CARB

As a former Spanish colony, the Dominican Republic reflects its Spanish heritage in its cuisine. Add in African and indigenous Taíno influences and the results are exotic, comforting and always mouthwatering. During this unique experience, you'll celebrate Dominican food and be an active participant, cooking and tasting under the guidance of certified chef Nicole Marie Baba. The chef greets you at the pier and accompanies you on a short drive to a local market to learn about fresh local vegetables and fruits used in Dominican cooking.

Enjoy a premier 18-hole experience at the Guavaberry Resort & Country Club nestled on the beautiful southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic. Designed by renowned golfer Gary Player, this 7,156-yard, par 72 course graced with gently descending slopes challenges with its large bunkers, wide fairways, coral reef formations and Caribbean Sea breezes. An imaginatively placed cascading rockfall at the bottom of the quarry surprises those arriving at the 13th hole, Guavaberry's signature hole.

Gain a new perspective as you help contribute to the work of Casa de Luz, a foundation that cares for abandoned children with disabilities, providing a home to live in, food, physical therapies, education and medical assistance. Currently hosting 42 youths aged from 4 to 22 years, the center tends to their mental and spiritual needs by imparting the values, education and skills required to be upstanding members of society.

Enjoy an award-winning, fully immersive 4D cinematic experience that will take you back to 1586 and Sir Francis Drake's military and naval battle to capture the walled city of Santo Domingo. The exciting, multi-sensory dramatization brings to life one of the major campaigns of this legendary Elizabethan privateer, explorer and naval officer as he captures the city on behalf of the British. Then, begin a guided stroll to visit some of the most important sites of the Zona Colonial.

From its gorgeous mountain scenery studded with lush forests and cascading waterfalls to its palm-fringed, white-sand beaches, the Dominican Republic is a treasure trove of natural wonders. And one of its most enchanting spots is located in Los Tres Ojos National Park, just east of the Ozama River in the municipality of Santo Domingo Este. The nature reserve is home to, and takes its name from, a network of subterranean limestone caverns called The Three Eyes.

This remarkable excursion begins when you board your whale-watching boat wherein your guide will brief you on what to expect when you get up close and personal with the whales. Humpbacks have wintered near Samaná for centuries and are depicted in ancient cave drawings. These whales from the North Atlantic migrate south to enjoy the warm waters and to mate. As many as 300 may be present at any time. Get ready to take spectacular photos as you learn about their habits.

Depart from the pier aboard a speedboat for a truly unique ecological experience. Los Haitises National Park is a protected virgin forest accessible by water and represents a growing destination for ecotourism. Explore numerous caverns adorned with pictographs and petroglyphs. Circle the small cay known as Bird Island while your expert guide explains the importance of the many migratory and indigenous birds that inhabit the mangroves and island.

Experience the jewel of the Caribbean, Soana, a pristine island of white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters, swaying palms and virtually no development. Board the Catamaran Shiraz at the small fishing town of Bayahibe and head for “Happy Hour” at Palmilla, a yacht anchoring spot with a magnificent “natural swimming pool” less than 3-feet deep. Walk and swim in the shallow waters of the sand bank and admire the starfish resting on the sea floor. Then re-board for more fun in the sun or shade on Soana Island. A champagne cocktail welcomes you ashore. Relax. Sunbathe. Swim.

From cocktails to live entertainment, La Romana’s bar scene is as active as any other place in the Dominican Republic—this is the third largest city in the country! From mojitos to martinis, you can indulge in the tipple of your choice at the lively La Caña Bar with its indoor and outdoor seating in the heart of the Casa de Campo Resort. Here in a trendy lounge setting, enjoy a fun-filled evening of dancing to sizzling Latin music and live entertainment.

Visit the incredible Cueva de las Maravillas (cave of wonders), an enormous cavern complex covered with ancient Taino paintings. The cave's 800-foot path takes you on a fascinating journey 25 feet underground, where stalagmites and stalactites appear like the notes of an orchestra playing on the grand stage of an enormous theatre hall. This cave boasts a collection of approximately 500 pictographs and petroglyphs by the Taino Indians who lived on the island at the time of the arrival of Columbus.