Sun, sea, sand and commission: the Dominican Republic’s prime resort has much to offer, writes Jo Cooke
Like this and want more details? Click here to download and save as a PDF.
The Dominican Republic’s premier destination is a master of the all-inclusive package. No matter what your clients’ budget you can book them quality accommodation – and most right on beaches so beautiful they’ll have to pinch themselves to check they’re not dreaming.
Unlike most resorts, Punta Cana does not have a centre as such. It’s made up almost entirely of large and super-sized hotels that line the beachfront. Each commands a generous slice of sand and either stands alone or as part of a gated group of properties with shared facilities such as theatres, shopping malls, casinos, golf courses, spas and nightclubs.
Driving along the highway that links the properties, clients will see no more than a sprinkling of shops and a couple of malls. This could lead them to think there isn’t much to do beyond their hotel complex. However, although it may not be obvious, there are many exciting attractions and excursions on the resort’s doorstep that are well worth telling your clients about.
CAPITAL IDEA
A day trip to the capital Santo Domingo will give clients a fascinating contrast to all-inclusive living. In the Zona Colonial, or old town quarter, the streets are cobbled and lined with 16th-century buildings dating from the start of the Spanish colonial period.
Clients can also kick back and people-watch from pavement cafes bordering leafy piazzas, hop between tapas bars or shop in the boutiques and gift stores of the pedestrianised streets. A day tour with Do Something Different is £43 per adult and £27 per child. You could also add on a Santo Domingo city break to a week in the sun through Caribtours.
SNORKEL WITH SHARKS
A Marinarium snorkelling cruise is a great way to get closer to the Dom Rep’s marine life, with the chance to swim in a specially designated area among stingrays and nurse sharks. Attraction World offers this from £68 per adult and £48 per child.
PLAY JAMES BOND
Clients can power their own mini speedboat through the surf on a Bavaro Splash adventure, from £41 per adult and £21 per child with Do Something Different.
A bit of snorkelling is thrown in on this excursion, with guests slinking into the blue from a platform anchored beside an off-shore reef. It’s all very convenient, and when you are done fish spotting, a rum punch is waiting for you.
SHIP AHOY
Catamaran cruises are a sunshine holiday must. The cocktails flow from the free bar and clients get to learn some sexy dance moves on the Caribbean Festival excursion, from £85 per adult and £43 per child with Attraction World.
For a lazy day on an uninhabited island, where white sands meet turquoise waters, choose a trip to Saona Island. For a livelier island jolly, sail to Catalina where a beach-side buffet feast, craft vendors, massages and watersports are on offer along the vast shoreline.
FUN FOLLY
Designed to look like a 16th-century Italian village and built for movie productions, but never used, the hamlet of Altos de Chavon enjoys stunning views of the Chavon River and valley from its cliff-top vantage point.
Clients can enjoy a relaxing half-day browsing its shops, galleries, archaeological and amber museums, and checking out the amphitheatre concert stage where Frank Sinatra, Carlos Santana and Julio Iglesias have played.
This is visited on Attraction World’s Fieston to Catalina tour, which starts from £80 per adult and £40 per child.
RURAL ADVENTURES
The Monster Truck Safari, from £53 per adult and £33 per child with Do Something Different, takes guests into the lush interior with its sugar cane fields, villages of brightly-painted houses and dense tropical foliage. Adrenaline junkies can sail through the latter on a Zip Lining tour.
