Dominican Republic Meeting & Incentive Planner 2011/2012 - (Page 23)

Left: Dreams La Romana Below: Villa at Casa de Campo t he southern shores of Dominican Republic reflect the rhythms of the Caribbean where fishermen get up with the sun to cast nets over the calm waters in the slanting light. Fishing villages line the coast from Santo Domingo to Bayahibe, two hours away in the southeast, and their time-honored traditions imbue the area with a strong sense of community. About a 1/2 hour west of Bayahibe, the city of La Romana is the commercial and cultural hub of the region, anchored by the modern La Romana International Airport. The beauty of the Caribbean Coast for groups is its central location with convenient access to so many different types of island experiences. Planners can combine in one program: the spectacular beaches of Bayahibe, the best golf in the Caribbean, two beautiful offshore islands for Robinson Crusoe-type escapes, and the cultural wonders of Santo Domingo’s Colonial Zone. BAYAHIBE BEACH HOTELS The handful of large all-inclusive resorts outside Bayahibe face some of the prettiest beaches on the island, and there’s a real sense of feeling secluded within a world all your own. The hip and contemporary 751-room Dreams La Romana Resort & Spa features an 8,000-sf ballroom and eight additional breakouts, eight restaurants and seven lounges. The top ranked spa and large rooms/suites are a big plus with planners. The 501-room Iberostar Hacienda Dominicus is designed like a series of Spanish noblemen’s haciendas, while the lobby gathering space is decorated with Taino artifacts, European antiques and a mesmerizing display of tile work. Two conference rooms seat 300 pax. A HOUSE IN THE COUNTRY One of the most comprehensive resorts in the entire Caribbean, the sprawling 7,000-acre Casa de Campo resort is like a large country club by the sea. Situated just minutes from La Romana and the airport, the 265-room property is really a full-scale community with luxurious villas, a mega-yacht marina and a staggering collection of amenities, activities and venues. Beyond the luxurious suite accommodations, hundreds of expansive private villas are available for group rentals for elegant 100-pax dinners prepared in-house by a resort chef, or hospitality golf suites, executive retreats, spouse programs, etc. Indoor conference space is 15,000 sf. The villas and suites encircle two of the best golf courses in the hemisphere. “Dye Fore” features breathtaking views overlooking precipitous chasms high above the winding Chavon BAYAHIBE & THE ISLANDS Early every morning of the week, dozens of 16-foot fishing scows filled with visitors depart the quiet harbor in Bayahibe, on the northern outskirts of the protected El Parque Nacional del Este. Everyone is heading out en masse to sea for a 45-minute ride to postcard-perfect Saona Island. On the way there, the boat drivers will head into the natural sanctuary to explore the hundreds of species of exotic flora, birds and fish who thrive here in this protected habitat. The peninsula is also known for its more than 400 caves and ancient cave paintings by the pre-Columbian Taino natives. From there, the group motors back out to sea until Saona appears on the horizon. Imagine the ideal beach with blistering white sand and tangled palm trees listing over Tiffany blue water. That’s Saona, a stunning atoll with enough space for 300 pax to snorkel in the surf without feeling cramped. There’s also a little community with bright pink and yellow wooden homes lining the beach displaying vibrant Haitian art for sale. Be sure to pack a few additional boats with fresh seafood to barbecue on the beach, with enough Presidente beer, Dominican cigars and rum to go around. The ride back is special too. In the late afternoon, the water is as flat as a glass tabletop. The boats stop midway for a swim in the clear shallow water and there’s not a single person without a blissful smile stamped on his or her face. For scuba divers, Catalina Island is a small coral-rimmed island just 1.5 miles offshore from La Romana, which is well known in diver circles for two incredible dives ranked among the top 10 in the Caribbean. “The Wall” extends from 15-140 feet in depth, while “The Aquarium” is teeming with colorful species like toad fish, sea horses, and the highly sought after lion fish. Dominican Republic Meeting & Incentive Planner 23

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Dominican Republic Meeting & Incentive Planner 2011/2012

Planning Points
Meeting Hotels
Punta Cana & Bavaro
La Romana, Bayahibe & More
Cruise
Puerto Plata
Samana
Santo Domingo
Santiago & Central Region
Food & Music
DMC List
Tourism Offices

Dominican Republic Meeting & Incentive Planner 2011/2012

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