Franklin Dean
The Dominican Republic is a popular honeymoon destination due to its stunning beaches, tropical climate, and plethora of activities and attractions. With over 200 miles of coastline, it offers a diverse range of experiences, from luxurious resorts to unique adventures. Punta Cana and Bavaro beaches are renowned for their soft, white sand and turquoise waters, while the Samana Peninsula's Playa Rincon provides a sense of seclusion. Santo Domingo, the vibrant capital, boasts historical sites such as the first cathedral and customs house in the Americas, and the Colonial Zone, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Adventure seekers can explore national parks, waterfalls like Damajagua Falls, and water sports, while golf enthusiasts have their pick of top-rated courses. All-inclusive resorts, such as the five-star Eden Rock Cap Cana and Tortuga Bay Resort, offer private beaches, spas, and fine dining, ensuring an unforgettable tropical honeymoon experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Resorts | Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa, Casa de Campo Resort & Villas, Sanctuary Cap Cana, Royalton Punta Cana, Catalonia Royal Bavaro, Eden Rock Cap Cana, Tortuga Bay Resort |
| Resort Facilities | Private beach, golf course, spa, swim-up bar, private butler service, restaurants, hot tub, outdoor pool, beachfront rooms, casino |
| Activities | Horseback riding, whale watching, diving, snorkelling, kayaking, hiking, mountain biking, water sports, shopping, cigar-smoking |
| Tourist Attractions | Damajagua Falls, Saona and Catalina islands, Altos de Chavon, Hard Rock Golf Club, Punta Espada Golf Course, Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo, Amber Museum, Columbus Lighthouse, Dominican Family Museum, San Felipe Fortress |
| Best Time to Visit | Low season is April to June and August to December |
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What You'll Learn
Punta Cana beaches and golf courses
Punta Cana is a popular destination for honeymoons in the Dominican Republic, and it's easy to see why. With its pristine beaches, lush landscapes, and world-class golf courses, it offers a perfect blend of romance, adventure, and relaxation.
Beaches
Punta Cana is renowned for its stunning beaches, boasting pristine white sand and calm, turquoise waters. Playa Blanca, located just a short drive from the Punta Cana International Airport, is a prime example of the area's breathtaking beach scenery. The nearby Playa Serena gets its name from the natural barrier reef that protects it, ensuring tranquil waters ideal for swimming and snorkelling.
Golf Courses
Punta Cana is a golfer's paradise, offering a range of championship-level courses set amidst breathtaking Caribbean landscapes. The Punta Espada Golf Course, designed by Jack Nicklaus, is considered one of the most picturesque courses in the world. Eight of its 18 holes are played right next to, or even over, the Caribbean Sea, providing a truly unique and challenging experience.
La Cana Golf Club, the first full 18-hole course in Punta Cana, is another excellent option. While it plays a little more inland, it still offers holes with stunning sea views. Corales Golf Club, located in the Puntacana Resort & Club, is another highly regarded course.
For those seeking a more comprehensive golf experience, the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana offers a golf resort designed by Jack Nicklaus. The course features a practice area with a driving range and putting green, and it's conveniently located just a golf cart ride away from the hotel and casino.
With its combination of stunning beaches and world-class golf courses, Punta Cana offers honeymooners a unique blend of tropical paradise and sporting excitement.
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Santo Domingo's historic sites
The Dominican Republic is a great destination for a honeymoon, with its beautiful beaches, luxurious resorts, golf courses, and natural wonders. Santo Domingo, the country's vibrant capital, is a particularly good place to visit for those interested in history. Here are some of the city's historic highlights:
Columbus Park (Parque Colón)
Columbus Park is the main square of the Ciudad Colonial historic district (Zona Colonial) in Santo Domingo. The square features a statue of Christopher Columbus, who arrived on the island in 1492, at its centre. It is surrounded by historic buildings, restaurants, and cafes, and is a popular gathering spot for locals and tourists alike. Calle Las Damas, the oldest paved street in the New World, ends at the square.
The First Cathedral, Hospital, Customs House, and University in the Americas
After Christopher Columbus's arrival, Santo Domingo became the site of several firsts in the Americas, including the first cathedral, hospital, customs house, and university.
Saint Joseph Fort
The Saint Joseph Fort is a small but historic fort located on Paseo Presidente Billini. It is one of the many forts and bastions that surround the Colonial City of Santo Domingo.
Puerta del Conde
The Puerta del Conde is a historic landmark and the gateway to Independence Park. It is the western gate of the fortified city, oriented inland, and was built at the beginning of the first commercial street, Calle el Conde.
Chinatown
Santo Domingo's Chinatown is known for its interesting restaurants and architecture.
Our Lady of Las Mercedes Church
Our Lady of Las Mercedes Church is a landmark in the city's colonial zone and is a must-see when visiting Santo Domingo.
In addition to these sites, Santo Domingo also offers ancient ruins, castles, civic centres, government buildings, historic walking areas, monuments, and statues. The Colonial City of Santo Domingo is recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Centre, preserving its original plan, scale, and buildings from the 15th century.
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All-inclusive resorts
The Dominican Republic is a great choice for a honeymoon, with its white-sand beaches, luxurious yet affordable resorts, and impressive natural attractions.
If you're looking for an all-inclusive resort, the Sanctuary Cap Cana is a luxury, adult-only option with a gym, private balconies, and a traveller rating of 4.5/5. The Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa is another highly-rated option, with a swim-up bar, gym, private balconies, and a perfect 5/5 rating. For families, the Casa de Campo Resort & Villas is a good choice, with a swim-up bar, gym, private balconies, and a rating of 4.5/5.
For a truly luxurious experience, the Eden Rock Cap Cana offers a private beach, the Punta Espada Golf Course, a spa with couple's massages, and a swim-up bar. The Tortuga Bay Resort, designed by Oscar de la Renta, is another high-end option, with waterfront views, six restaurants, a bar, a hot tub, an outdoor pool, and a spa.
The Dominican Republic has plenty of other all-inclusive resorts to choose from, and a travel advisor can help you find the perfect one for your honeymoon. It is recommended to book with a travel advisor to ensure you choose a trusted and high-quality resort.
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Whale watching and horseback riding
The Dominican Republic is a paradise for honeymooners, with its stunning beaches, luxurious resorts, and diverse activities. If you're looking for a combination of relaxation, adventure, and romance, look no further than whale watching and horseback riding in this tropical paradise.
Horseback Riding
For an unforgettable horseback riding experience, look no further than the Caribbean Adventure offered by Unicorn Trails. This riding holiday will take you through breathtaking scenery and offer a chance to bond with these majestic creatures.
On day 2 of the itinerary, you'll drive to a horse ranch located in the beautiful countryside, surrounded by mango and coconut trees. You'll be introduced to your horse and guide, who will lead you through the Yonu Mountains. Enjoy a refreshing lunch break next to a waterfall, followed by a relaxing swim in the river. Return to your hotel in the evening for a well-deserved rest.
Day 6 offers the unique experience of beach riding. Gallop along pristine beaches for approximately 5 hours, with breaks to swim in the ocean and soak in the stunning scenery. Day 7 takes you back into the mountains, with breathtaking views on the way back to Bavaro for your final night.
Whale Watching
The Dominican Republic is also a premier destination for whale watching, especially in Punta Cana and the Samaná region. Every year, from mid-December through April, thousands of humpback whales migrate to the warm waters off the coast of the Samaná Peninsula. This breeding season is the best time to witness these majestic creatures in all their glory.
Samaná Bay, a whale-watching hub, offers day tours and live-aboard tours to the offshore marine mammal sanctuaries of Silver Banks and Navidad Banks. These sanctuaries are the main breeding grounds for humpbacks and provide a unique opportunity to observe not just adult whales but also newborn calves under their mothers' watchful gaze.
The whale-watching industry in the Dominican Republic is known for its good practices, with whales treated with the utmost respect. The humpback whale sanctuaries have strict regulations, ensuring that the whales feel safe and comfortable. This respect for the whales ensures that you can observe them in their natural habitat without causing any harm.
So, whether you're galloping along the beach on horseback or witnessing the acrobatics of humpback whales, the Dominican Republic offers a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon experience that blends adventure and romance in a tropical paradise.
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Damajagua Falls
The Dominican Republic is a paradise for honeymooners, with its stunning beaches, diverse activities, and luxurious resorts. One of the most popular attractions for adventurous couples is the Damajagua Waterfalls, also known as the 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua or "27 Charcos" to locals. This natural wonder, located in the province of Puerto Plata, consists of a series of cascading waterfalls and natural pools that offer a unique and thrilling experience.
The adventure begins with a challenging jungle hike, leading to the first of the 27 waterfalls. Here, you can take on exhilarating 18-foot jumps, zip down natural slides, go canyoneering, and even swim through caves. The jumps vary in height, from smaller 1-meter drops to impressive 8-meter leaps. It is mandatory to visit with a guide and wear a life vest and helmet for safety. Most guided tours cover 12 of the waterfalls, as completing all 27 in one day can be quite physically demanding and time-consuming.
The cost of visiting the Damajagua Waterfalls depends on the tour operator and package chosen, typically ranging from $17 to $50 per person. This usually includes transportation, a guide, safety equipment, and park entry. Some tour operators also offer combo packages that include buggy rides, cocoa plantation visits, and panoramic views of the area. The visitor centre offers traditional Dominican cuisine and stunning mountain views.
The Damajagua Waterfalls provide an unforgettable experience, combining natural beauty, thrilling activities, and a glimpse into the ecological wonders of the Dominican Republic. It is the perfect day trip for adventurous couples seeking a unique and memorable honeymoon experience. Be sure to bring your sense of adventure and be prepared for an exhilarating journey through the cascading falls and pools of Damajagua.
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Frequently asked questions
Some of the best honeymoon resorts in the Dominican Republic are:
- Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa
- Casa de Campo Resort & Villas
- Sanctuary Cap Cana, a Luxury Collection Adult All-Inclusive Resort
- Royalton Punta Cana, An Autograph Collection All-Inclusive Resort & Casino
- Catalonia Royal Bavaro, an adults-only all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana
The Dominican Republic is a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts, with activities like rafting, hiking, mountain biking, snorkelling, and kayaking. It's also known for its golf courses, including the Punta Espada Golf Course, which boasts eight holes along the sea for a truly Caribbean experience. If you're looking for a unique adventure, consider a day trip to Puerto Plata to experience Damajagua Falls, also known as the 27 waterfalls, or a horseback riding excursion through the interior trails or coastal areas.
The Dominican Republic is known for its spectacular beaches, with soft, white sand and turquoise waters. Some of the most popular beaches for honeymooners include:
- Punta Cana/Bavaro Beaches
- Playa Rincon on the Samana Peninsula
- Bayahibe
- Cabarete
