Wild jungles, blissful beaches, and a lively Caribbean spirit: Our Dominican Republic travel guide
12 August 2022
Caribbean
‣
Dominican Republic
Dominican Republic villas
The perfect stay
in the Dominican Republic
With hundreds of miles of white, sugar-soft sand beaches, swaying palm trees, and an ocean so blue and clear that you can see all the way to the bottom, the Dominican Republic is the quintessential Caribbean vacation destination. This island paradise is a charming combination of sleepy fishing villages, vibrant towns and serene luxury beach villa rentals.
The Dominican Republic stretches across the island of Hispaniola, with Haiti as its western neighbour. It’s a natural wonderland rich in dense tropical jungles, desert expanses, steamy mangrove swamps, and towering mountain ranges that are perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking and wildlife spotting.
The Dominican Republic stretches across the island of Hispaniola, with Haiti as its western neighbour. It’s a natural wonderland rich in dense tropical jungles, desert expanses, steamy mangrove swamps, and towering mountain ranges that are perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking and wildlife spotting.
Craving a relaxing day by the beach? As well as mountains and jungle, the island boasts endless spectacular white sand beaches. Step out of your luxury private villa rental in the Dominican Republic and straight onto the soft, white sand. Here you can snorkel through lazy shoals of brightly coloured fish on coral reefs or sit back and relax under the shade of a swaying palm, soaking up the breathtaking views. When hunger strikes, pick your favourite from a vast selection of restaurants and beach bars serving up fresh fish and spicy, flavourful Dominican dishes, perfectly balanced by a fresh rum cocktail (or two). What more could you ask for on a beach getaway?
Things
you can’t miss on your Dominican Republic vacation
- Go for a round or two at Punta Cana and Casa de Campo, both of which are home to some of the finest golf courses in the world.
- Dive into the island’s vibrant culture by sampling Dominican cuisine, dancing merengue and bachata to a live band, and attending a baseball game in season.
- Sample the country’s renowned drinks; make sure to try cocktails made with Brugal, Barcelo or Bermudez (the local rum brands).
Our insider tips about the Dominican Republic
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Popular destinations in the Dominican Republic
La Romana, the island’s historical heart
Packed with exciting locations to explore, La Romana is one of the most historically important locations on the island. It’s home to the remarkable Altos de Chavón, an accurate recreation of a Renaissance Mediterranean village, which boasts a cultural centre, a museum and even its own amphitheatre. A short journey from this fascinating attraction, the town of La Romana allows you to enjoy rum distilleries, boutiques galore, and family-run restaurants serving authentic Dominican cuisine.
Casa de Campo, opulence guaranteed
Casa de Campo is synonymous with style, sophistication, and some of the most opulent villas not just on the island but in the whole of the Caribbean. With four golf courses, including the famous Teeth of the Dog, Casa de Campo is a resort where the rich and famous go for some serious rest and relaxation. World-class restaurants offer gourmet food, while dazzling white beaches provide glorious serenity with a backdrop of one of the finest views of that legendary Caribbean sunset. From tranquil beaches to vibrant nightclubs, Casa de Campo has it all.
Punta Cana, family fun in the sun
Punta Cana is famous for its glorious beaches, elegant resorts and spectacular surroundings. It’s also a very family-friendly location, with plenty to entertain younger travellers, such as Scape Park and the beautiful Bavaro Beach. It’s exactly what you imagine a Caribbean family holiday to be, complete with swaying palm trees, dazzling white sand and warm, safe water to swim in. Cuisine covers almost every corner of the globe, but for an authentic taste of the Caribbean, nothing can beat the island’s delicious fresh fish simply fried and eaten straight off a beach BBQ.
Villa rentals in Dominican Republic you will love
Our villas & luxury vacation rentals
Casa Calma
12 PEOPLE -
5 Bedrooms -
6 Bathrooms
Chez Moi
14 PEOPLE -
7 Bedrooms -
8 Bathrooms
Villa Londali
16 PEOPLE -
7 Bedrooms -
8 Bathrooms
Yarari Royale
20 PEOPLE -
9 Bedrooms -
10 Bathrooms
Punta Minitas 18
12 PEOPLE -
6 Bedrooms -
7 Bathrooms
El Batey 20
12 PEOPLE -
6 Bedrooms -
7 Bathrooms
“For me, the Dominican Republic is the perfect island to indulge my adventurous spirit. There is nothing better than enjoying the view from above and spotting stunning flora and fauna while zip-lining through the luscious jungle landscapes.”
Sophie Stileman
Why stay with us?
Curated and inspected homes, villas & chalets
Luxury linen and toiletries
Round the clock support
Complimentary weekly clean
Dedicated concierge
Earn & redeem Accor ALL loyalty Reward points
Personal Meet & Greet
Complimentary medical support in partnership with AXA
Enhance your Dominican Republic villa stay
Book additional services to make the most out of your luxury vacation. Add services at the time of booking or with your concierge before the stay at your private vacation home in Dominican Republic.
Essential Dominican Republic information
When to visit Dominican Republic
JAN
73F
FEB
73F
MAR
75F
APR
77F
MAY
80F
JUN
82F
JUL
82F
AUG
82F
SEP
82F
OCT
80F
NOV
78F
DEC
77F
Please note: these are the average temperatures reported but can vary greatly due to weather conditions, such as heat waves etc. We kindly invite you to contact us for more information, including confirmation that your chosen villa has air conditioning, to ensure a comfortable stay.
Best time to go
During spring: with a relatively constant temperature of around 27°C (80°F) all year round, there are very few variations between the seasons. Spring is wonderfully warm and sunny with soft winds and calm seas. The ideal time to go sightseeing or just laze away an afternoon or three on the beach, listening to the ocean lap against the sand. The end of May sees Corpus Christi, a national holiday on the island.
During summer: summer temperatures may climb above 30°C (86°F), and you may catch the occasional downpour. However, these don’t last long, and the sun quickly burns off any clouds. The sea temperature starts to warm up to around 29°C (84°F), making it just right for water sports, swimming, snorkelling and diving.
During autumn: a tranquil time in the Dominican Republic, Autumn brings with it the occasional shower, but a significant “plus side” of quiet beaches, a more relaxed atmosphere, and an authentic island feel. The temperatures are still in the high 20s°C (around 85°F), and there is a selection of festivals to give you a real taste of island life.
During winter: with bright sunshine all day long and gentle breezes, winter is the peak season for staying in one of our luxury Dominican Republic villas. Don’t be surprised to see a light dusting of snow on the mountaintops, though. A brisk hike through the trails is a pleasant change from the beach, followed by a delicious meal in one of the island’s many restaurants and a lazy evening watching the stars come out in crystal clear skies from your Dominican Republic villa.
How to get there
Make the journey as memorable as the arrival. Your dedicated concierge can arrange transportation from the closest airport to your Dominican Republic villa.
By plane
With no fewer than seven international airports to choose from, flying into the Dominican Republic is easy. However, it is advisable to choose the closest airport to your villa rental, to avoid overly long transfer times. If you’re staying in one of our vacation homes in Cabeza de Toro, Bávaro, Punta Cana, Uvero Alto, or Cap Cana, the best airport is Punta Cana International Airport. La Romana International Airport is best for villas in Casa de Campo, in La Romana or Bayahibe, while the Colonial Zone, in Boca Chica, or Juan Dolio destinations are best served by Las Américas International Airport. Talk to your concierge before booking to choose the most appropriate entry point.
By boat
A great way to approach the island is by ferry from Mayagüez in Puerto Rico, arriving in San Juan in the Dominican Republic. The trip takes around 12 hours.
By car
Getting around the island is easy, and there are plenty of car rental services at the major towns and airports. For the ultimate convenience, your dedicated concierge can arrange for a hire car to be waiting upon your arrival. It is also possible to cross into the Dominican Republic from Haiti by car or bus. The DR-1 is a major highway connecting Santo Domingo and Santiago, while the DR-7 is a toll road running from Santo Domingo to Sanchez along the northern coast.
Local tips
- Make sure to have some local currency on hand (Dominican pesos), as many places do not accept credit cards.
- Fridays are school field trip days, so museums and historical sites can get crowded. Meanwhile, beaches and rivers are busy on Sunday, when locals flock to the seaside or to freshwater to relax and cool off.
- If you are seeking a beach getaway, it is advisable not to visit the Dominican Republic during the rainy season (July - October).
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