Weekend in the Dominican Republic one of three ways: on a budget, spending a bit more, or when the getaway calls for a splurge.
Trip tips: The Dominican peso is the currency of the Dominican Republic (1 DOP=0.02323 USD). Plan your trip at www.godominicanrepublic.com.
Getting there: Santo Domingo is located on the south central coast of the Dominican Republic. Las Terrenas on the Samana Peninsula is a challenging two- to three-hour drive from Santo Domingo. It's recommended to arrange in advance for car or shuttle service from the airport. Once at the resort, rent a car for island exploration. Do not drive at night. Caribe Tours, a private transportation company with comfortable modern buses, offers numerous routes for less than $10 for trips of up to 140 miles. The Punta Cana International Airport is the most convenient to reach east coast resorts. Another option is the La Romana Airport (south coast), located between Santo Domingo and Punta Cana. Round-trip rates on Delta to Santo Domingo (SDQ) from $746, nonstop. Delta and AirTran offer nonstop service to Punta Cana (PUJ), from $460 round-trip. American Airlines serves La Romana (LRM) via Miami with round-trip rates from $594.
BUDGET
Stay: Hotel Atarazana is a jewel in the heart of the colonial district (Zona Colonial is a 10-block pedestrian-only cobblestone walkway filled with shops, restaurants; www.colonialzone-dr.com) and within a short walk to the famous Plaza de Espana. Six contemporary guest rooms have private balconies. Double room rates of $100 include a breakfast buffet. Vicente Celestino Duarte #19, Santo Domingo. 809-688-3693, www.hotel-atarazana.com.
Eat: La Residence is housed in a circa 1502 mansion within the Colonial Zone. Dominican-inspired dishes include spit-roasted lamb, grilled tuna, prawns, salmon, lobster and red snapper. Prices from $8-$28. Calle Las Damas, Santo Domingo. 809-685-9955.
Experience: The Arts & Crafts Fair is held every Friday-Sunday (9 a.m.-9 p.m.) — the spot to shop for Dominican-made goods; intersection of Calle Padre Billini and Calle Arzobispo Merino. An evening of folklore dances is held every Friday and Saturday at the esplanade of the Plaza de Espana; free.
MODERATE
Stay: The tiny European-run Hotel Casa Coson has just four guest rooms in the main house — all with balconies and a view onto Samana's best beach. Rates from $140, including breakfast (AC is $20 extra, per night). More expensive suites and thatch-roof bungalows suit families and friend reunions ($190-$220). On site are two restaurants, bar and pool. Credit cards not accepted. Playa Coson. 809-853-8470, www.casacoson.com.
Eat: Restaurant Luis is located on a nearly deserted part of Coson Beach. This famous local seafood shack offers an assortment of freshly caught fish, shrimp and lobster prepared on a barbecue grill or ceviche style (no set daily menu). The catch is served at a few plastic tables under shady coconut trees. Start with fresh coconut water or a pina colada served fresh in a pineapple. An average lunch is about $15; no phone or website.
Experience: Scores of humpbacks make their seasonal migration through offshore waters to their breeding grounds through March. The whale watch vessel Pura Mia embarks on a three- to four-hour excursion to witness the spectacle; $59 (departs from the main Samana dock). http://whalesamana.com.
SPLURGE
Stay: The all-adult, all-suite, all-inclusive and luxurious Breathless Punta Cana offers chic accommodations with private balcony or terrace overlooking the sea, pools or gardens. Day and evening activities include snorkeling, kayaking, sailing, live nightly music and entertainment, casino action, full-service spa, tennis, basketball, or paddle courts, and more. Rates from $182 per person per night and include daily breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, drinks (access to the nine dining venues and eight bars and lounges are without limit). Playas Uvero Alto. 809-551-0000, www.breathlessresorts.com.
Experience: An all-day guided Outback Safari Adventure to Bavaro, Punta Cana and Cap Cana (Monday-Saturday) explores the exotic Dominican countryside. Learn about the island's people, history, customs and culture. Visit a local family at their home to share a cup of coffee and see the way that Dominicans have lived for more than 100 years. Stops include souvenir shopping for rum, cigars, coffee and vanilla. Learn how chocolate and coffee are made at a local cocoa farm. Visit a fruit plantation. See native wildlife and ride a boogie board. $89 adults, $44.50 children ages 3-12 (includes hotel pickup). www.outbackadventuresdr.com.
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