There is so much to love about a holiday in the beautiful Dominican Republic

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What would tempt you to book a Dominican Republic holiday?

• The hot Caribbean sunshine
• The warm and hospitable people
• The fantastic rhythm of merengue
• The whale watching
• Fantastic golf courses
• Exciting watersports
• Oh, and maybe their coffee, chocolate and rum!

Or maybe all of the above!

I fell in love with the Dominican Republic from my very first visit. Like many visitors to the Dom Rep, I initially did the `all inclusive thing`. In fact I stayed at a total of 12 all inclusives so I am fairly well qualified to give an opinion ! If I had left it at that, I would still have loved the country.

Luck however does play a part in life and luckily for me, my oldest friend happened to become the British Ambassador to the Dominican Republic. With a significant amount of local knowledge [!!!] I have been able to explore the fantastic country that is the Dominican Republic.

From playing some fabulous golf courses, to whale watching, to seeing in the New Year in Cabarete, to even playing a gig in a Dominican women`s prison in front of the Dominican President`s wife. This is my independent view of what the Dom Rep can offer, I commend the Dominican Republic to you.

Whale watching in Samana

Many people who are unfamiliar with the Dominican Republic will be unaware that it is one of the best places in the world to go whale watching.

Samana Bay is located on the East coast of the island. Every year between January and March, an estimated 5,000 humpback whales arrive to breed and rear their newborn calves in a massive but shallow lagoon, ideal for breeding and whale watching.

These fantastic creatures are now well habituated to the whale watching boats. They seem to carry on their often hilarious antics and courtship routines oblivious to the floating human traffic above. They are even known for known for kindly jumping out of the water to give and giving a photo opportunity!

Check out more about Samana

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The warm hospitality of the Dominican people

The Dominican people are renowned for their warm hospitality and friendly smile. An eclectic bunch, their forefathers were a mixture of Taino indians, Spanish settlers and Africans. The net result is a people with in-built sense of fun and rhythm. The national music is `merengue` and everyone appears to be able to dance!

The Dominican Republic has a significant cultural heritage. Few people realise that it was the on island of Hispaniola - and the country which is now known as the Dominican Republic – that Christopher Columbus first landed to discover the New World in 1492. So Santo Domingo was the first city in the New World. The country is truly a melting pot of people from all over the world who are now proud to call it home, people who have a unique and friendly out-going nature.

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Great places for all-inclusives

Punta Cana and Bavaro

An Extremely popular part of the Dominican Republic is the Punta Cana and Bavaro coast line. Quite simply, this area delivers the classic Caribbean experience, and at a high level: white sands, blue skies, palm trees and warm, clear turquoise sea.

As well as providing a fine range of hotels, this area boasts many activities including scuba diving, sports fishing, watersports and great golf.

This area was my first destination when I first visited the Dom Rep.

Check out Punta Cana

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Puerto Plata

On the North Coast of Dominican Republic you find Puerto Plata. Over 100,000 people live in this area with many of them working in sugarcane and agriculture. Many others work in the tourism business.

A few minutes travel to the east of Puerto Plata you find Playa Dorada. This large facility comprises 15 hotels which surround the Playa Dorada Golf Course.