Recommend January 2012 - (Page 42)

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Punta Cana Several decades ago, Punta Cana played host to an explosion of large-scale resorts—many of them all-inclusive—so today, the region is largely deﬁned by its tourism industry. Brands like Paradisus, Barcelo, Iberostar and Dreams all have major presences in the region. Punta Cana is also home to the ﬁrst all-inclusive Hard Rock resort in the world. Gaming is one of the most popular nightlife activities here, with most large resorts boasting a casino on site and several stand-alone casinos are sprinkled throughout the area, too, offering slots, table games, sports betting and more. But some of its most iconic properties evoke a more classic Caribbean feel. PUNTACANA Resort & Club helped to develop the area by opening its own airport. Today, it’s a highend haven for the likes of Oscar de la Renta, visiting presidents and Hollywood stars. One of the newest developments here is Cap Cana, a collection of large resorts and smaller, boutique hotels anchored by golf courses and a megayacht marina. The wealth of golf courses is, in fact, one of the area’s greatest assets, particularly in the nearby region of La Romana, where Casa de Campo resort boasts three courses of its own, including the famed Teeth of the Dog. This is also home to the Altos de Chavon artists’ village, a quaint mountainside town that hosts visiting artists throughout the year and offers plenty of shopping in its boutiques and galleries, as well as striking views of the Chavon River running through the valley below. Isla Saona is another popular day trip from Punta Cana, an offshore island and protected nature reserve. Arriving by catamaran, visitors here enjoy soaking up the sun on its deserted beach and snorkeling in its surrounding waters. The Acuario Nacional in Santo Domingo is one of the Caribbean’s grandest aquariums. Santiago The city of Santiago doesn’t get the number of tourists you’ll ﬁnd in Punta Cana or Santo Domingo, a blessing for the travelers who do visit this second largest city in the Dominican Republic. Blessed with an active dining scene, plenty of nightlife options, and a wealth of shopping and cultural activities to keep its one million residents entertained, it’s also one of the country’s biggest cigar making areas, and that practice and the history behind it is showcased at the Leon Cultural Center. Visitors here can explore a replica of a cigar factory and witness a detailed explanation of the process of cigar production. You won’t ﬁnd any beaches here— Santiago is set right in the center of the island of Hispaniola, earning it the nickname “Heart City”—but in place of the traditional resort experience, travelers here ﬁnd themselves surrounded by storied industries. Coffee plantations, cocoa farms, and rum distilleries all operate here, many offering behind-the-scenes tours. But you don’t have to take an organized tour to get a sense of place because exploring the city on foot is the best way to immerse yourself in its culture. Calle El Sol, one of Santiago’s most important thoroughfares, contains a mix of exciting attractions and activities, from bustling hotels to traditional restaurants, exciting rum bars and shops and boutiques selling a world of goods. At its north end, Parque Duarte awaits, a relaxed space as popular with locals as it is with tourists. It’s an ideal place to hang out, do some people-watching, and take in the signts of the Catedral de Santiago Apostol. Santiago, far removed from the beach towns, is known as the D.R.’s cultural center. D22 january 2012 recommend.com http://www.recommend.com

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Recommend January 2012

Editor's Note
Hotel Desk: Hard Rock Hotels and Resorts
Tour Talk: Lindblad Expeditions
Holland America's Veendam
Delta Air Lines' 2012 Caribbean, Mexico and Latin America Travel Guide
The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes
Las Vegas' 2012 Offerings
Hot European Tours for 2012
Hokkaido, Japan
Egypt's Antiquity Attractions are Eternal

Recommend January 2012