Bavaro

Overview

Set at the eastern edge of the Dominican Republic, the Punta Cana/Bavaro resort area is as sun-drenched and romantic as you'd hoped the Caribbean would be. But it's an active spot too. If you fancy deep sea fishing, 4-wheel drive buggy safaris or scuba diving expeditions, this stretch of coast is for you, too.

The twin resorts anchor either end of a 30 km expanse of clean white sands known as the Coconut Coast. You'll see why when you spot the swaying palms fringing the bay. The Bavaro area, tucked around the coast from the strongest Atlantic rollers, is a sheltered haven ideal for swimming and snorkelling - especially so for children, who love the placid blue waters around here. In fact, Bavaro's 3 km stretch of tropical beach is protected by a coral reef, forming a natural swimming pool.

All inclusive resorts form a cordon of spic and span developments stringing out from Punta Cana in the south, all the way to Bavaro in the north. Golf courses, seafood restaurants and waterparks jostle for prime beachfront locations, too - creating a tourist zone stretching almost unbroken for 30 km. Some restaurants are so close to the surf that you can cool your feet in it while you tuck into a juicy prawn salad!

Inland, you can visit soaring mountains (including the highest in the Caribbean), and the elegant colonial capital Santo Domingo, with its excellent markets and cultural institutions. For a taste of the more modern Dom Rep spend a day at Higuey, a local city with a striking modern cathedral. The surrounding region also has numerous sugar plantations - visit one for a fascinating look at the Dominican Republic's chief industry.

Read more about Dominican Republic holidays.