news, search: Castillo Mundo
180 BPM
What is that sound?
Ever heard of this strait that Dominicans love? Has nothing to do with water, but with a musical style and the associated dance – correctly spelled Merengue and heard and seen all over the country. Typical band members: percussion instruments as well as accordion, saxophone and bass guitar. For sociable travelers, dancing can be the entry ticket to local society. Practice before, okay ?!
* Our tip: Better not to say salsa …
KNOWLEDGE
Amaury Rivera
Our guide lives in San Felipe and recommends the Blue Lagoon near Cabrera: "You jump off a rope over a heavenly blue pool." Second tip: the Arroyo El Limon natural swimming pool on the Samaná peninsula. "On days off, the locals have fun here – and everyone is welcome to join them."
* www.samana-online.de/picina-el-limon.html
OUTSIDE BUCKET ONLY
Is the Dom Rep the Ballermann of the Antilles?
No. NO! The Dom Rep has the bad image only because the common beach mob mainly logs in around Punta Cana at the east end of the island. Since this is the majority of all visitors with around three million people who like to be carted to bedclothes for the all-inclusive party, the prejudice against bills spreads further. Even Punta Cana has been dressing up in recent years, hotel openings are only available from 5 stars upwards. And the beaches are – admittedly – overcrowded themselves.
* www.beach-inspector.com
PURE NATURE
But always only sun and beach …?
Not at all. If you feel like it, you can tour the area in a variety of ways: First we swoosh by boat through the picturesque mangrove channels of the Los Haitises National Park, then we went into the labyrinthine-mysterious caves full of murals by the original islanders. This harbors a certain thrill – so it's good that you can't get in without a local guide.
* www.walfluesterer.de, search: Los Haitises
Los Haitises by catamaran. Promised: Inside you rave with enthusiasm!
FAVORITE PLACE
Punta Rucia
Actually, you shouldn't say a word about this place on the northwest coast of the Dom Rep. Then he would remain so sleepy and dreamy, and you would have the dream bay (and the few inns there) all to yourself. If you also knew that the fishermen from Punta Rucia drove you out for little money to a sandbar called Cayo Arena to snorkel there on a fantastic reef … So, we don't say anything.
* www.youtube.com, search: "Punta Rucia 2015" (turn off the sound!)
PAFF DADDIES
Is there thick air?
Röchel, cough: Santiago de los Caballeros is the center of the tobacco industry. In the Museo Cultural Fortaleza San Luis you can find out how it got there (Calle Vicente Estrella). Rum lovers make a side trip to Puerto Plata to Casa Brugal (Av Manolo T. Justo). Tours for rum production are offered there regularly. Even in German. Including tasting.
SPORTS HIPPER
And people with an urge to move?
We send them to Cabarete, the entry lane for water sports hipsters from all over the world. If you want to surf, kite, windsurf or just sip a cocktail with your aesthetic companions, you will find your new home just 40 kilometers from Puerto Plata. If you like it deeply relaxed and German, book a course – like us – with Steffi from the Cabarete Windsport Club and then let Nadine give you a seat at the bar of your correct Hotel Villa Taina. Zen yoga would be more deceleration.
* www.villataina.com
SIN CITY
Where can you officially celebrate?
Between Puerto Plata and Cabarete is the actually idyllic little resort of Sosúa. A normal vacation paradise during the day. At night, however, Halligalli is popular here: one bar is lined up with the other, restaurants, pubs and live clubs are vocally vying for an entertaining audience. Hangover Danger!
* Patriotic recommendation: the Germany Bar and Grill restaurant – at least with its own butcher shop
A party in every shop window …
ADVERTISING BREAK
What about this Bacardispot?
Boats bring tourists to Cayo Levantado aka "Bacardi Island" every day. But there is no proof that an advertising filmmaker ever came here for a drink. Funny search for clues:
* www.holidaycheck.de/away/bacardi-island
INFO
Where is that?
The Dominican Republic is an island nation in the Caribbean that shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti and is only about two hours' flight south-east of Miami. The capital is called Santo Domingo. The national language is Spanish. Time difference to CET: minus five hours. The best time to travel: December to April.
* www.godominicanrepublic.com
getting there
Be careful when you arrive: The relatively small Dom Rep has eight (!) International airports. So you should roughly know in which region you are going on holiday, because cross-country trips in the bus are exhausting. The flight time for direct flights (e.g. Eurowings and Condor) is about ten hours, with a stopover correspondingly more.
complete package
With Jahn Reisen / DER Touristik to Puerto Plata, Casa Colonial Beach & Spa (first class), 7 nights in a Junior Suite Tropical View, breakfast, incl. Flight and transfer, from Frankfurt, per person from approx. 1500 euros.
To Samaná, Alisei Beachfront Hotel & Spa (upper middle class), 7 nights in an apartment type A, breakfast, incl. Flight and transfer, from Frankfurt, per person from 994 euros.
* www.dertouristik.com