Another Look at the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic has long been synonymous with all-inclusive resorts and packaged tours, but that's quickly changing.

In recent years, with the opening of smaller luxury hotels, full-service spas, and resorts designed for adventure seekers, the island has become more vibrant, rising fast through the ranks of top Caribbean destinations.

	Punta Cana Beach

Here are four sought-after Dominican vacations, with options for families traveling with kids, sybarites looking for nonstop pampering, and active travelers.

For Indulging

On the island's north coast, a small hotel called Casa Colonial supplies buzz-worthy luxury (glossy travel magazines have been raving about it since 2005). Although the hotel's façade looks old-fashioned -- the property resembles a Colonial manor -- the décor inside is modern, with up-to-the-minute amenities. Each of the 50 suites has a flat-screen TV, CD player, high-speed Internet, minibar, robes and other goodies. If the soft sand and turquoise sea right outside don't do it for you, head to the rooftop deck's infinity pool and four Jacuzzis. The spa features 13 treatment rooms and a long list of massages and facials. Yoga and Pilates classes are taught below the shade of palm trees.
Double rooms start at $260.

Exclusivity also reached the popular Punta Cana area, a 30-mile-long beach dotted with palm trees and big resorts. The area's first boutique hotel, Tortuga Bay Villas, was decorated by famous designer Oscar de la Renta (he's Dominican and owns properties nearby). Tortuga Bay's 15 beachfront villas spare no details, including a pillow menu, oversize bathrooms, walk-in closets, and a host of electronics. Guests are provided with a mobile phone to contact their villa manager, or private butler, at any time. There are two restaurants and several bars on site, but guests also have access to the golf courses and restaurants at sister property Puntacana Resort & club.
Villas from $500.

For Golfing and Fishing

La Republica, as the locals call their island, is rife with golf courses, but none more prestigious than Casa de Campo's. Pete Dye, considered one of the world's best golf-course architects, designed the three courses at this upscale East Coast resort. International tournaments are hosted there year-round, with frequent visits from renowned pros. The hotel has more than 300 rooms, nine restaurants, three pools and a host of kid-friendly activities. Aside from golfing, visitors can play polo in one of three fields, take lessons, or book a horse ride through sugarcane fields. Deep-sea fishing is another sport offered at Casa de Campo -- tuna, kingfish, marlin and barracuda are frequently caught in local waters.
Rates start at $215.

Nearby, the town of Altos de Chavon offers shopping, dining and culture. Although it was built in the 1970s, the town's a replica of a 16th-century Mediterranean village, with cobblestone streets, a romantic church, small shops, art galleries (Altos de Chavon is home to a prominent design school), and restaurants. One of the best is Giacosa, an Italian restaurant housed in a Tuscan-style villa with great views of the Chavon River below. Try the seafood soup or the arugula ravioli.
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	Boat to Isla Saona

For Kiteboarding and Windsurfing

The northeast town of Cabarete, until recently a lonely fishing village, is the destination for water sports -- mainly kiteboarding and windsurfing. The vibe in this town of roughly 20,000 residents is laid-back, youthful and colorful. Unlike other resort areas, many of which were carefully planned, growth here has been improvised. Locals mingle with tourists, old houses stand next to sleek hotels, and traditional merengue clubs neighbor lounges where DJs spin house music. At Cabarete beach, also known as Kite beach, the patchwork of kites jumping off the waves is a sight to see. Several world championships are held there every year. Novices and amateurs can take kiteboarding, surfing and windsurfing lessons at schools like 321 Takeoff and Kite Club. For direct access to Cabarete Beach, minus the noises of downtown, stay at Velero Beach Resort, one of the best in the area. Sitting on a peaceful corner of the main beach, it offers magnificent ocean views.
Double rooms start at $80.

	Isla Saona

For Family Fun

All-inclusives are ideal for couples traveling with kids. Most of these resorts have special family rates, and, better yet, they offer a hefty calendar of activities to keep children and teenagers entertained. But not all all-inclusives are created equal, judging by the catalogue of complaints by travelers who return with unfulfilled expectations. Pick a resort from a reputable chain, like Sol Melia, and always check what former guests have to stay at sites like Tripadvisor.com. Sol Melia's Paradisus Punta Cana gets consistently good reviews. The sprawling but stylish property has four swimming pools, four tennis courts, a spa and health club, and on-call medical staff. For meals, there are eight a la carte and two buffet restaurants to choose from. Family activities include horseback riding, dance classes, snorkeling and scuba diving. The Family Concierge Suite starts at about $400 per day, including meals and activities. Kids are given t-shirts, floaters and walkie talkies to communicate with their parents.

Getting There

American Airlines(AMR), Delta(DAL), JetBlue(JBLU) and Continental(CAL), among other airlines, fly daily to the Dominican Republic from major U.S. cities like Miami and New York.

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