Travellin’ News

Anthony Verombeck

snapshots of THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

The views take your breath away

n day one, the media group I was invited to be a part of left on an early Sunday morning by an Air Canada flight heading to a new journey of fun in the sun.

  Upon arrival at the Puerto Plata International Airport, we received a warm welcome from our tour guides. We were able stay at different hotels, eat at several restaurants, participate in leisure sporting, see attractions such as museums and castles, and take in the wonderful countryside that simply takes your breath away.

ATTRACTIONS
We visited the Brugal Rum Factory in Puerto Plata, a must for you rum lovers where you can enjoy a tour (Monday to Friday) of the distiller’s bottling operation and pick up your choices at factory prices. The factory produces more than one and a half million litres of white and dark rum each year. Admission is free.

Sight-seeing attractions on the island include the first colonial fortress for you history types, pictured above. Our day tour of the city started with a visit to Santa Maria la Menor Cathedral (Catedral Basilica Menor de Santa Maria), pictured left, the first cathedral built in the Americas. It was the site of Christopher Columbus's bones until they were discovered in 1877.

At the Los Maestros cigar factory, you can see cigars being made in front of you and you can view the storage of fine cigars of the world. I enjoyed smoking one of the best cigars I've ever had. Oh, what a day!

We went up to the Isabel de Torres Hill by cable-car and enjoyed the view of Puerto Plata City and the coasts. The cable-car was built in 1974 and can accommodate 20 people. At the top there is a statue of Christ of Freedom also called the Christ the Redeemer whose wide open arms seem to bless the Puerto Plata peoples.

Take a catamaran tour and take a dive where you will meet some new friends and swim with some fish. You’ll be able to view the beauty of the ocean floor. Even if you are a first timer at diving, instructors will be glad to help you. Ask for Jason. It could be the experience of your life. Visit www.caribbeanoceanadventures.com.

Puerto Plata

Breezes Puerto Plata Resort Spa & Casino
This is a 4-star resort that had just emerged from extensive renovations and now includes a new conference center, spa, casino and a new pool area.

What a warm air Breezes has to offer. The hotel staff greeted us with a fruit drink. Before going to our suites we had a chance to look over the grounds and take in what the inclusive resort has to offer. The view of the grounds and tennis court made me want to hit a few balls. The hotel has 466 guest rooms and suites surrounded by a tropical garden area of 62 acres. All the rooms are equipped with air conditioning, telephone, private bath and shower, iron and ironing board, hair dryer, tea and coffee maker, stocked mini-fridge, cable TV with international and national television with the hotel’s internal channel, as well as a CD player and balcony or terrace. There are food courts all around the grounds, pictured, and the hotel offers five restaurants, including four specialty restaurants where you can learn cooking tips to bring home. You’ll also be able to enjoy free water sports and a gym and health spa. For room price range visit www.superclubs.com. 

Sun Village Resort & Spa
Wow, what a place to stay on that special week or two! The hotel grounds and view is breathtaking. The service welcomes you all day long. The resort has some of the best seafood I had on my trip. The night life and fine dinning again is 5-star. It’s a very romantic resort. For room price range visit www.sunvillageresortandspa. 

Iberostar Costa Dorda Hotel
Our next hotel stay was at the Iberostar Costa Dorda Hotel, a 4-star, whose staff also greeted us with a warm welcome, and the food is all you could dream of. The suites and grounds are clean and there are several activities to choose from. If you do have children in the party there’s a mini club. For room price range visit www.iberostar.com.

SEMANA

Hotel Casa Marina Bay
With a warm welcome, the 3.5-star hotel is set in a natural setting with palm trees and sand and the warm Caribbean air blowing. The dinning and service is great. We took a ride in a little boat to Playa Rinco, a private island. The ocean water is so warm you never want to get out of it. We watched the fisherman fish the old way with nets. The staff at the hotel are always giving you warm greetings all day so that you pick up words in Spanish by the end of your stay. The night life is exciting with beach parties, bars and people dancing the night away. Visit www.amhsamarina.com.

SANTO DOMINGO

Hotel Sol Melia Santo Domingo
Checking in was fast and included a big welcome and warm smiles. The 4-star hotel is set up for corporate business and pleasure with a gym and all the amenities you would need. For room price range visit www.solmelia.com.

Occidental El Embajador Hotel
The 5-star hotel has beautiful rooms, three restaurants, two bars and a pool. For price range: superior, executive, and Royal Club Luxury rooms visit www.occidental-hotels.com.

For more information visit: Air Canada Vacations www.vacancesaircanada.com.

www.WeddingsHoneymoons.com | April 8, 2007