A Dominican Republic escape should give you something to look forward to beyond the weather. A coastline worth exploring. Food with a sense of place. A city that invites you to keep walking, and a landscape that makes you put your phone away for a minute.
That is why the Dominican Republic is our favourite Caribbean destination. From Puerto Plata’s Atlantic waterfront to the beaches of Cap Cana, the country offers enough variety to build a holiday around your own interests. For Montrealers planning a little distance from winter, that is a compelling invitation.
Here are five reasons the Dominican Republic belongs on our travel radar in 2026.
1. The Dominican Republic coastline gives every holiday its own personality
Image source: MARELLE COMMUNICATIONS
Start with the part everyone dreams about: the beach. Then choose the coast that suits the trip you actually want.
In the east, Playa Juanillo in Cap Cana brings white sand, palms and turquoise water. On the north coast, Playa Dorada places a beach holiday within the wider Puerto Plata region, where coastal scenery and city exploration can share the itinerary.
For us, the appeal is having a place to settle into. Give yourself time to walk the shoreline, linger over lunch and learn the rhythm of the area. A beautiful beach becomes more memorable when it belongs to a destination you are getting to know.
2. Puerto Plata makes culture part of the holiday
Image source: Dominican Republic Tourism Board.
Puerto Plata deserves a starring role. Known as the “Bride of the Atlantic,” this north-coast city combines a historic centre, colourful Victorian-era buildings and an oceanfront setting that rewards a day of exploring.
Begin around Independence Square, then make your way towards Fortaleza San Felipe. Completed in 1577, the coastal fortress is now a museum, with Atlantic views and a setting beside La Puntilla park. It is an inviting way to connect the city’s architecture with its history.
Image source: Cayo Leventado Resort. On a secluded island!
For a different city chapter, Santo Domingo’s Colonial City has been on UNESCO’s World Heritage List since 1990. Plan it as its own part of the trip, with time to explore.
3. Dominican Republic adventures: waterfalls, blue holes and wild landscapes
The Dominican Republic gives you plenty of reasons to leave your beach chair. In Samaná, the forest walk to Salto El Limón leads to a waterfall and freshwater pool framed by tropical greenery. Hiking here makes the journey part of the pleasure: take your time, look for birds and let a local guide introduce you to the landscape.
For another shade of blue, Hoyo Azul in Cap Cana is a freshwater cenote within Scape Park. These outings belong to different regions, so choose adventures close to your base rather than spending your holiday crossing the country.
On the north coast, Cabarete brings a different energy: kitesurfing and windsurfing, with lessons for travellers ready to try something new. Conditions and experience matter, so book instruction suited to your level.
Around Samaná Bay, Los Haitises National Park changes the scenery again, with mangroves, limestone islets, bird colonies and caves with Taíno rock art.
Enjoying this nature comes with a responsibility to help protect it. Our approach to a more sustainable holiday is practical: hire local guides, stay on designated trails, carry out your rubbish, refill a water bottle where safe drinking water is available and give wildlife space. Ask excursion operators how they manage waste and protect sensitive habitats.
Spend with local restaurants, craftspeople and independent businesses, too. The landscapes and the communities who care for them deserve to benefit from the visit.
4. Dominican Republic cuisine is a reason to explore
A destination’s food should be part of deciding where to go. Dominican cooking gives you plenty to be curious about, from plantains and rice dishes to seafood and slow-cooked stews.
Sancocho, a hearty stew combining meats, vegetables and root crops, is one of the country’s signature dishes. The tourism ministry’s food guide also highlights fish in coconut sauce, along with dishes such as locrio de pollo and mofongo.
AI-generated illustration: BKM 2026 Multimedia team.
Our suggestion is simple: make space for a Dominican meal wherever you are staying. Ask what is local, what is seasonal and what the kitchen is especially proud of. A lunch chosen with curiosity can become one of the moments you remember longest.
5. You can choose a comfortable base and keep the destination at the centre
The best accommodation in the Dominican Republic helps you enjoy the place you travelled to see. Once you have chosen your region, look for a stay that supports your plans: beach time, family downtime, city exploring or a little of each.
In Puerto Plata, Emotions by Hodelpa Puerto Plata is an all-inclusive option in the Playa Dorada area. Its official website lists swimming pools, specialty restaurants, a spa and fitness centre, with accommodation aimed at families and couples.
The resort also appears in Marelle’s 2026 Puerto Plata release: Hodelpa supported the Primer Impacto production, and its crew stayed at Emotions. The release describes on-site stories with hotel staff and a segment devoted to Dominican cuisine.
That is a useful way to approach a stay here. Enjoy the beach and the convenience of the resort, then arrange time to discover Puerto Plata itself. Check transfers, excursion costs and exactly what your room package includes before booking.
Choose your corner of the Dominican Republic
Puerto Plata for a north-coast stay with city character. Cap Cana for a beach-focused eastern escape. Samaná for landscapes and nature excursions. Santo Domingo for a dedicated cultural stop. These are different regions, so choose a practical route rather than trying to fit them all into a short break.
Find more inspiration in our travel stories. For BKM, that range is what makes the Dominican Republic so appealing: you can return with a different kind of holiday in mind and still have somewhere new to discover.
