february-2012

CARIBBEAN BLUE CHAPEL AND CHICAS
A taste of the tropics
Endless white-sand beaches embrace the lush tropical forests, mountain rivers and
white-water rafting on the Eastern tip of the Dominican Republic.
WHAT TO SEE
Watery wonders
Swimming, snorkelling and
relaxing on pristine beaches
are top of the to-do list on
this Caribbean gem. For a bit
of culture, head to La
Romana and Altos de
Chavón, a modern remake of
a 16th-century Mediterranean
village cum artist colony.
Further afi eld, mountainous
Jarabacoa offers a Caribbean
rarity: mountain streams
and waterfalls.
WHERE TO EAT
Sugar and spice
In Bávaro’s Cortecito, Outside
In (Av. Alemania, Bávaro; +1
809 5520167) is as famous for
its food as its friendly
atmosphere, while Captain
Cook (Playa El Cortecito; +1 809
5520645) serves up beach-side
seafood from its huge open
grill. For breakfast or a sweet
treat, head to Bávaro’s
Spanish-style coffee shop Las
Leñas (Av. España, Gran Plaza
Friusa; +1 809 5526776).
WHERE TO BOOGIE
Caribbean groove
Bávaro is the place to boogie.
With Latin beats downstairs
and electro-house upstairs,
Mangu (Occidental Gran
Flamenco; +1 809 2218787) is a
mainstay on the island. Areito
(Caribe Club Princess; +1 809
6877788), combines Latin
dancing with regular live
shows and events. With cushy
chairs along the beach and
lounge music, Soles Chill Out
Bar (Los Corales Beach; +1 809
9104371) is a great place to
have a drink and wind down.
HOW TO GET THERE
KLM operates two direct
weekly fl ights to Punta Cana
International Airport from
Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.
Tourist information
puntacana.net
Book your fl ight on klm.com.
TOUCHDOWN PUNTA CANA
Photo: Captain-tucker
DON’T MISS
Outdoor shows
With the impressive Altos de
Chavón amphitheatre in La
Romana as its backdrop,
Kandela has a spicy mix of
music and dancing performed
under the star-fi lled
Caribbean sky.
kandela.com.do
SENSATIONAL STAGE
Holland Herald 75
Photo: Tammy Green