Visitors to the country get a distinctive experience while learning facets of Dominican culture
Dominican Republic (July 6, 2007) – As the demand for leisure travel continues to grow, the type of getaway Americans seek is transforming. According to the Travel Industry Association of America, educational vacations, or “edu-cations,” are one of the latest trends in travelling. A new term to describe getaways that create a distinctive experience through the learning of a new hobby or skill, edu-cations are widely available in the Dominican Republic (DR) where they’re naturally embedded into the country’s rich culture and everyday life. From lessons in Spanish, history and golf to dancing the merengue, rolling cigars and surfing the Atlantic Ocean, the opportunities are virtually endless.
Whether the traveller’s mission is to learn a brand new skill or improve upon an existing one, the DR is plentiful with enlightening opportunities, no matter which coast you visit.
NORTH COAST
The DR’s north coast, widely known as one of the world’s best destinations for water and wind sports, entertains those desiring to learn or practice one of the many adrenaline-pumping activities it offers. From kiteboarding, surfing and windsurfing to cascading, whitewater rafting, mountain biking and more, the north coast, which includes the towns of Cabarete, Sosua and Puerto Plata, features numerous local adventure tour companies that teach visitors the basics of the sport or help enthusiasts improve upon their skills.
Following an adrenaline-filled day, visitors can head to the Brugal rum plant located in Puerto Plata where they’ll tour the factory and learn the process of rum making. When finished, they’ll be able to distinguish between the various types of Brugal rum while enjoying a refreshing Dominican-style cocktail.
For dinner, visitors can get a taste for various international cuisines, including Dominican, on Cabarete Beach. Plentiful with delectable choices, Cabarete restaurants not only entertain the palate but also the senses, as each restaurant is beachfront and transforms into a nightlife hot spot in the evenings.
SOUTH-CENTRAL COAST
Calling all history buffs, the south-central coast, featuring the DR’s capital city of Santo Domingo, serves as an extraordinary background to a history lesson featuring none other than Christopher Columbus. This is the only country in the Caribbean where travellers can tour the New World’s first cathedral, university, hospital and other monumental achievements, in addition to Columbus’ gravesite at the Lighthouse.
When visitors aren’t getting a history lesson they’re encouraged to stroll along the ancient cobblestone streets of the Colonial Zone, which is populated with fascinating museums and a tempting layout of hip restaurants. Those eager to learn merengue, the DR’s national music and dance, will enjoy the Santo Domingo de Fiesta held Fridays and Saturdays all year in front of the Alcazar de Colon, the former home of Columbus’ son. Here, professional merengue dancers and musicians entertain on-stage and conclude their performance with crowd interaction, providing a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn the dance.
EAST COAST
Known as the DR’s golf mecca, the east coast currently features nine courses all designed by famed architects, including Pete Dye, P B Dye, Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, Nick Faldo and more. Plus, five more courses will open between now and 2009. This area is ideal for both beginners and golf enthusiasts, as the challenge level varies for each course and most offer on-site lessons by golf pros.
For those in need of a lesson on rekindling love, the east coast is the perfect backdrop for couples to engage in together time. Here, long stretches of white-sand beach border a variety of spectacular resorts, from lavish boutiques to expansive all inclusives. And, most of these resorts feature exceptional spas – perfect for a couple to indulge in a getaway of pampered bliss.
NORTHEAST COAST
Visitors to the off-the-beaten-path Samana peninsula can expect a unique learning experience through interaction with majestic humpback whales. Each January through March an estimated 2000 to 5000 whales populate the Atlantic Ocean, practically guaranteeing onlookers a sighting. Fantastic tour operators are available in the area and feature knowledgeable guides.
In addition to whale-watching, Samana hosts an array of other interesting educational opportunities. Day trips include an archeological outing to Los Haitises National Park where centuries-old caves display petroglyphs by Taino Indians, a boat ride to the postcard-worthy island of Cayo Levantado or a horseback excursion to breathtaking Salto de Limon waterfall.
CENTRAL REGION
Cigar aficionados will appreciate the DR’s central region, which features the city of Santiago, or “Cigar Country.” Numerous tobacco museums and cigar factories are housed here, such as the famed Arturo Fuente, Centro Leon and more. During tours visitors will learn the art of cigar rolling and will commonly part with a gratis, freshly rolled stogie.
La Vega educates visitors on Carnival, one of the oldest and most dynamic Dominican traditions. Travellers to this area can experience the history of the festival and the art of Carnival mask- and costume-making as La Vega is abundant with artisans who endlessly prepare for the ritual.
Rich in history, the Dominican Republic’s first tourist was Christopher Columbus in 1492. Since then, it has developed into a diverse and luxurious destination offering both Dominican and European flavours to more than one million US visitors each year. At 10,000 feet, the Dominican Republic is home to the highest point in the Caribbean. It also features some of the best golf courses and beaches in the world, the largest marina in the Caribbean and is a chosen escape for celebrities, couples and families.
For additional edu-cation ideas or information about the DR’s assortment of options e-mail the DR Ministry of Tourism at info@godominicanrepublic.com.
For your FREE on-line Dominican Republic travel guide, visit www.caribbean.com.
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