100% customisable travel idea
The Dominican Republic, up close and personal As a couple in a selection of beautiful accommodation
Dominican Republic - Santo Domingo - Jarabacoa - Cabrera - Las Galeras
Dominican Quintessence
Our accommodation selection
Reflecting the journey that reveals the island to you in a new light, your stopovers have been chosen for their intimate character and privileged locations: a 16th-century palace in old Santo Domingo; a hotel fully integrated into the plant life in Jarabacoa; an intimate hotel perched on a hill overlooking the ocean in Cabrera; a small villa with a private pool and hotel services in Las Galeras. Some of the island’s most beautiful accommodations, each promising unique moments: the decor in your city palace at nightfall when candles dress the patios, the intimate spa at your lodge deep in the forest, the flavours at your coastal hotel’s famed restaurant, fresh from the garden and the sea, the colours of the sky at dusk from the terrace and private pool of your seaside accommodation…Your journey
Direct flights, airport lounges, fast-track through formalities: seamless travel and zero stress awaits. Once on site, you have a car at your disposal to explore as you wish. While the itinerary fits naturally into the landscape and the setting of your privileged accommodation, we have nevertheless added a few appointments to your agenda, allowing you to explore the country in good company. In Santo Domingo, a private guide will show you the main sights of the capital. By the way, if your arrival is over the weekend, be sure to explore the only commercial vineyard in the Caribbean, in Ocoa Bay… Surrounded by flower-filled gardens and featuring an infinity pool overlooking the Caribbean Sea, the estate leaves a lasting impression on both the mind and spirit. In Jarabacoa, you hike from one waterfall to another, then, in the Samaná region, all the way to one of the most beautiful beaches in the country - or even in the world, according to some experts. A morning with a local resident is also planned in Cabrera, where you will learn a great deal about one of the island’s key ingredients, cocoa, before enjoying a lunch with local flavours. And to enhance your stay, a relaxing massage in the heart of the tropical forest and a chocolate snack around a campfire have been added here and there. If an off-the-cuff wish or a minor setback arises during your journey, you have the contact details for our on-site concierge. In collaboration with your travel specialist, they can also adjust your journey according to your preferences as it unfolds. Improvisation also has its place in paradise!
Itinerary
100% customisable for you
Upon arrival, you will have a private transfer to the historic heart of Santo Domingo where you will stay for two nights. The hotel occupies a former palace that has been beautifully restored. With a pond in the shade of the patio, an honesty bar in the lounge, and candlelit walkways, everything here exudes refinement. To crown it all, an excellent rooftop restaurant - magical at night and at breakfast - sits adjacent to a panoramic swimming pool with its own pool bar. The cathedral is visible from some rooms. It’s just a few minutes’ walk to the Catedral Primada de América, the fortress, castle or Dominican convent.
Included - Private tour of Santo Domingo. During the day, you’ll explore both the historic districts and the modern city, accompanied by a private guide. As you wander through the grand squares, between the former governors’ palaces and shaded patios, the capital reveals a Spanish charm in the heart of the Caribbean. Historic cobblestone districts surrounded by ramparts remain, including Plaza de España with the Alcázar de Colón Museum - the former palace of Viceroy Don Diego Columbus - as well as Calle Las Damas, the Pantheon and Ozama Fortress. They stand alongside more contemporary architecture, such as the Plaza de la Cultura and its Museum of the Dominican People, which traces the country’s history from the Taíno people to the Trujillo dictatorship; the Museum of Modern Art; and the Presidential Palace.
Optional - spend a day around Santo Domingo, visiting vineyards, salt flats, and dunes.
What to see and do on a Sunday evening in the capital - Live music and dance in the open air. The entire island pulses to the rhythms of merengue, bachata, salsa and dembow (a style derived from reggaeton and dancehall). To experience a truly Dominican moment and tune in to the Caribbean way of life, head to the San Francisco Monastery ruins around 6.30pm on Sundays. Residents of the Colonial Zone get together here to dance and finish the weekend on a high note. A crowd of amateur - but impressively skilled - dancers show off their hip-swaying moves. While Dominicans arrive with their coolers full of cold drinks, you might prefer to order a cocktail at the nearby bar. A festive atmosphere is guaranteed.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, then stroll some more through the streets of the historic district, before picking up your rental car to head towards the Cordillera Central mountain range, right in the heart of the country. Arrive in Jarabacoa for three nights in a peaceful, secluded property surrounded by cool mountain air. Its architecture blends harmoniously with the lush vegetation, adding to the feel of an eco-lodge. There are many hiking trails round about and, back at base, a heated panoramic pool and intimate spa with thermal baths await. A cocktail bar and a refined contemporary restaurant complete the offering.
Already included - Afternoon campfire in the heart of the forest. Enjoy a hot chocolate served with Dominican treats around a campfire. Dominican cocoa has an excellent reputation, especially in its organic form. In the heart of nature, the experience is even more sensory.
The watchword in Jarabacoa is ecotourism. It’s far from the holiday crowds - which is good news for nature and good news for your peace and tranquility. The lush green countryside is crossed by three rivers and the weather is nearly always good, making an ideal setting for a wide range of outdoors activities.
Included - Jarabacoa’s waterfalls. In a specially equipped pick-up truck with open sides, set off on a half-day excursion through the waterfalls of the “City of Eternal Spring”. Make the most of the fresh air and lush green landscapes of the Cordillère Centrale throughout. Alternating between mountain roads and short hikes of about 30 minutes to each waterfall, you will visit several of these cascades - from the best-known to the least-known. At each stop, you can swim in a pristine natural setting. It’s a perfect balance between exploration, relaxation and immersion in nature.
Also included -a massage in the tropical rainforest. There is nothing more relaxing than a massage to loosen muscles warmed by the day!
Must-Do - Monte Alto coffee factory tour. Learn about the different steps involved in coffee production at the Ramirez family-run factory. You’ll see the natural drying silos where the hand-picked beans are stored. This high-quality organic coffee is sold under the Monte Alto brand. At the end of the tour, there is a tasting and a packet of organic coffee for each participant.
Drive to Cabrera, on the north-east coast of the island to stay four nights in a 10-roomed guesthouse. Each room has its own outdoor area and ocean view. When it comes to decor, this property evokes a blend of Scandinavian and Caribbean styles. In other words, the rooms are colourful, minimalist and modern. To top it all off, there is a garden and a pool with elegant curves. The on-site restaurant is also renowned in the region for its varied, high-quality menu that blends Caribbean flavours with Thai influences.
The Cabrera region has a particularly welcoming vibe and authentic feel. The towns of Cabrera and Rio San Juan offer a pleasant blend of local culture and striking landscapes. Admire colourful houses, discover secluded coves with crystal-clear waters, and enjoy unmissable walks, especially around the Gri-Gri Lagoon. The trails of the Northern Cordillera, dotted with rivers and plantations, are too inviting to ignore. Enjoy a peaceful, revitalising stop here.
Included - the secrets of cocoa. Accompanied by a local guide from Cabrera, discover all the secrets of Dominican cocoa: from roasting the beans to tasting a traditional hot chocolate, each step highlights remarkable expertise. After a friendly welcome in the kitchen and this immersion in cocoa culture, the experience continues with lunch served at a charming table set in a lovely garden. Your host uses local produce or ingredients from their own garden, blending culinary heritage with contemporary touches to showcase Dominican cuisine.
Optional - Paddleboarding off the coast of Rio San Juan.
Must-See - The nearby El Saltadero Waterfall, nestled in the tropical rainforest, is a natural wonder at any time. The base of the waterfall is easy to reach via a marked trail. After crossing a wooden bridge, it’s just a few more steps to the foot of the waterfall. At the bottom, you can - and should! - swim in the natural pool formed by the flowing water. Overhead, a few daredevils make the perilous jump from the top, landing in the pool below and getting an adrenaline rush along the way.
Our suggestion of the day - Street art in the small town of Rio San Juan. This vibrant district, in the southwest of Acapulco, is renowned for its colourful facades and remarkable murals. In 2014, the ArteSano Project urban art festival brought together twenty-five national and international artists, inviting them to use private homes and public spaces to transform the neighbourhood into a true open-air gallery. Created sometimes by decorative artists and often by social commentators, the murals explore themes deeply rooted in Dominican identity.
Drive to Las Galeras, on the Samaná Peninsula to stay for three nights in a discreet hotel tucked away in the tropical rainforest. The property comprises just a handful of private villas, designed as intimate retreats where luxury meets nature, and reveals a stunning view of Rincón Bay. Your villa combines contemporary lines and local materials. It features a fully-equipped kitchen and spacious living areas that open onto the outdoors, including a panoramic terrace and private swimming pool. The estate offers an attentive concierge service, à la carte restaurant that uses regional produce, and tailor-made experiences - from relaxation and wellness to exploration. In short, this discerning accommodation has been designed for travellers seeking serenity and unspoiled horizons.
Located at the tip of the Samaná Peninsula, the small fishing village of Las Galeras feels untouched by time. Its isolation has helped it retain its authenticity and peaceful way of life. Your days revolve around walks in the tropical rainforest and relaxing on fine sand beaches, in the shade of palm trees. The village is also an ideal departure point for visiting some outstanding natural sites.
What to see and do - the most beautiful beaches of the Samaná Peninsula. Many of the island’s most beautiful beaches are to be found in this region: for example, the majestic Rincón Bay, edged with coconut palms, stretches over 5 km (3 miles), or the beaches of Cabo Cabrón National Park. Playa Frontón nestles beneath a towering black rock cliff, where lush vegetation grows. It is only accessible by boat or by hiking trail. You’ll feel like Robinson Crusoe beneath the coconut trees, looking out over a lagoon of crystal-clear water. Then there’s Playa Madama, revealing many treasures despite its small size: forest trails flanked by cliffs, secluded caves, and brightly coloured corals. It too is only accessible by boat or on foot.
Included - hike to Playa Frontón. This wild gem of the Samaná Peninsula is renowned for its turquoise waters rich in coral, white sand, and impressive 90-metre karst cliff bordered by lush tropical forest. A popular snorkelling spot, the beach and its exceptional natural setting are protected from mass tourism thanks to its limited access. The hike begins at Boca del Diablo, a striking geological formation, and then passes through a coconut grove before reaching the beach, where you can relax and swim. Return by boat to Las Galeras, where a picnic lunch is served on Playita Beach. You will be accompanied by a private guide throughout the day.
Drive to Santo Domingo, return the rental car, then take your direct international flight home. Overnight flight, arrive the next day.
À la carte
This suggested itinerary can be customisable down to the smallest detail, including duration, stops and content. An à la carte menu of experiences is also available to create a journey that reflects who you are.
A day away from the capital, between vineyards, salt marshes and dunes.
Head to the southwest coast to reach Ocoa Bay, surrounded by the mountains of the Cordillera Central and bordered by the Caribbean Sea. This is where the island’s only vineyard, Ocoa Bay, can be found. This agro-tourism project combines the production of sustainable tropical wines with a strong commitment to local development. Surrounded by flower-filled gardens and enhanced by an infinity pool overlooking the sea, the site is enchanting. After tasting wines made from different grape varieties, the journey continues to the tip of Las Calderas, where the Las Salinas salt marshes are found. The patchwork of pools in shades of pale pink and brilliant are impressive. The day ends with an exploration of the Baní Dunes Natural Park, a unique landscape of golden dunes stretching for more than 15 km (9 miles) along the peninsula. A beautiful walk to the summit reveals a spectacular panoramic view.Paddleboarding excursion off the coast of Río San Juan
During this paddleboarding trip along the shores of Caletón Beach or Gri-Gri Lagoon, you glide gently along the water. From your board, marvel at the ever-changing reflections of the seabed, from deep blue to crystalline hues, while the rolling, verdant landscapes of Río San Juan create a soothing horizon. The guide, attentive to everyone’s pace, adjusts the itinerary so that each paddle stroke becomes a moment of connection with nature, in an idyllic, serene setting.
Why visit Dominican Republic with Voyageurs du monde?
Every day, our travel specialists craft bespoke experiences shaped around each traveller's profile, desires and budget. These passionate experts design experiences delivered on the ground by a local network of Concierges and trusted contacts. These fully customisable, made-to-measure trips are complemented by a wide range of high-end services (lounges, 24/7 assistance, travel booklet, app, Wi-Fi, restaurant booking, etc.)
Let us create your tripA few of the advantages of travelling with us to Dominican Republic
- Globally unique concierge service
- CO2 absorption
