Destination:
Dominican Republic

If any city in the world could be declared the perfect holiday destination, then Santo Domingo would probably be a prime candidate, with its modern sophistication, old world charm and Latin charisma, not to mention its position on the tropical southern Caribbean coast of the Dominican Republic. The only blight on the landscape is the crime rate: robbery, muggings and petty theft are common, so guard your belongings with care.

Santo Domingo is used to being first: it was the first European settlement in the New World; it boasts the western hemisphere's first cathedral, first monastery, first hospital, first university and first law court. This rich colonial heritage, sparked off in the 15th Century by legendary Spanish explorer Christopher Columbus, has been turned into a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the heart of the city. Known as the 'Colonial City' it is now a delightful area of cobblestone streets and 16th-century buildings, interspersed with cafes, bars, small hotels and restaurants.

Visitors don't need to stray from the Colonial City to enjoy a great time in the city, but it is advisable not to ignore the modern part of Santo Domingo. The superb shopping, delicious dining, dazzling casinos, seductive parks and vibrant nightlife all beckon enticingly, from the monumental Columbus Lighthouse right down to the depths of the Guácara Taina nightclub, with its multi-level dance floors housed inside a real cave. And an opportunity to visit to the Estadio Quisqueya, to watch a game of the Dominican Republic's adored national sport, baseball, shouldn't be passed up on by any visitor to the city between the months of October and February.

The Amber Coast, named for its rich deposits of lustrous semi-precious amber found throughout the region, runs along the northern Atlantic coast from Cofresi to Nagua and boasts an assortment of seaside towns and resorts. Forests, mountains and miles of golden beach provide a playground for adventure sports seekers with activities such as mountain biking and horse riding available, as well as a host of watersports like diving, windsurfing and kitesurfing.

The port city of Puerta Plata is the region's capital and the main tourism enclave. On the outskirts of Puerto Plata is the major Playa Dorada complex of low-rise hotels in a country club setting of gardens and beautiful beaches, centred on the 18-hole Robert Trent Jones designed golf course. Seaside towns and communities that are also popular with visitors include Sosua and Cabarete to the east of Puerto Plata, and Cofresi to the west.

The East Coast boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in the Dominican Republic and is the ideal destination for a beach vacation. Miles of powdery white beaches lined with palm trees and aquamarine waters beckon those intent on kicking back and doing not much more than relaxing in the sun. Large, all-inclusive resorts ensure that all holiday details are taken care of.

There are no towns of interest in the area, but resorts act like mini self-contained cities offering different dining and nightlife options, a variety of watersports, and good facilities for deep-sea fishing and golf. However, those looking for a more cultural and varied vacation will come away disappointed.

Once known as a sleepy sugar-cane town, most previous visitors to the Dominican Republic didn't bother venturing to the southeast city of La Romana. At least not until a luxurious tropical paradise resort was opened just over a mile (2km) from the town, making this region synonymous with exquisite turquoise waters, white sandy beaches and some of the finest golf courses and holiday resorts the country has to offer.

These days La Romana is one of the most visited regions of the country and many of the world's rich and famous make this relatively secluded tourist destination their summer playground. Couple that with plenty of markets selling exotic foods, trinkets, clothing and souvenirs and you've got the perfect recipe for a holiday paradise!

With crystal clear waters lapping these Caribbean shores, there is no shortage of water activities for visitors to enjoy such as deep-sea fishing, scuba diving and snorkelling. Visit one of the cigar factories, explore the colourfully housed neighbourhoods or sit under the tropical fronds and people-watch in the beautiful city park. Keen golfers will think they've died and gone to heaven with four championship-ranked 18-hole golf courses to choose from and hopeless romantics will be able to ride horses along the beach as the sun dips below the horizon.