Country Article / Postcards

Searching for Undiscovered Caribbean in a Little Yellow Helicopter

Date: 05/03/2006

Dear International Living Reader,

The little canary-yellow helicopter looked like a wind-up toy or a carnival ride. It had no doors or side windows, and its capacity was but four people…including the pilot…who delighted in taking his flying machine as low as he could.

I think he was hoping we’d show some sign of fear…but we were thrilled to be soaring over the crystal blue waters of the Caribbean. We hugged the coastline between Punta Cana and the Samana Peninsula in the Dominican Republic, gaping at the terrain below. Miles and miles of tall coconut palms guarding untouched sand--no footprints because no one lives here. This part of the island is undeveloped and overgrown with tropical vegetation--pristinely, romantically beautiful.

After following for miles the sinew of white-sand beach that lines this coast, we headed inland. Our pilot knows his country well, and he knew just where to find jaw-dropping, pupil-dilating scenery. Rolling green pastures and expansive ranches where cattle roamed. A bit further up the slope, row after row of coffee plants covered the hillsides, which became even steeper pine-covered mountains. With an abrupt bank to the right, we headed back to the coast, passing over a small village that is a supply center for the farmers who live in this province. The locals waved happily as we buzzed overhead.

Halfway between Punta Cana and Las Terranas, we touched down for lunch and a swim. It was like being on Gilligan’s Island--clean white sand, palm trees swaying in the breeze, a few hammocks strung between them for those lazy times between eating and swimming. These are the pictures that will be indelibly imprinted on my mind.

In my opinion, the Dominican Republic is the most well-rounded island in the Caribbean…and the least-expensive. It’s the second-largest island in the Caribbean. The terrain varies from diverse highland and lowland areas in the interior, with rivers and lakes to offshore islands and that glorious coastline, all of which contribute in some way to the country’s plethora of sporting opportunities for the traveler: Surfing, kayaking, whitewater rafting, scuba diving, horseback riding, and world-class golf--it’s all here. Afterward, if you have the energy, you can salsa the night away under the stars.

You have five international airports to choose from in the Dominican Republic, and depending on what airline you fly, you can quickly get here from the U.S. The most popular destinations for tourists (outside the capital city of Santo Domingo) are: La Romana on the southeastern coast; Punta Cana on the eastern Caribbean side; and Puerto Plata and Cabrete on the northern Atlantic coast. The Samana Peninsula is the emerging destination here--since there is not yet a sizable airport here, this is where the bargains are.

One of the least expensive ways to experience the Dominican Republic is to check in to one of the amazingly inexpensive all-inclusive resorts on the island. During our trip, we stayed in all-inclusives at Casa de Campo, near La Romana, and at Puerto Plata and Punta Cana. Most will want you to strike a week-long package deal, but without too much haggling, they will sell you a night or two at a time. Our stays averaged $40 per person per night (a decent room in one instance, and extraordinary accommodation in the other two locations), including all we could eat and drink (in our case, that’s a lot). The food was surprisingly good--buffet-style for breakfast and lunch, and fine evening dining in candle-lit restaurants with attentive staff and great chefs.

The local rum rivals any you will find elsewhere in the Caribbean. There is a healthy rivalry between the Dominican Republic and Cuba when it comes to cigars and rum…my money is on the D.R. We toured a cigar-making factory and a rum distillery during our visit. We’re not smokers but we did buy our fill of well-aged, smooth dark rum.

But like the rum, our visit to the Dominican Republic didn’t last long enough. I can’t wait to return.

Suzan Haskins
Latin America Insider, International Living

P.S. Since this visit took place, I’ve got my wish--I’m returning to the D.R. in 11 days. You should join me. There are just a few spots left on the upcoming Global Real Estate Forum in the Dominican Republic, May 15 - 16. International Living real estate guru Lief Simon will host two days of private sessions with some of the foremost international land experts we know…and a select group of readers. Tel. 1-866-381-8446 toll-free; e-mail: events@internationalliving.com; or visit http://www.il-ireland.com/il/promos/gref_dr/eletter.html to reserve your spot for this important event being held on one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful and least expensive islands.