The Dominican Republic is best known for its stunning beaches. But this country has a lot more to offer than sand and waves. For the culture vulture, there is no better place to stop than the Colonial Zone in the capital, Santo Domingo—the oldest settlement in all the Americas.
For Robert Cooper, 64, the difference between driving a car and riding a motorcycle is clear. “In a car you’re always in a compartment. And because you’re used to it, you don’t realize that, through that car window, everything you see is just like watching TV."
"I was attracted to the idea of blue waters and palm trees, and the fascination of never having to wear a coat,” says Meems Ellenberg of what enticed her to a new life in the Dominican Republic. “But, even more important, I was and I still am charmed by the day-to-day kindness of Dominicans and their very simple approach to life.”
Tired of being stuffed in an office cubicle all day, every day, Dan Williams had to make a choice: stay the course, or scrape together the money he had and head off for the white sands and blue waters of the Dominican Republic. He took the second option… Now—when he’s not catching up with expat buddies and enjoying his time in the sand—Dan supports his new lifestyle with Dan and Manty’s Guesthouse, the business he co-owns with his Dominican partner.
Only a two-hour flight from the U.S. and home to 1,015 miles of Caribbean coastline, exquisite white-sand beaches, swaying palms, and friendly locals, the Dominican Republic has long been a popular vacation destination. Every year four million people visit its shores to stay in all-inclusive hotels or as part of a cruise itinerary.