Top five desert island escapes in the Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean world-renown to sun-and-sand vacationers, from Bavaro Beach to the golden sands in Cabarete. As one of its biggest draws, travellers can go beyond the crowds and discover the white-sand gems that give all the desert island feels, while still remaining in close proximity to one of many all inclusive resorts dotting the coastline. Read on for five paradises in the Dominican Republic that are at the top of our vacation bucket list for a desert island getaway.
Cayo Arena, a castaway’s dream
With 360-degree views of the deep blue, Cayo Arena or Cayo Paraíso is a true desert island paradise in the middle of the Caribbean Sea, and only a day trip from Puerto Plata. A tiny sandbank even Gilligan would appreciate, this spot is a must-see and the perfect backdrop for vacation selfies. Beyond the small stretch of sand also lies exceptional diving for beginners. Corals and sponges surround the cay with some of the most abundant marine life in the Dominican Republic swimming at your feet, like octopus, crab, schools of surgeonfish, sergeant majors, damselfish, angelfish and yellowtail snappers.
Where to stay: With majestic mountains on one side and the Caribbean Sea on the other, Iberostar Costa Dorada is the perfect home base for your family’s adventures in Puerto Plata. Continue your underwater explorations with kayaking, Catamaran rides and scuba diving classes at the resort, or fun activities like archery and beach volleyball.
Cayo Levantado, made for the small screen
The small Cayo Levantado islet is one of the best known gems in the country, located in Samaná near Punta Cana. With translucent waters, an intimate stretch of beach and native Caribbean vegetation, Cayo Levantado’s landscape is so beautiful it’s as if it was made by the gods themselves – to which advertisers would agree as Cayo Levantado has lent its beauty to many famed campaigns, like the commercial spots for Bacardi rum. A hot tip for winter vacationers: visit the island between January and March and you might spot a pod of humpback whales in the bay!
Where to stay: Beach hop from Cayo Levantado to one of the finest in Bavaro at Punta Cana Princess All Suites Resort Spa, a top-rated adults only result offering private Bali beds with butler service and a mini-spa on the sands, and deluxe inclusions for honeymooning couples.
Saona Island, where the starfish play
While a popular destination for travellers in the Dominican Republic, Saona Island, nestled in the protected Del Este National Park and one of the most important ecological reserves in the country, can feel like a world of its own. Even with 110 square kilometres of tropical island off the coast of Bayahibe, desert islanders can still find a stretch of palm-fringed sand away from the crowds to retreat. You can also see a galaxy of starfish in the shallow natural pools as you wade past to the sandbars offshore, then chill out at an exclusive beach club!
Where to stay: Spend the day on Saona Island before heading back to Grand Bavaro Princess, a recently renovated, five-star resort with an incredible line-up of á la carte restaurants, evening entertainment and spacious bungalow-style suites, plus plenty of action for mini-vacationers at the pirate-themed splash pad and kids club.
Catalina Island, an underwater adventure
Made of coral stone with beautiful white-sand shores and lush vegetation native bird species call home, Catalina Island is a picturesque island nearby La Romana and Santo Domingo. On land, there’s much relaxation to be had but it’s the island’s underwater paradise that takes main stage. Divers and snorkellers can come up close and personal with lobsters, large rays, lionfish, frog fish and seahorses at two dive sites – The Aquarium and The Wall – with varied depths suited to different experience levels, plus the 17th century shipwreck of Cara Merchant found with Captain’s Kidd’s Cannon, considered the only pirate cannon in the Caribbean.
Where to stay: Following an afternoon snorkelling the seas, head back for a laidback getaway at Emotions By Hodelpa Juan Dolio and enjoy the resort’s luxurious pools, pampering treatments at the on-site spa and your own swim-out suite.
Playa Juanillo, tranquility in the heart of it all
Playa Juanillo is no doubt a tourist hot spot in the luxurious Cap Cana, a private retreat inside the borders of Punta Cana. However, with easy access to a variety of activities and quality restaurants and bars serving right to your lounger, there are also multiple areas and peaks on this powdery white-sand beach that offer you a tranquil paradise to relax and recharge. Take a break from sunbathing and enjoy a dip in the contrasting shallow waters, idyllic for a refreshing swim or simply wading in the waves.
Where to stay: Stay in the centre of it all at Secrets Cap Cana Resort and Spa By AMR Collection located mere steps away from Playa Juanillo. When you upgrade your stay to Preferred Club room categories, you can enjoy your own private paradise on property with preferred restaurant access, a private pool and your own desert-island beach area.
Some of the best vacations are ones born out of spontaneity. Visit Sunwing.ca for great deals on last-minute getaways to Caribbean hot spots, like Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic with weekly direct flights from Toronto, Montréal, Québec City, Halifax, Ottawa, Moncton and Winnipeg.
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