Luxury Dominican Republic Itinerary

The Dominican Republic: Paradise Found

A lush green island of rain forests, rivers and waterfalls, rolling mountain ranges, deserts and dramatic cliffs, beautiful coves and secret bays, rolling sand dunes and white beachesis this paradise? Well, this is our Dominican Republic itinerary. 

Start with a bike tour of wonderful Santo Domingo’s vibrant cafés, museums, shops and bars. During the day you might think the nation’s capital was a little ‘sleepy’, but as temperatures drop merengue bars begin to fill with locals, and restaurants open their doors – although they’re nowhere near busy before 10pm – this is Latin America! 

Arriving at Las Terrenas, the next few days and nights offer a host of experiences – boat trips to secluded beaches and hidden caves, spotting dolphins and whales, riding ATVs, hiking to waterfalls, and cocktails in a garden bar before a private 5-course Dominican culinary experience. 

The remainder of the trip is spent at Punta Cana where, if you’re still wondering whether you’ve found paradise, the answer suddenly becomes crystal clear – as clear the skies you’ll lie beneath and the waters you’ll float in for the next few blissful days. 

Enjoy the private beach, a spa treatment or, for the more energised, a round of golf, an aerial yoga studio, and many other activities offered by your stunning resort. On your last evening, we suggest dining at the hotel, preferably at Blue or La Palapa for one final glorious beachside dinner. 

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KEY FACTS
PEAK TIME

December-April

PRICE

From GBP £5,490 USD $6,530 pp excl. flights

IDEAL LENGTH

10 days

FLIGHT TIME

12 hours 50 mins from London
3 hours 45 mins From NYC

CURRENCY

Dominican Peso

LANGUAGE

Spanish

Where you'll go

Santo Domingo

Las Terrenas

Punta Cana

When to go

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Best time to visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit

LOCAL LOWDOWN

Baseball is a significant part of the Dominican culture, and the country has produced many renowned Major League Baseball players. Dominicans are passionate about the sport, and you’ll find baseball games being played and watched throughout the country.

The itinerary

Guided bike tour of Santo Domingo

A guided bike tour is the easiest and most fun way to get to know the oldest Colonial City in America and its history, art and culture. Visit the main points of interest as your guide gives reviews and recommendations on things to do. The route is personalised according to your interests, whether it’s churches, architecture and history, or art galleries, bars, and restaurants, and can be customised to visit areas of interest.

Jewellery Masterclass with Joarla Caridad

Visit the Amber Museum accompanied by Joarla Caridad, a second-generation local artist working with precious stones, particularly Amber and Larimar to produce jewellery inspired by the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Caribbean. Joarla is recognised internationally and has been featured in numerous fashion shows and publications, and after exploring the museum, you’ll visit her store to be taken through her creative processes and shown some of her stunning pieces.

Virgin Beaches Experience

Pick up your snorkelling gear and boat from Playa Playaitá beach before heading out to explore the stunning Samaná coastline. Watch for dolphins along the way and, depending on the season, humpback whales too. The steep cliffs and caves here make these beautiful beaches accessible only by water, and you can explore two or three with plenty of time to relax and swim at each.

ATV Coffee Tour

Ride an ATV (‘All-Terrain Vehicle’) to discover the beauty of the Peninsula of Samana and the region around Las Terrenas. Experienced or not, you’ll soon enjoy the ride as you navigate the countryside between sea and mountains, away from asphalt roads. A beginner-level dirt track takes you across impressive landscapes of authentic Dominican life, before meeting a family with the very kindness and smiles that characterise the warm-hearted locals.

Hiking El Castano and Ermitano Beach

Explore Playa El Valle before a boat journey to the picturesque Ermitaño beach for some R&R. Return to the beach for an authentic Dominican meal, then set out on a 30-minute hike along the dry stream to the awe-inspiring El Castaño waterfall. Take a refreshing dip and immerse yourself in the tranquil surroundings, enjoying some free time to soak in the natural beauty.

Dominican Culinary Journey

After a big day of exploring, head to the garden bar where you can sit and enjoy a welcome cocktail before moving to the Atelier for a presentation by Chef Luis Alfredo and a 5-course tasting menu on the terrace. Each ingredient in the Dominican dishes is fresh and straight from local sources, giving this meal a Farm to Table touch!

The itinerary

Accommodation

Where to stay

Nothing but the best. On this suggested Dominican Republic itinerary these are our handpicked, tried-and-tested choices.

Casa del XVI, Santa Domingo

This wonderful hotel consists of seven small houses in one of the oldest parts of the Colonial Zone. Most have their own pools, and all are wonderfully appointed with high ceilings and beautiful bathrooms.

Breakfast is served in your courtyard or dining room, and while there’s no restaurant in the hotel, some of the best dining options in the city are within 5-minutes’ walk. A butler is on-call 24/7, and a private chef can be booked.

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Sublime Samana, Las Terrenas

Set against the stunning backdrop of Samana Bay, this resort offers spacious suites and villas with modern amenities and breathtaking ocean views.

Guests can relax on the pristine beach, indulge in spa treatments or enjoy thrilling outdoor activities such as whale watching. The resort's commitment to sustainability and local culture adds to its charm, making Sublime Samana the ideal escape for anyone looking to unwind in a tropical paradise.

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Eden Roc at Cap Cana, Punta Cana

This tasteful Relais & Châteaux retreat effortlessly combine Spanish colonial architecture with seaside villas of the French and Italian Riviera.

All villas have their own pool, garden and golf cart and the hotel’s beach has gloriously white sand and lush palm trees. Three restaurants and bars serve delicious and varied dishes, and there’s a wonderful spa and a Jack Nicklaus championship golf course, all within the grounds.

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YOUR TRIP

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YOUR DETAILS

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Our tailor-made journeys include:

  • A dedicated Destination Expert who will curate your itinerary from scratch, tailoring it to your preferences + interests
  • Private + extraordinary under-the-radar experiences
  • Access to the very best guides + experts to bring the destination to life
  • Private international airport transfers in destination
  • The MyCazLoyd app to view your itinerary offline anywhere, anytime
  • 24/7 support whilst travelling
  • ATOL protection to give you total peace of mind

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Caroline Maber
Adam Fry
Karen Chapman