Dominican Republic's Sizzling Beaches Beckon Sun Seekers

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, Feb. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- As travelers emerge from the season's deep freeze and search for the hottest spot to flaunt their beach bodies this spring and summer, Dominican Republic is preparing to welcome the next wave of sun seekers to its 1,000 miles of sparkling coastline.

With 21 beaches in Dominican Republic accredited by Blue Flag for meeting international environmental and safety standards, travelers of every type – whether looking for a pampered retreat or an adrenaline-pumping challenge – can find somewhere perfect to soak up the sun.

La Romana's Luxe Retreats
World-famous and most recently frequented by jetsetters like Beyoncé, Jay-Z, Marc Anthony, Lupita Nyong'o and numerous international supermodels, La Romana's coast in the southeastern corner of the country provides a luxurious, private escape. Offering warm azure waters and peaceful golden sands, the area's luxury resorts and designer golf courses are a favorite hideout of celebrities and tourists looking to rejuvenate and unwind. The nearby town of Bayahibe offers a colorful slice of local life and allows access to the intimate beaches on Catalina and Saona Island, ideal for peaceful sunbathing, diving and spectacular sunsets.

Punta Cana's Famous White-hot Strip
Punta Cana's draw is undeniable – the renowned province's picture-perfect white sand beaches are a Caribbean dream. The area flaunts an array of first-class beachfront accommodations, both luxe and affordable, and includes more than a dozen designer golf courses dotting its powder-fine sands. With the endless opportunities for relaxation among the palm-strung hammocks and ocean-side massages, it comes as no surprise that Punta Cana remains the most visited destination in the Caribbean and Central America.

Samaná's Secret Coves
For the traveler looking for a quiet, secluded escape, the wild and verdant Samaná Peninsula in the northeast offers the perfect hideaway. Tucked away between lush jungle coves, beaches here are golden and hushed – those that know just where to look can even find remote, un-touched beaches accessible only by a friendly fisherman's boat. Travelers to this corner of the island come to Samaná to rejuvenate and connect with mamí nature: yoga escapes, organic spas and meditation areas are plentiful, as are adventures into the area's surrounding waterfalls, hills and protected natural areas.

Puerto Plata's Fit Playground
The more adventurous beach fans flock to the Puerto Plata province's energetic coastline, filled with active travelers and watersport lovers. The town of Cabarete is known as the Kiteboarding Capital of the World – many hours can be spent on the water challenging Atlantic waves or watching local and international athletes show off their surfing, kiteboarding and stand up paddleboarding skills. Away from shore, visitors looking for an adrenaline rush can take up a tour operator on a cliff jumping, canyoning, rappelling or white water rafting adventure in Puerto Plata's natural playground.

Santo Domingo's Local Hotspots
Tourists enjoying the historic and nightlife options of Dominican Republic's most cosmopolitan city can escape to the nearby beach town of Juan Dolio, frequented by locals. Residents of 600-year-old Santo Domingo take to these neighboring beaches to unwind – visitors are welcome to drink, dance and relax like a local to learn just why Dominican Republic is considered the happiest country in Latin America.

"Dominican Republic is proud to boast nine distinct ecological zones, each offering a different way for tourists to enjoy our sun and beaches," said Magaly Toribio, Marketing Advisor for the Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism. "Our beaches consistently rank highly on industry experts' 'must-visit' lists. We take great care to preserve and maintain our offerings for the enjoyment of all, while protecting the flora and fauna that call our coasts home."

Blue Flag beaches must adhere to water quality, environmental management, safety and service standards, as well as provide environmental education programs as established by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE). The full list of Blue Flag accredited beaches includes Arena Gorda Complejo Bahia Principe Bavaro, Arena Gorda Iberostar, El Cortecito Grand Palladium Bavaro Resort, Bávaro Paradisus Palma Real, El Cortecito Barceló Dominican Beach, Playa Macao Hard Rock Hotel Casino Punta Cana and Playa Bávaro Complejo Barceló Bávaro in La Altagracia; El Cortecito in Bávaro; Bayahibe Beach at Dreams La Romana Resort & Spa in La Romana; Cabeza de Toro Be Live Collection in Punta Cana, Cabeza de Toro Natura Park and Playa Arena Gorda Barceló Punta Cana in Higüey; Los Cayos Bahia Principe, La Honda Bahia Principe Cayo Levantado and El Portillo Bahia Principe in Samaná; Costa Dorada Be Live Marien, Costa Dorada Iberostar, Playa Dorada Blue Jack Tar and Playa Dorada III in Puerto Plata; La Laguna Dominicus in Bayahibe and Playa Montero Bahía Principe in San Pedro de Macorís. The country's Blue Flag program is managed by the Dominican Environmental Law Institute (IDARD). Visit www.BlueFlag.org for more information.

For more information on attractions in the Dominican Republic, visit www.GoDominicanRepublic.com.

About Dominican Republic
Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the north and the Caribbean Sea on the south, our lush tropical and paradisiacal country boasts nearly 1,000 miles (1,609 km) of coastline, 250 miles (402 km) of the world's top beaches, magnificent resorts and hotels, and a variety of sports, recreation and entertainment options. Here you can dance to the pulse pounding thrill of the merengue, renew in our luxurious and diverse accommodations, explore ancient relics of centuries past, delight in delicious Dominican gastronomy or enjoy ecotourism adventures in our magnificent national parks, mountain ranges, rivers and beaches.

Known for our warm and hospitable people, Dominican Republic is a destination like no other, featuring astounding nature, intriguing history and rich cultural experiences like music, art and festivals, plus uniquely Dominican specialties such as cigars, rum, chocolate, coffee, merengue, amber and larimar.

Dominican Republic features the best beaches, fascinating history and culture, and is a chosen escape for celebrities, couples and families alike.  Visit Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism's official website at: www.GoDominicanRepublic.com.

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CONTACT:
BVK Public Relations for DR Ministry of Tourism
Annie Holschuh, US PR Director
(414) 247-2140 / [email protected]

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160218/334970

SOURCE Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism

Related Links

http://www.GoDominicanRepublic.com