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The Dominican Republic’s Three Eyes

mayo 21st, 2013 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in DESTINATIONS | SOMETHING DIFFERENT - (0 Comments)

Los Tres Ojos (Three Eyes) Park is an interesting must-see excursion if you are visiting the Dominican Republic. One of the most beautiful natural wonders of the island, its name is derived from the 3 subterranean lakes located inside a series of caves, which look from the outside like three beautiful eyes.   In fact, the lakes are the product of a rarely seen natural phenomenon; the water level of underground rivers rose to form these three spectacular bodies of water, as well as another external one – a process that took place thousands of years ago and around which indigenous peoples based magic-religious rituals when the Island was still called La Hispaniola.

This is a trip that will leave you dazzled, because as well as the crystal clear water of the three lakes, you will also see 4 meter high ferns, incredible colored fish and even bats!

You can enjoy your visit either on foot or by taking a small boat. The first lake you will encounter is “Aguas Azufradas” (“Sulfurous Waters”), which was discovered in 1916 and is 20 meters deep. The second lake is known as “La Nevera” (“The Icebox”). Can you guess why? ;) . And finally, there is “El lago de las mujeres” (“The Ladies’ Lake”), so called because its shallow waters allowed women and children to safely bathe there.

Los Tres Ojos Park lies in the city of San Domingo itself, next to Park del Este on the Avenida de la Américas, so if you visit this city don’t miss out on this natural wonder that is just a stone’s throw away!

 

“The IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts establishments in the Dominican Republic bring you closer to the most beautiful corners of the island, with 6 luxury vacation complexes located in Bayahibe, Playa Bávaro and Puerto Plata. Their excellent locations allow you to explore the island and discover its secrets – and Los Tres Ojos Park is undoubtedly one of them.”

 

 

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Santo Domingo, a modern city of culture

febrero 28th, 2013 | Posted by administrador in DESTINATIONS - (0 Comments)

Santo Domingo, capital of the Dominican Republic and a hive of creativity, history and education, was not only the first city of the New World, but also a gateway to the Americas and today has become a vibrant and prosperous metropolis.

Founded by Christopher Columbus’ brother Bartholomew in 1496, Santo Domingo is a fascinating mix of history and modernity. With a vibrant cultural tradition stretching back more than five hundred years, Santo Domingo’s cultural assets are a testimony to the spirit that drove the exploration of the New World.

The oldest part of the city is known as the Colonial District. Here visitors can tour the house where Columbus’ son once lived, known as El Alcázar, as well as the first cathedral, hospital and university to be built in the Americas. Historic buildings line cobbled streets where the conquerors once walked. This legendary city boasts countless museums, monuments and restaurants, together with new amenities such as the Metro transport system, the modern ports, outstanding gastronomy, fascinating shopping districts, architecture and much more besides.

Santo Domingo is a sophisticated commercial hub and home to more than 2.3 million people. It boasts dozens of world-class museums, an opera house, art venues and historic sites such as the Columbus Lighthouse, where the explorer’s remains are said to rest.  With two major airports, motorways and ports, Santo Domingo is a gateway surrounded by more than 800 miles of coastline, magnificent mountains dotted with waterfalls, offering exotic cuisine and countless art and entertainment options.

If you’re planning a trip to the Dominican Republic, then make sure you take the time to visit the capital and gain a first-hand insight into the cultural delights this city has to offer.

The IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts’ hotels in the Dominican Republic  give guests the chance to explore the islands many beauty spots whilst staying at any of the 6 luxury complexes located in  Bayahibe, Playa Bávaro and Puerto Plata. Their excellent location allows guests to tour the entire island, discovering its many secrets”. 

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The pleasure of playing golf in the Dominican Republic

febrero 27th, 2013 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in DESTINATIONS - (0 Comments)

The Dominican Republic is overflowing with attractions – fabulous beaches, a stunning natural heritage, water sports facilities, landscapes and the people.  And of course golf is also included on this long list of delights the country offers .

Picture yourself standing on a perfect carpet of impeccably-kept grass, lulled by a soft breeze and the sound of gently breaking waves, just about to make your best shot ever… could there possibly be a better way of unwinding?

Whether you’re an expert or amateur, or even an absolute beginner, the numerous golf clubs in the Dominican Republic offer you everything you need to practise this relaxing sport. They provide the equipment for hire and the best instructors in a unique opportunity to become a firm fan of this sport!

The standard of the courses is superb – it’s not surprising that celebrities and VIPs from all over the world choose the Dominican Republic to indulge in their favourite sport. Former US Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush both consider the Dominican Republic to be the best place for golf.

Golfers can enjoy rounds on no fewer than 28 courses – more than in any other Caribbean destination -, many of which overlook the sea and are dotted with coconut groves. There are courses designed by golfing legends including Pete Dye, P.B. Dye, Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent Jones Sr., Gary Player, Tom Fazio, Nick Faldo, Nick Price and Greg Norman.

There’s no doubt about it, the courses in the Dominican Republic are a unique and challenging experience. Fancy a round?

The IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts’ hotels in the Dominican Republic  give guests the chance to explore the island’s many beauty spots whilst staying at any of the 6 luxury complexes located in Bayahibe, Playa Bávaro and Puerto Plata. Many of them have their own golf course or are within easy reach of nearby courses.”

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Stay at an ‘All Inclusive’ Caribbean resort and leave your wallet at home!

septiembre 12th, 2012 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in THE WORLD OF IBEROSTAR - (0 Comments)

The price of a holiday at an ‘All Inclusive’ resort includes all additional expenses that you would normally have to pay if you reserved just the room. This includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks and most of the leisure and entertainment activities on offer. For this reason, these resorts rank top of the list of preferences of visitors to the Caribbean and other similar destinations, as they guarantee a fuss-free stay and the peace of mind that comes with knowing that all expenses are covered.

At IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts you will find ‘All Inclusive’ resorts to suit all tastes. Are you a family of two adults and three children? In that case, your best option is definitely an ‘All Inclusive’ resort; you can forget about digging into your pocket every time one of your children fancies a fruit juice, a packet of crisps or trying their hand at snorkelling! Are you looking for a little peace and quiet and some ‘you time’ without the kids whilst ensuring that they have a great time too? Our Miniclubs and Teenieclubs offer non-stop fun and games whilst you enjoy some well-deserved time to yourselves.

If you are on honeymoon or simply looking for a relaxing holiday with just the right amount of hustle and bustle, then you will find all the peace and quiet you need at any of IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts’ ‘All Inclusive’ adults only resorts in the Caribbean. Resorts boasting fabulous beaches, golf courses and international haute cuisine, all within your reach. Fancy a mojito at three o’clock in the morning? No problem. Your shoes need a good clean? No sooner said than done. Want a paper delivered every morning? Or a magazine? That’s easily arranged. You’ll find all this and much more at no extra price at our ‘All Inclusive’ resorts.

What more reasons do you need to choose an ‘All Inclusive’ resort for your next holiday?

 

“Come and enjoy any of the ‘All Inclusive’ resorts IBEROSTAR Hotels & Resorts has in the Caribbean: Cuba, Jamaica, the Dominican Republic or Mexico…and leave your wallet at home!”

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Carnaval, Dominican-Style!

febrero 27th, 2012 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in Snapshots - (0 Comments)


It’s one of the most joyous (and exhausting) weeks of the year in various parts of the world, from Venice to Port of Spain and New Orleans to Rio de Janeiro.  But being as fond as I am of the Dominican Republic, I’ve got a soft spot for the pre-Lenten Carnaval celebrations down here – especially because unlike in many other places, here the party keeps poppin’ for a good part of the month of February in various towns and cities, culminating today, February 27th, which is also when the country celebrates its Independence Day. The biggest hoo-has are held in Santiago, La Vega, and Bonao in the center of the country, and of course in Santo Domingo, where the waterfront avenue, the Malecón, becomes transformed into a brightly colored sea of people watching and participating in the carnival processions.

There are all sorts of themes and historical allusions in these processions, especially those dating back to the colonial era, with conquistadores, slaves, and the like, plus dudes in drag (no, not drag queens, but rather traditional figures known in Spanish as as roba la gallina, “chicken robbers”, who supposedly conceal the stolen birds in their “hips” and “cleavage”), as well as all manner of fantastical animal characters.  Participants often march in organized groups called comparsas (think of the krewes in New Orleans’ Mardi Gras). A central figure is known as the diablo cojuelo (lame devil), more impish than evil, who appears in myriad versions of brightly colored costumes and outsized horns.  Often the wearers spend months creating their costumes and papier-mâché masks out of found objects and materials.

For those of you who might be vacationing out in one of the Punta Cana Iberostar resorts, the local carnaval happens in March instead of February – and this year it’s scheduled for Saturday, March 10. But wherever you witness it, Carnaval a la dominicana is certain to leave you buoyant and impressed with the creativity, resilience, and joyousness of the Dominican people.

Whether or not you make it to Carnaval in the Dominican Republic, your vacation with Iberostar resorts is sure to be a party. Which will you choose?

Photo | LuieRRe

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Artist Cándido Bidó Brings Dominican Republic Alive

febrero 1st, 2012 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in Local Characters - (0 Comments)

For the uninitiated, the Dominican Republic is more than just golden sandy beaches, tropical forests and a Jurassic Park-esque setting. Beneath its surface, there is a world of rich culture, intriguing history and most of all, world-class contemporary art.

Dominican Republic is home to world famous contemporary artist Cándido Bidó, whose work had earned him international fame in Europe, the United States and the Middle East. His works were highly sought after by foreigner collectors scattered in the five continents and have even earned him awards such as First Prize in the 12th Biennial of the Fine Arts (for his work ‘Los amantes de la aldea’). As one of the most famous artists in Dominican Republic, he not only introduced art to the Dominican Republic – he also introduced DR to the world.

Born in the central town Bonao in 1936, Bidó had always been inspired by his hometown. Native Wildlife, countryside and nature were elements that were well reflected in their work. With the use of oil, crayon and gouache, he gave his paintings a sense of joy, freshness, tenderness and poetry. He liked to reflect the faces of fruits, flowers and the sun in the Antillean Caribbean landscape. His paintings reflected a love for the people of his country. Bidó was totally devoted to his drawings and paintings, with the sole intention of giving the best of himself and his art. Sadly, he passed away just this March, leaving a legend behind him.

If you’re interested in learning more about Bidó or his art during your Dominican vacation, visit the Museum of Modern Art in Santo Domingo where a collection of his best works are on display. To dive deeper, head to Bonao, Bidó’s hometown. Candido Bidó founded the Museum in the Plaza de la Cultura of Bonao, where his works are on permanent display along with those of other great Dominican painters such as Guillo Pérez, Elsa Nunez and Alonso Cuevas. You’ll also get to see works by American painters like Orlando Vallejo and Alfredo Sinclair. While in Bonao, you can also visit the painting school that was set up by Bidò. With the intention of providing arts education, entertainment and cultural services to the community of the Cibao, he truly contributed immensely to the artistic development of his hometown.

Photo | SpecialKRB

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Santo Domingo’s Colorful Colonial Zone, Birthplace of Latin America

enero 13th, 2012 | Posted by Iberostar Hotels & Resorts in Snapshots - (0 Comments)

More than a few towns and cities of Latin America certainly boast their share of atmospheric old town centers left over from centuries of colonization by mother country Spain. Several of these are so striking they’ve been included in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites – place like the colonial cores of Havana, San Juan, Panama City, and Cartagena de Indias in Colombia. The zona colonial in the Dominican Republic’s capital is also on UNESCO’s greatest-hits list, although it’s less well known than many of the above because most visitors tend to stick close to the resort areas.  But if you’re spending your vaycay at any of the Iberostar resorts in the Dominican Republic, you should definitely carve out the time for a day trip or overnighter to Santo Domingo, because what makes this particular colonial quarter so awesome is the fact that it was the first, where it all began back in 1492 when Columbus sailed the ocean blue. And I don’t mean just this country – I mean the whole Western Hemisphere as we know it today.

This mile-and-a-half-square district today is a compelling mix of old and new. There’s the Calle de las Damas, where you can stroll on cobblestones laid in 1502. The 501-year-old Alcázar de Colón, where Chris Columbus’ kid Diego once made his HQ as governor of the colony, is now a fascinating museum of period history and furnishings. And these days, some of these historic buildings are occupied by museums and high-quality restaurants, shops, and places to stay. Top example:  The former shipyard, the Atarazanas, is now a cool shopping haven for merch both international and local (such as handicrafts, art, cigars, and amber). And by the way, the newest of those museums, just a couple of months old, is the Museo Memorial de la Resistencia Dominicana, documenting  the movement against the Rafael Trujillo dictatorship,  which dominated this country for most of the 20th century’s first half.

Now let’s be honest: Will you tear yourself away from our fabulous beaches to check out the earliest colonial capital of the Americas?

Photo | Patrick Flament

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