VRBO Traveler


Sun and Sand in the Dominican Republic

On his first voyage to the New World, Columbus sighted its reef-edged Caribbean coastline and said, "There is no more beautiful island in the world." He was referring to the Dominican Republic, much of which remains as unspoiled today as when Columbus first spotted it.

Located between Cuba, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic sits on the eastern side of the second largest island in the Greater Antilles, Hispaniola (little Spain). The country – often simply referred to as the “D.R.” – shares the island at an approximate 2:1 ratio with Haiti. It is roughly the size of New Hampshire and Vermont combined.

One-third of the Dominican Republic's 869-mile coastline is comprised of beaches. The country is best known for these sandy white strips, its azure waters, and impressive mountain ranges. In fact, the D.R. has the highest peak in the Caribbean called Pico Duarte, which stands at 10,128 feet above sea level, as well as the largest lake called Enriquillo.

The best time to visit is from December to February, when temperatures average 75 – 85 degrees. Though chances of a hurricane are small, the June to September hurricane season is not an ideal time to travel to the island.

The people of the Dominican Republic are renowned for their warmth and kindness. Tourism on the island has grown at a steady clip thanks to this friendly reputation, as well as the low prices and beautiful terrain. Spanish is the official national language, while English, French, German, Haitian Creole, and Italian are also spoken.

In contrast to nearby French and British influenced islands, the Dominican Republic has its own distinct Latin flavor. It is, after all, the country that created Merengue music - the lively, fast-paced rhythm and dance music. And who can resist the allure of Merengue?


^Back to top


Live Like the Locals
VRBO Homeowners Share Local Dominican Republic Insights


Luxury Golf Villa, Property 103108

  • This luxury golf villa is located in Metro Country Club/Los Marlins Golf course on the southern coast of the Dominican Republic.

  • Situated in a quiet beach town, it is only 30 minutes from down town Santo Domingo's world class shopping and historic colonial zone.

  • The villa is fully air conditioned with a large private pool, in a secure gated community with a private beach club on the soothing calm waters of the Caribbean sea.

  • Metro Country Club has evolved as a tropical garden, extending across 550 acres of lush vegetation, including a golf course and common green areas.

^Back to top


Sea Star Villa, Property 84192

  • Ideal Ways To Celebrate the Holidays In The D.R.
    - Family Christmas dinner with all the trimmings in your own private villa followed by holiday theme movies in the home theatre which has a 120" screen, and stadium seating with leather chairs.
    - Private New Year's Eve Party with family and friends which includes a bonfire on the beach.

  • Recommended Hikes:
    - Hike up La Catalina Hill or Loma Alta Hill – both of which have great ocean views

  • Best Beaches:
    - Playa Grande Beach
    - Diamante Beach
    - La Entrada Beach
    - El Caleton Beach

^Back to top


8-BR Luxury Villa, Property 12950

  • The people of the Dominican Republic are renowned for their warm, friendly welcome to tourists from every country. Come see what Columbus meant in 1492 when he called the island “Paradise found!”

  • Experience natural tropical rain forests, cascading crystal clear rivers, sweeping pristine white sand beaches dotted with lush palm trees bordering azure blue ocean waters.

^Back to top


Magnificent Luxury Beachfront Villa, Property 125283

  • Caribbean Honeymoons – why bury yourself in a crowded hotel when you can enjoy a luxury vacation villa complete with a dedicated staff to cater to your every need?

  • Forget the hustle and bustle of the tourist traps as you start your new live together in the warmth and luxury of one of these magnificent honeymoon destinations.

^Back to top


Elegant Beachfront Private Vacation Villa,
Property 125287

  • Family Reunions – every year thousands of families from around the world gather together to renew family bonds in a comfortable vacation destination.

  • Gathering together in an ultra-luxury vacation home is not only less expensive than a fancy hotel, but it is infinitely more enjoyable.

  • With so many things to do nearby, everyone in your family group will discover the newly rediscovered paradise of the Dominican Republic.

^Back to top

 


Romantic Getaway Destination, Property 141161

  • Romantic Getaways – stuck in a stressful job in the crowded city and need an escape?

  • Only hours from New York, Boston, and Atlanta is an oasis made perfect for immediate relaxation - the Dominican Republic.

  • Highly trained masseuses will work out the stress as you contemplate a stroll on a virtually empty golden sand beach, improving your handicap on nearby spectacular golf course or consider when to arrange the next massage!

^Back to top




Beautiful Condo on the beach,
Property ID 122427


Beachfront and Poolside Vacation Condo, Property ID 110473

Beach and Golf Vacation Apartment, Property ID 137853


Other VRBO Owners who contributed to this story:

Nick Hetherington, Beach Condo, Property 61874




Read More Features
The Dominican Republic | Charleston, SC | North Lake Tahoe | Be A Contributor | Photo Contest Winners
Best Bets for Families | Newsletter Home Page | Own Your Own Vacation Rental?


©Copyright 1995-2008 by VRBO.com, Inc.,
VRBO.com - 3801 S. Capital of Texas Highway - Suite 150 - Austin, TX 78704

All rights reserved. Use of this website constitutes acceptance of the VRBO Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.
"VRBO", "Vacation Rentals by Owner", & "Carpe Vacationum-'Seize the Vacation'" Reg. U.S. Pat. & TM Off

About HomeAway