Your Travel Specialist On: A Slice of Paradise, Dominican Republic

By Maureen Jones (Star Patcher)

This has become a popular destination in recent years. You have blue skies and pleasant year round temperatures hovering in the mid 80’s.

Pair this idyllic climate with direct flights to three different regional airports and 28 courses designed by the likes of Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent Jones, Tom Fazio and Gary Player, it is easy to understand why the Dominican Republic is touted as the finest golf destination in the Caribbean.

Discover the highest concentration of championship courses on Dominican Republic’s east coast around the areas of Punta Cana and Bavaro.

Tee off amongst coconut palm groves and revel vistas from ocean flanked fairways at courses such as Punta Espada and Corales. Then take a break from the links to go on a Blue Marlin fishing expedition, watch for whales spouting offshore on Samana Peninsula or set off at sunset on a catamaran cruise. You have the island’s longest coral reef stretching nearly thirty miles if you just want to lounge on the sands and snorkel.

The south boasts the historic charm of capital city Santo Domingo while the north’s Puerto Plata and Rio San Juan are met with rugged terrain and eco adventure.

There are four golf courses designed buy World golf Hall of Fame member Pete Dye. The most famed course, Teeth of the Dog, is consistently ranked within the top 100 golf courses in the world. With up to six tees on several holes, the course is as approachable as it is challenging even if you are not a scratch player. I was told to tee off on the front nine around 1.30 p.m. to avoid playing during the island’s warmest hours and you will likely witness a wonderful sunset during the last holes.

We have some great packages. Experience hotels with unparalleled service and supreme relaxation. Plus, when you reserve your hotels with us, you will enjoy our Exclusive Privileges that include breakfast for two daily, early check in, late check out and a room upgrade when available. We even manage to get you choice tee times.
Experience the Dominican Republic with an expert making your arrangements.

Maureen Jones

Maureen Jones is president of All Horizons Travel at 160 Main Street, Los Altos. Members of her staff are experts in business travel, cruises, and all types of leisure.

Previous columns by Maureen:

• Abu Dhabi- A destination apart
• Why Use A Travel Agent?
• Your Travel Specialist Maureen Jones: On Assignment in Europe.
• The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo.
• Scotland, The British Open 2015.
• Delectable Dining - Hawaii’s Farm Fresh Table Temptation.
• Themed River Cruises.
• Islay, A whisky lover’s delight!
• Your Local Travel Expert On: Different Perspectives of Australia.
• Exotic Cruises.
• The Kimberley, Cruising the Australian Outback.
• Tips for the perfect family vacation.
• Ciao Italy.
• Four countries in harmony.
• Latin Luxury.
• Adventure Travel - With a Difference.