|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dominican Republic:
Where the visitors like to come back to
If you are planning to travel to the Dominican Republic sail the blue on Caribbean cruise or take the kids to Walt Disney World you have come to right place : We have prepared
for you a list of great discounts offers for your dream vacations. Check them out at your own leisure and you will be packing in no time.
counts,
Besides discounted tickets for Walt Disney World we have the best offers available for famous destinations in the Dominican Republic such as resorts in Puerto Plata : Puerto
Plata, Punta Cana, Casa de Campo, Cap-Cana, Cabarete, Dominicus Americanus, Bayahibe.
Pleas check our other webpages where you will find photos and interesting cultural and historical information about the Dominican Republic .
.
You will be travelling to an adventurous past by following Columbus ' footsteps in Santo Domingo .
Santo Domingo the first city in the New World.
And remember there is always a friendly smile waiting for you in the Dominican Republic t
o make you feel right at home.
|
|
|
Introduction to Punta Cana
On the easternmost tip of the island is Punta Cana, site of several major vacation developments with more scheduled to arrive in the near future. Known for its
spectacular beaches and clear waters, Punta Cana is an escapist's dream. Its 32km (20 miles) of white sands, set against a backdrop of swaying palm trees, are
unrivaled in the Caribbean, and that's the chief and perhaps only reason to come here.
Many Europeans (especially Spaniards) rushed to take advantage of Punta Cana's desirable climate -- within one of the most arid landscapes in the Caribbean, it
rarely rains during daylight hours. Capitalizing on cheap land and the virtually insatiable desire of Europeans for sunny holidays during the depths of winter, a
half-dozen European hotel chains participated in something akin to a land rush, acquiring large tracts of sugar-cane plantations and pastureland. Today, at least a
dozen megahotels, most with no fewer than 500 rooms, some with even more, attract a clientele that's about 70% European or Latin American. The hotel designs
here range from the not particularly inspired to low-rise megacomplexes designed by the most prominent Spanish architects.
Some of them, particularly the Meliá Caribe Tropical Resort and the Barcelo Bávaro complex , boast some of the most lavish beach and pool facilities in the
Caribbean, spectacular gardens, and relatively new concepts in architecture (focusing on postmodern interplays between indoor and outdoor spaces).
Don't expect a real town here. Although the mailing addresses for most hotels is the dusty and distinctly unmemorable Higüey, very few guests ever spend time there.
Most remain on the premises of their all-inclusive hotels.
If you choose to vacation in Punta Cana, you won't be alone, as increasing numbers of Latino celebrities are making inroads, usually renting private villas within
private compounds. Julio Iglesias has been a fixture here for a while. And one of the most widely publicized feuds in the Dominican Republic swirled a few years ago
around celebrity designer Oscar de la Renta, who abandoned his familiar haunts at Casa de Campo for palm-studded new digs at Punta Cana.
Above all, don't expect a particularly North American vacation. The Europeans were here first, and many of them still have a sense of possessiveness about their
secret hideaway. For the most part, the ambience is Europe in the Tropics, as seen through a Dominican filter. You'll find, for example, more formal dress codes,
greater interest in soccer matches than in the big football game, and red wine rather than scotch and soda at dinner. Hotels are aware of the cultural differences
between their North American and European guests, and sometimes strain to soften the differences that arise between them.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Dominican Republic in the West Indies occupies the eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola, which it shares with Haiti. Its area equals that of Vermont
and New Hampshire combined. Duarte Peak, at 10,417 ft (3,175 m), is the highest point in the West Indies.
Government
Representative democracy.
History
The Dominican Republic was explored by Columbus on his first voyage in 1492. He named it La Española, and his son, Diego, was its first viceroy. The capital,
Santo Domingo, founded in 1496, is the oldest European settlement in the Western Hemisphere.
Spain ceded the colony to France in 1795, and Haitian blacks under Toussaint L'Ouverture conquered it in 1801. In 1808 the people revolted and captured Santo
Domingo the next year, setting up the first republic. Spain regained title to the colony in 1814. In 1821 Spanish rule was overthrown, but in 1822 the colony was
reconquered by the Haitians. In 1844 the Haitians were thrown out, and the Dominican Republic was established, headed by Pedro Santana. Uprisings and Haitian
attacks led Santana to make the country a province of Spain from 1861 to 1865.
President Buenaventura Báez, faced with an economy in shambles, attempted to have the country annexed to the U.S. in 1870, but the U.S. Senate refused to
ratify a treaty of annexation. Disorder continued until the dictatorship of Ulíses Heureaux; in 1916, when chaos broke out again, the U.S. sent in a contingent of
marines, who remained until 1924.
A sergeant in the Dominican army trained by the marines, Rafaél Leonides Trujillo Molina, overthrew Horacio Vásquez in 1930 and established a dictatorship that
lasted until his assassination in 1961, 31 years later. In 1962, Juan Bosch of the leftist Dominican Revolutionary Party, became the first democratically elected
president in four decades.
In 1963, a military coup ousted Bosch and installed a civilian triumvirate. Leftists rebelled against the new regime in April 1965, and U.S. president Lyndon Johnson
sent in marines and troops. After a cease-fire in May, a compromise installed Hector Garcia-Godoy as provisional president. In 1966, right-wing candidate Joaquin
Balaguer won in free elections against Bosch, and U.S. and other foreign troops withdrew.
In 1978 the army suspended the counting of ballots when Balaguer trailed in a fourth-term bid. After a warning from President Jimmy Carter, however, Balaguer
accepted the victory of Antonio Guzmán of the Dominican Revolutionary Party. In 1982 elections, Salvador Jorge Blanco of the Dominican Revolutionary Party
defeated Balaguer and Bosch. Balaguer was again elected president in May 1986 and remained in office for the next ten years.
In 1996, U.S.-raised Leonel Fernández secured more than 51% of the vote through an alliance with Balaguer. The first item on the president's agenda was the
partial sale of some state-owned enterprises. Fernández was praised for ending decades of isolationism and improving ties with other Caribbean countries, but he
was criticized for not fighting corruption or alleviating the poverty that affects 60% of the population.
In Aug. 2000 the center-left Hipólito Mejía was elected president amid popular discontent over power outages in the recently privatized electric industry, but in May
2004 presidential elections he was defeated by former president Leonel Fernández (1996–2000). Fernández instituted austerity measures to rescue the country
from its economic crisis, and in the first half of 2006, the economy grew 11.7%.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to: navigation, search
Marina at Capcana
Founders Marina Condos
Capcana Beach ClubCap Cana, located in the Dominican Republic is the largest and most ambitious tourist destination development in the country. At 47 square
miles (122 km²), Cap Cana is twice the size of Manhattan. The project is located at the eastern-most part of the island Hispaniola just 5 minutes away from the
Punta Cana International Airport. The master plan includes one of the largest inland marinas in the World, 5 golf courses (3 of which are Jack Nicklaus signature),
several luxury hotels, beach clubs, villas, and private estates.
In November 2006, Jack Nicklaus inaugurated "Punta Espada", his first of 3 signature golf course at Cap Cana. In April 2007, Punta Espada debuted at No. 77 in
Golf Digest's ranking of the 100 Best Courses outside the U.S. Punta Espada is now part of the PGA Champions Tour and it is scheduled to be played from March
31-April 6, 2008.
In February 2007 Cap Cana reached a deal with Donald Trump to develop Trump At Cap Cana. The first product of the partnership, "Trump Farallón Estates at
Cap Cana" broke record sales of US$300 million in one day in May 2007. It includes 68 estates with at least 1.5 acres each within a gated community set atop the
highest bluff in the area, 200 feet the Caribbean Sea.
The first phase of the Marina was inaugurated on April 28th, 2007. The entire Marina is designed to be one of the most modern and complete marinas in the
caribbean, with a complete surface area of 16 million square feet featuring 1,000 slips catering to mega yachts.
During the finale of The Apprentice in May 2007, the winner Stefani Schaeffer chose to oversee the development "Trump At Cap Cana" as her job with Trump.
|
|
|
Art and Culture
Tour the History of Santo Domingo.
The Dominican Republic is a recognized tourist destination, with magnificent beaches and resorts, vast extensions of white sand and clear, sparkling waters. It
also has the claim as the oldest city in the New World, w`ith its quaint cobble streets and stonework houses.
This beautiful island is steeped in history and culture worthwhile exploring: abundant historical sites, museums, colonial architecture, the first hospital, first sugar
mill, first Catholic church this side of the world. Visitors will soon discover that the Dominican Republic offers much more than the typical Caribbean attractions of
sun, sand and sea.
Santo Domingo, the capital city, boasts the Alcázar de Colon (Columbus' Palace): the 22-room palace home of Don Diego Columbus and his family. Built in 1510
and restored in 1955, its structure combines a Gothic-Moorish style with Spanish and Italian Renaissance features.
The Alcazar Museum, adjacent to Columbus' Palace, houses religious and colonial art objects that date back to this era.
The Cathedral of Santa María was built in phases between 1510 and 1540, although the bell tower was never finished. Pope Paul III pronounced it the first
cathedral in the New World in 1542. The style comprises late Gothic and Renaissance elements.
La Torre del Homenaje (The Tower of Homage), the oldest military construction in the New World, built in 1503, served as a prison until the 20th century.
Las Las Ruinas del Monasterio de San Francisco (The San Francisco Monastery Ruins), built around 1556, and is the oldest monastery in the New World.
The four churches that follow are among the quaint group of churches dating back to this colonial period.
- Iglesia del Convento Dominico (A Church of the Dominican Order), shaped like a Latin cross, has unique, outstanding altars, dedicated to the "Miraculous
Virgin," and the "Most Holy One." The latter features four apostles sculptured in patina-coated stone.
- The gothic-style Chapel de La Altagracia and the Chapel of Nuestra Señora del Perpetuo Socorro, the latter with four Ionic columns, joined by an architrave,
dominated by a model of the morning star that announced Christ's birth.
- Santa Barbara is a restored colonial church and fort, featuring late Gothic elements harmoniously combined with Baroque detail.
- Iglesia de los Padres Jesuitas y Panteon Nacional (A Church run by the Jesuit Fathers and National Pantheon) was built in 1743 as a Jesuit church, but then
restored and converted into the National Pantheon in 1958. It has then become the resting grounds for leading national heroes. The central nave forms a cross
with the lateral chapels, and a bronze lamp, donated by the Spanish government, hangs in the intersection.
Casa de Cordon (The Cord House), the first Spanish-style home built in the Americas, d was erected by conquistador Francisco de Garay. Surrounding the
building was a beautiful gate trimmed with a cord resembling those used used by San Franciscan monks. Today it is a cultural center sponsored by Banco
Popular.
Santo Domingo boasts 10 museums, with exhibits ranging from semiprecious gems to prehistoric art from Spain and Portugal.
The Numismatic and Philatelic Museum is said to possess the most comprehensive and valuable collection of antique coins, bills and stamps in the Caribbean
dating back to 1865.
The Museum of the Dominican Man traces the origen of Dominican people back to the original Taino Indians and artifacts, including the Spanish conquistadores
and African slaves.
The Columbus' Lighthouse, a towering structure in the form of a cross, constructed to conmemorate the 500th anniversary of the discovery of America in 1492. It
houses the explorer's remains, museums and exhibits donated by several countries. The edifice's 151 light beams can be seen 40 miles away.
Other museums include the National Museum of Natural History, Museum of the Dominican Family, National Museum of History and Geography, Museum of
Modern Art and Museum of the Royal Dockyards.
Theater enthusiasts can visit the National Theater, which holds up to 1,700 people and features theatrical, musical and dance performances. The Theater of Fine
Arts hosts cultural events and exhibits. Casa de Teatro is a nonprofit institution where people can express their knowledge and ideas about culture, art, theater
and concerts in an open forum.
The Amber Museum of Puerto Plata, set in a Victorian mansion, features a large array of prehistoric amber-encased specimens. The Museum of Taino Art,
providing insights into the people who first inhabited the Dominican Republic.
|
|
|
The Pleasures of Punta Cana
By Chantal Guillou-Brennan
On the far east point of the Dominican Republic, the brilliant sand and crystal clear water beckons travelers from all around the globe. Windsurfers and sailers praise
the ever blowing cool breeze and the magnificent color of the coral reef delights snorklers and divers of all ages; but in this Caribbean paradise it is the smiles and
'joie de vivre' of the people that warm your heart and lift your soul.
JAX FAX recently had the opportunity to review a small selection of all- inclusive properties in Punta Cana. "Punta Cana is the fastest growing Caribbean destination,"
says Greg Thorne of Inter Island Tours (800-245-3434); and effectively, this area including Bavaro, is now home to more than 30 large tourist complexes with over
20,000 hotel rooms.
|
|
|
|
|
|
ARTS, CULTURE, AND SPORTS
The spirit and charm of the Dominican Republic is captured in its music, food, and national pastimes. Known for its professional winter baseball, handcrafted
cigars, and annual music festivals, the culture of the Dominican Republic is never stodgy, or boring. It's always an artful and colorful expression of life.
Even the museums and archeological sites are vibrant, bringing the daring history of the Dominican Republic alive with antique treasures, dazzling jewels,
and the cavernous time capsules left to us by a long lost culture. In the Dominican Republic, culture really means adventure.
TAINO INDIAN SITES
Caves played an important role in the lives of the Taino Indians. In fact, their creation myth is centered around a cave located on the island. Stories of the
Taino interaction with various plants, animals, spirits and each other can be seen in the elaborate pictographs and stone carvings within the structures.
Other Taino artifacts are housed at museums and even an excavated burial ground at a local beach.
East Coast Taino Sites
North Coast Taino Sites
Northeast Coast Taino Sites
West Coast Taino Sites
East Coast
Jose Maria Cave
Located far into the Parque Nacional del Este near La Romana, this limestone cave holds 1,200 Taino paintings depicting mythological events and a peace
offering for the Spaniards in 1503.
Penon Gordo, Bayahibe
Penon Gordo is one of 200 caves in the Parque Nacional del Este. This cave displays a chiseled guardian figure at the entrance of the cave and several
Taino paintings.
Insider's tip: To get a full-tour of the Taino sites in Parque Nacional del Este, including some areas that are unknown to tour operators, hire a park ranger as
a guide to any of the caves.
El Pomier Caves
Located north of San Cristobal, visitors can view the Caribbean's largest collection of Taino cave art. Scenes of spirits, rituals and objects of Taino belief are
included in the drawings. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Cueva de las Maravillas
Located within San Pedro de Macoris, these caves contain nearly 500 Taino pictographs and petroglyphs. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Parque Submarino La Caleta
This national park reveals an excavated Taino burial ground with several skeletons on display at the beach. Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Los Indios de Chacuey
Known as the Stonehenge of the Caribbean, a similar circular formation of rocks surrounding a stone slab indicates a possible Taino ceremonial center.
North Coast
La Isabela
This Taino museum illustrates the way these natives lived, ate, prepared food and sustained themselves day-to-day. Visitors can examine a mock thatched
hut and sample crops.
National Park Jaragua, Barahona
This park contains some of the oldest Taino Indian sites on the island. Cave the Poza and the Mongó Cave, within the park, display pictographs and
petroglyphs of their time.
North East Coast
Parque Nacional Los Haitises
Accessible only by an organized boat trip due to the swamps and rocky terrain that surround them, these caves display drawings of various animals and
human faces. A standard boat trip, on the Ruta Litoral takes tourists on a two-and-a-half hour boat tour that visits three main caves within the park.
South West Coast
Museo Prehispanico
A Taino museum, located in Santo Domingo, this museum showcases objects from daily life such as jewelry, pottery and ritual items are on display. Open 9
a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Las Caritas
Deep in the southwest corner of the country, on Lago Enriquillo, is Las Caritas. This cave is rumored to have hidden Taino leader Enriquillo from the
Spanish during their conflict with the native people in the early 1500's. The cave also contains dozens of small chiseled faces into the rock walls that seem to
come alive to all who enter it.
|
|
|
