The Savvy Traveler » Dominican Republic

The Amber Coast – a holiday gem

Jennifer — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 22:44:49 +0000

By Cort Egan

(NC)-Puerto Plata is on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic – a favourite Canadian holiday destination for years. Also known as the Amber Coast, Puerto Plata is perhaps best known for its fabulous beaches, consistent sunshine, vibrant nightlife and the finest quality resorts in the entire Caribbean.

The aptly named Paradise Beach Resort and Casino is truly paradise. Nestled on a wide stretch of soft, golden brown sand, this all inclusive resort offers an endless array of activities and features including tennis, bicycles, snorkelling, kayaks, windsurfing, sailing and even horseback riding. The resort has its own action-packed disco, plus you’re close to all the discos, clubs and activities of the popular Playa Dorada complex.

You can’t beat the value of all inclusive Cameleon Caribbean Village. Located right in the heart of Playa Dorada, this Nolitours exclusive is surrounded by an 18-hole championship golf course, and you’re a pitching wedge away from the beach. Dressed in a charming Mediterranean decor, Cameleon offers up non-stop fun with an ocean of watersports, full activities and entertainment program and a Kids Club. Treat yourself to the special privileges available through Cameleon Le Club, you’ll be glad you did.

The Occidental Grand Puerto Plata is a fabulous four star all inclusive resort located directly on a beautiful stretch of Playa Dorada Beach and it’s priced to please. You’ll find four wonderful a la carte restaurants, six bars – including a swim-up bar – and endless watersports, activities and entertainment. Holiday fun for the whole family.

Nolitours offers winter departures to Puerto Plata year long; full details are available online at www.nolitours.com.

Credit: www.newscanada.com

Travel Q&A

Jennifer — Wed, 06 Dec 2006 21:30:33 +0000

My family has visited the Dominican Republic six times. We absolutely love Punta Cana, Puerto Plata and La Romana. We want to try somewhere new, but stay within the Dominican Republic (DR); is there somewhere new you can recommend?I’m so glad you asked. Samana is the hottest new destination in the DR. Somewhat off the beaten track, Samana is located on the lush, northern shore. You’ll find the same warm welcome that you’ve come to expect from the DR, with golden, sun-drenched beaches, a dramatic mountainous coastline and fabulous all inclusive resorts.

My husband and I and another couple have booked a holiday to the Mayan Riviera with Transat Holidays for a week this winter. Our friends are travelling to the airport from Cambridge the morning of the flight, and we’ll be driving in from Streetsville. Is there a way that we can arrange to sit together on the aircraft, without having to be at the airport 4 hours before departure?

Yes, there is a way to ensure that you get your seat preference, whether it’s window or aisle, near the wings or near the exits, or close to friends: just call 1-877-TRANSAT, 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. A small fee applies, except for Club Class passengers who enjoy this added benefit at no additional charge.

Answers were provided by Lyne Chayer, spokesperson for Transat Holidays.

Credit: www.newscanada.com

Santo Domingo is a must see

Jennifer — Wed, 06 Dec 2006 21:21:59 +0000

By Sam Ion

Santo Domingo, founded by Christopher Columbus’s brother Bartholomew is one of the great historic and cultural treasures of the world, and a “must see”…

Christopher Columbus, built his first settlement in the new world, in the Dominican Republic, and in Santo Domingo, you can visit the 20-room mansion where his son Diego and his descendents lived, on the oldest street in the Western Hemisphere. Its Zona Colonia, named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1990, has been restored to its original splendour. Walk the streets that all the famous pirates, explorers, and buccaneers, who were here in the 16th century, tramped on. Hernan Cortes, Ponce de Leon, Sir Francis Drake and the list goes on.

There are a whole lot of firsts in the city.

You can visit the oldest cathedral that Sir Francis Drake ransacked, the first university, the ruins of the first hospital, even the oldest military building in the Americas. When the kids get tired of seeing all this “old stuff”, take them to Acuario Nacional (National Aquarium), and when they tire of that, right across from the National Aquarium, is a water park, perfect to cool off after a day of sightseeing.

Baseball is THE sport here, and going to a game is not to be missed. Santo Domingo’s two professional teams play at the Estado Quisqueya.

This is a city of music; merengue, bachata, and salsa, you’ll hear it everywhere.

And yes of course there are all-inclusive resorts close by to pamper the whole family.

Down the Highway 3, about 50 kilometres are three Barcelï¿½ all-inclusive resorts. Barcelï¿½ is a chain that Canadians return to over and over again.

The 433 room, 31/2* Barcelï¿½ Talanquera Beach Resort is perfect for families, with lots of beach activities, five pools – two for kids, and a kids’ club for the 4-12 set. There’s a certified dive centre, lots of deep dive sites, a long chain of sea caves and sea channels to explore.

The 500 room, 41/2 * Barcelï¿½ Capella Beach Resort, beachfront on Villas Del Mar Beach is just five minutes from an 18-hole championship golf course. You can walk to shops and restaurants. It too has a kids’ club.

Across a laneway from the beach and the Barcelï¿½ Capella Beach Resort is the 31/2+* Barcelï¿½ Colonia Tropical. With just 40 rooms, it’s a cosy property loved by many people in the travel industry because it is small and intimate. You’ll have access to the facilities of the Barcelï¿½ Capella Beach Resort. There’s also a casino nearby.

Nolitours has packages flying there from both Toronto and Montreal.

Credit: www.newscanada.com