THE DR
Sun, sand, sunset catamaran rides and merengue - the Dominican Republic (DR) beats to the rhythm of a beach lover's heart. In this Caribbean island with a European flavour, visitors typically follow their heart to Punta Cana, famous for powdery white beaches, warm waters and luxury all-inclusive resorts.
From spa treatments to water sports and lounging, DR's beaches are among the most affordable and desirable ways to spend a week, or more, living the beach bumming life. If you want to avoid the crowds, Puerto Plata up the northern coast is home to more luxury five-star resorts with pristine beaches such as Playa Grande and more diversions, including the 27 waterfalls of Damajagua, mountain biking and more in Cabarete and other small towns popular with independent travellers.
Those who want more of a chill pill than an adrenaline rush will feel at home at Cofresà or Costambar, Lonely Planet recommends, just a few kilometres from Puerto Plata, where they can stay in condos, have the beach almost to themselves and even swim with dolphins on Cofresà beach.
Dancing under the stars to the lively beats of merengue is one more reason to fall in love with DR.
Sun, sand, sunset catamaran rides and merengue - the Dominican Republic (DR) beats to the rhythm of a beach lover's heart. In this Caribbean island with a European flavour, visitors typically follow their heart to Punta Cana, famous for powdery white beaches, warm waters and luxury all-inclusive resorts.
From spa treatments to water sports and lounging, DR's beaches are among the most affordable and desirable ways to spend a week, or more, living the beach bumming life. If you want to avoid the crowds, Puerto Plata up the northern coast is home to more luxury five-star resorts with pristine beaches such as Playa Grande and more diversions, including the 27 waterfalls of Damajagua, mountain biking and more in Cabarete and other small towns popular with independent travellers.
Those who want more of a chill pill than an adrenaline rush will feel at home at Cofresà or Costambar, Lonely Planet recommends, just a few kilometres from Puerto Plata, where they can stay in condos, have the beach almost to themselves and even swim with dolphins on Cofresà beach.
Dancing under the stars to the lively beats of merengue is one more reason to fall in love with DR.
JAMAICA MON!
At Jamaica's beaches, life is irie (patois for "great") and sweet with a spicy kick.
Montego Bay, or "MoBay," considers itself the "second city," like a second child, to the capital of Kingston, but one that stands out with its own lively personality that makes it the tourism capital of the country. Dubbed the "Gulf of Good Weather" by Columbus in 1494,
MoBay attracts spring breakers who want to party and vacationers who want to get away to its golf and seaside retreats.
Negril on the west is home to the Seven Mile Beach with soft white sands, and calm, clear waters. Discovered by hippies and flower children in the '70s, Negril is the kind of place where you can be carefree, playing in the water as pop music and reggae blast from the shores.
You can also take a catamaran ride to snorkel and jump off the cliffs from Rick's Cafe, famous for its sunset views. If you are not quite as adventurous, horseback riding along the sea and sunset swims are just a few more memories to take home.
And don't forget to try this Caribbean country's legendary jerk chicken, Blue Mountain coffee and coconut rum cream
