DOMINICAN REPUBLIC HISTORY

Dominican Republic history is a series of tumultuous events, filled with revolution and political unrest that have shaped the Dominican Republic into the colorful culture we see today. Like many other Caribbean Islands, Domincan Republic history with the European world began with Columbus, who first reached the Island in late 1492 (wrecking his ship on the Atlantic shore). The entire Island became known as the “Spanish Island” or Isla Expanola, a name that has remained through modern times in the form ‘Hispaniola’. Dominican Republic history really began with the founding of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic’s capital, a few years after its initial discovery. Dominican Republic History claims to have, in Santo Domingo, the oldest inhabited city in the Americas. The Dominican Republic became the jewel of Spain’s triangle trade in the New World making the Island a vital port in the Old World’s economy.

Spanish rule has a violent series of events that cross Dominican Republic’s history. After centuries of foreign rule, the Dominican Republic gained independence in 1865 at a severe cost to the civil peace. The domestic revolutions brought international factors to play in the Dominican Republic’s history as the United States occupied the country from 1916 to 1924. The newest chapter in the Dominican Republic history began in 1966 when democratic rule came to the Island following an American military intervention. The modern Dominican Republic is highly dependent on tourism for current development, a big change in the history of the Dominican Republic.
 
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC AIRPORT

Dominican Republic villa rental transfers vary widely depending upon your Domincan Republic rental villa. In some cases, your Domincan Republic villa resort may provide complimentary villa transfers, while in other cases, Villas Caribe may need arrange and coordinate this Domincan Republic villa rental service. If you are interested in Domincan Republic villa rentals, please click here for more information.

The Dominican Republic is one of the largest Caribbean Islands and therefore has a few international airports within the Island. There are a few Dominican Republic airports, not all of which will be easy to transfer from to your villa depending on its location. A reservation that arrives at the wrong Dominican Republic airport could mean a long trip in a taxi or van to your Dominican Republic villa.

The most commonly used Dominican Republic airport for clients of Villas Caribe is the Las Americas International Airport. This Dominican Republic airport gives access to the Southeast area of the Island (Punta Cana to Santo Domingo). Las Americas Airport has gone through recent renovations, as tourism is a growing industry in the Dominican Republic. This main Dominican Republic airport is service by American Airlines and US Air, who feature nonstop flights to this Dominican Republic airport.
 

The second most used Dominican Republic airport is Punta Cana International Airport. There are fewer direct flights from the United States to this Dominican Republic airport. Another Dominican Republic airport lies near Casa de Campo Resort. This Dominican Republic airport, La Romana/Casa de Campo, was designed to resemble an old sugar mill. The Dominican Republic airports are great mid-points for other islands in the Caribbean as well

Dominican Republic Airports:

Las Americas International Airport

809.549.0450

Puerto Plata International Airport

809.586.0107

La Romana/Casa de Camp International Airport

809.556.5565

Punta Cana International Airport

809.668.4749

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC RESTAURANTS

Dominican Republic restaurants cross all boundaries of international cuisine as they are influenced by a wide range of people and cultural influences. From Asian to Latin American, Italian to Middle Eastern, many flavors have infiltrated the tastes of Dominican Republic restaurants. Many of the best Dominican Republic restaurants can be found in and around Santo Doming, the capital city, but don’t let that constrain your search as great food and fine dining can be found across this beautiful Island.

Dominican Republic Restaurants:

Scheresade

Moroccan stylings… as costumed servers make this Dominican Republic restaurant a great attraction. Truly great Middle Eastern cuisine completes the experience. Closed Mondays.

809.227.2323

La Yola

Delectable fresh seafood is the plate of choice at this Dominican Republic restaurant. Open-air views add to a tasty menu dedicated to local seafood. Punta Cana.

Reservations: 809.221.2262

Spaghettissimo

Italian Dominican Republic restaurant; contemporary with upbeat music and candlelight dining add to the atmosphere. Santo Domingo.

809.565.3708

Caribbean Blue

This popular Dominican Republic restaurant serves modern cuisine in an historic 16th century colonial building. The architecture is impressive but the cuisine really stands on its own. Santo Domingo. Closed Mondays.

809.682.1238

Acuarela

Where plates become palates, a fusion of modern cuisine with Caribbean influence. Puerto Plata. Closed Mondays.

809.261.1000

El Patio

A purely Caribbean experience. Focused and delightful food makes this Dominican Republic restaurant a must.

Casa de Campo.

Reservations: 809.523.8548

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC GOLF

When it comes to golf in the Dominican Republic, Casa de Campo has one of the most spectacular courses in all of the Caribbean. Considering the competition, Casa de Campo Dominican Republic provides an incredible golfing opportunity while on your villa vacation.

The Casa de Campo golf course attracts a wide range of clientele. Located on the south shore at Casa de Campo Resort, golfers here have the option of playing three different and beautiful courses. There are 54 holes of breathtaking Caribbean golf along the Oceanside cliff at Casa de Campo, Dominican Republic which continue to draw guests from all over the island (while keeping Casa de Campo resort guests thoroughly occupied). One day green fees at Casa de Campo golf course run about $150 though there are multi-day passes available that will allow golfers to play a few rounds along the palm tree-lined fairways of Casa de Campo, Dominican Repubic.

Casa de Campo Resort, Dominican Republic:

809.523.3333

DOMINCIAN REPUBLIC FISHING

Dominican Republic vacations are a world of adventure, none bigger than a day of deep-sea fishing. Dominican Republic deep-sea fishing offers access to some of the cleanest and clearest Caribbean waters. These ideal conditions have brought much recent investment to the area, new marinas and boating complexes have recently opened along the Island’s pristine shores allowing for even more Dominican Republic deep-sea fishing.

Deep-sea fishing trips in the Dominican Republic can be organized with little difficulty. In villa resort areas and other major tourist destinations, boats and crews can be rented for the day to take you and your guests out for an amazing fishing experience. There are different packages to choose from, but many Dominican Republic deep-sea fishing trips will cost around $500 for a full day package (including a friendly crew and meals). Shorter fishing trips can also be organized if you don’t want to spend your entire day on the water, but who could resist the crystal waters and bright sun that make deep-sea fishing in the Dominican Republic such an amazing time… oh and don’t forget about the marlin, wahoo, and other great game fish.

Dominican Republic fishing exemplifies the water sports that are accessible to those visiting the Dominican Republic. Locals and tourist alike have enjoyed the clear Caribbean waters that make fishing in the Dominican Republic a true joy. Many Dominican Republic water sports companies set up their shops in and around the major resort communities to supply rental gear and instruction to those looking to enjoy the Caribbean Sea. Dominican Republic fishing tours are available, where clients can charter private boats and crews for a day on the ocean under the sun.

Marlin and wahoo are the big draws while fishing in the Dominican Republic, though the beautiful conditions surrounded by friends and family is an attraction of its own. Dominican Republic fishing boats are available for charter for those looking to spend their day a sea. A fishing boat rental can be reserved for prices between $300 to $700 for a day, depending on the size of your party and necessities. Dominican Republic fishing charters are a good way to take a tour of unknown waters, as they usually include a complete crew, fishing gear, and onboard food and drink.

Find and enjoy your Dominican Republic fishing trip along the new marina at Casa de Campo, the Marina at Punta Cana or Actividas Acuatica in Puerto Plata.

The Domincan Republic affords Domincan Republic villa rental guests with a wide variety of both sights and activities. Domincan Republic diving is another popular sport in the Dominican Republic, and many of the all-inclusive hotels offer lessons and certification. While there are some good areas to take the plunge and shipwrecks to explore along the north coast, the southern coast's water is warmer and its reefs a bit more protected. The waters off Barahona and Cabo Rojo, near Pedernales, are two popular spots. Domincan Republic bicycling is a great way to take in the country's natural splendor, and there are usually places to rent bikes in major urban areas. Even better, consider bringing your own. Offshore, the Bahía Samaná has been the preferred breeding area for humpback whales for may millions of years. Several boating companies offer whale-watching tours in season.  

There are many possibilities for hiking in the Dominican Republic, especially in the Central Highlands. Not only do most of the DR's national parks lend themselves well to wilderness treks, but the country's many kilometers of unprotected beaches make for interesting places to explore. There are some excellent spots for surfing, especially along the north and east coasts. Some of the best breaks crash just west of Sosúa, and there is also good surfing south of Bahía Samaná. If you are interested in Dominican Republic activities or sights, please click here for information regarding Domincan Republic holiday villas.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC WEDDINGS

Caribbean weddings are a marvelous way to start a life together, and a Dominican Republic wedding is no exception. Dominican Republic weddings are available for coordination on a wide range from overly dramatic large affairs to small romantic beachfront ceremonies. Luxury service sets Dominican Republic weddings apart, while an atmosphere of natural beauty and friendly Caribbean charm puts the icing on your cake. There are a wide variety of locations to hold a Dominican Republic wedding from large churches in Santo Domingo to beachside villas in Puerto Plata.

For those wishing to arrange a Dominican Republic wedding, couples only need to present a valid passport, birth certificate, and affidavit of non-married status translated into Spanish (this last document can be given to you by local consulates).

The ease of organizing a Dominican Republic wedding is only trumped by the access to great honeymoon options across the Caribbean following your magical ceremony!

CAR RENTAL

For traveling around the Dominican Republic, the best means of transportation is to rent a car. Dominican Republic car rentals allow you the freedom to see the Island, which has attractions that may be done in a day trip if you and your family are willing. Dominican Republic car rental is much better for these long distances than the pubic transportation system (taxis, though, can be great for short distance trips). There are many options when it comes to Dominican Republic car rentals. Many of the companies are represented inside of Santo Domingo and especially at the Dominican Republic airport. Dominican Republic car rentals rates will average around $70/day.

Renting a car in the Dominican Republic requires a valid driver’s license and credit card though there may be additional fees and requirements. Many agencies will ask for a $200 deposit before allowing guests to access Dominican Republic car rentals, as poor road conditions can result in minor dings and dents on vehicles.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC SHOPPING

Dominican Republic shopping can be quite an activity as colorful Island life and mentality are shown in exquisite crafts and crafty shopkeepers. The art of the bargain is the name of the game here as experienced shoppers move from vendor to vendor as they haggle their way down the line. Dominican Republic shopping merchants are willing to bargain and sometimes seem insulted if shoppers are not ready to reply. Shopping in the Dominican Republic does not have the great duty-free deals that can be found elsewhere in the Caribbean, but don’t let that get you down. Dominican Republic shopping has a great selection of local flare at very affordable prices to keep even the pickiest shoppers entertained.

Much of the best shopping in the Dominican Republic can be found in and around resort communities. Local merchants fill small boutiques and roadside stands with their handmade crafts, jewelry, ocean trinkets and quality tobacco products. Santo Domingo has a lot of great shopping as well; with quality jewelry stores carrying arrays of gold and silver with a particular Dominican Republic shopping twist, Larimar. Two semiprecious stones are found on the Island, the other being amber, both of which are found in some spectacular pieces that really capture the color and feel of the Caribbean Sea and sunsets surround the Dominican Republic. Please beware to keep your Dominican Republic shopping for jewelry to the reputable stores as some merchants have found easy ways to create plastic replicas of the stones to sell street-side.

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC NEWPAPERS

Staying in touch with the rest of the world can be pretty simple while staying in the Dominican Republic. Guests of the Island will find completely modern telecommunications systems at all the villa resorts and private homes represented by Villas Caribe. Many of the quality private homes also have satellite TV and internet access as well.

Much of the Caribbean’s charm is lost while sitting in front of the television, so many guests of the villas find that Dominican Republic newspapers, found at many local shops and resorts, are the best way to keep in touch with the outside world. Most of the dailies are printed in Spanish so some may have trouble reading Dominican Republic newspapers. If you can swing the Latin language, three major Dominican Republic newspapers include En Marcha, Primicias, and the Listin Diario. Most of the Dominican Republic newspapers are based out of Santo Domingo and cover a variety of local and regional news. For English language newspapers, try your concierge at many of the villa resorts throughout the island or groceries or newsstands in Santo Domingo. If Dominican Republic newspapers aren’t for you, there is an English language website that covers current events on Island:dr1

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC NIGHTLIFE

A gozar!, “Let’s have fun!” is the catchphrase of Dominican Republic nightlife. This island nation is heavily influenced by Latin culture and nothing more captures this than the rhythm and music of the Dominican Republic. Nightlife in Santo Domingo gets going early, as many bars offer drink specials from 6-8pm. Discos begin to pick up steam around 10pm when meringue and bachata can be heard echoing down bustling streets filled with party-goers (try the Neon Discotheque or Omni Disco at the Sheraton for a start).

There are many interesting ways to spend your nights in this passionate country, some of the more interesting options include Meson de la Cava (a restaurant and disco that is found 50 feet below ground in a cave. Many youngsters head fro Atarazanas Nueve, near the Colonial District, to eat and drink.

Nightlife in the Dominican Republic does not have to revolve around food and drink or bars and discos though. For those more interested in high-stakes action, there are many casinos to entertain whims in Santo Domingo. Most major hotels (Sheraton, Hispanola, Jaraqua Renaissance) have in-house casinos. Players can spend time at the tables in either pesos or dollars, but please remember to dress appropriately as casinos here have a more old-world style of class and sophistication. There are very few gaming houses outside of Santo Domingo though some can be found on the North Coast near Puerto Plata Beach Hotel.