The Caribbean is a melting pot of numerous nations.

About 35 million people now live in this region. They are descendants of Indians, Europeans, Africans, Indians, Chinese and other Asians and Arabs. Descendants of the native population Descendants of the native population can be found on the mainland, and only a few on the islands.

On Dominica still lives a small group, the so-called Black Caribs are from the connection of blacks and Caribbean. In Aruba, for example, there are many mestizos: After coming out connections between Americans and Europeans.

Creoles
The original Creoles are in the Caribbean-born descendants of Europeans. Today is meant by that name all the people who are different from the many connections between the many peoples as a "new Caribbean residents" have emerged.

Rastafarians
Dreadlocks and reggae are the typical characteristics of true Rastafarians (from the name of the Ethiopian Emperor Ras Tafari derived) of its origin in Jamaica. The Rastafarians are actually open, peaceful people, but on the basis of their marijuana use is not always popular on the islands. A chat with the neighbors is more important than anywhere in a hurry to rush. Despite some arduous living conditions for the existence enjoy. Open and fully tolerance approach to all fellow human beings. Liming is not for nothing a word that can’t be translated into German ...

For properties in the Dominican Republic

President Leonel Fernandez Reyna is celebrating his birthday.

President Leonel Antonio Fernandez Reyna today is his 54 birthday with the elections just around the corner and seeking for a re-election, amid desires of the government to recover large parts of the country affected by the storms Olga and Noel.

There will be expected lots of officials and friends of Fernandez at the National Palace, to offer his congratulations and gifts.

When President Fernandez Reyna has been seen getting old in this presidential term, as has happened with other agents, comparing before and after photos of exercising power. Leonel Fernandez was born on December 26, 1953, in Santo Domingo, son of Jose Antonio Fernandez Reyna Collado and Yolanda Romero. He is married to Dr. Margarita Cedeño Fernandez and has created 3 children, Nicole, Omar and Yolanda America.

Dr. Leonel Fernandez, constitutional president of the Dominican Republic, is president of the Dominican Liberation Party (PLD) and honorary president of the Global Foundation for Democracy and Development (FUNGLODE). President Fernandez is a member of several boards and institutions, as Circulo de Montevideo (since 1996); Council of Freely Elected Heads of government, the Carter Center (since 1997); Foreign Affairs in Spanish (since 2000), Inter-American Dialogue (since 2001) and the Club of Madrid (since 2001). Similarly, since 2000 chairs the Executives Club of the United States-Caribbean, organized and sponsored by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington and since 2002 serves as president of the United Nations Association of the Dominican Republic.

Upon his return to the country, he joined the National Autonomous University of Santo Domingo (UASD). At that time, Dr. Fernandez is attracted by the progressive ideas big step in to the political debate and to take an early age to study the works of who would be his teacher and guide: Professor Juan Bosch, who accompanied together the legion of Dominicans who founded, in 1973, the Dominican Liberation Party (PLD).

Since assuming the leadership of the national destinations, August 16, 1996, Dr. Fernandez launched a dynamic and aggressive foreign policy that rescued the Dominican Republic its traditional isolation and placed in the heart of the process of regional integration, opening of markets and globalization. In the internal field, President Fernandez has refocused public investment to social spending, giving priority to education and public health. Convinced that the development of information technology and communications represents the most powerful engine for progress in a modern nation, Dr. Fernandez devoted special efforts to equip all secondary schools in the country of computer labs.

Established the award to deserving students, awarded monthly at the national level; promoted the culture of reading through the reading skills called Olympics and left established the International Book Fair of Santo Domingo. Finally, the administration of Dr. Leonel Fernandez has been recognized both nationally and internationally, for strict respect for civil liberties and human rights, as well as the remarkable momentum of economic growth with macroeconomic stability and democratic institutionalism of the Dominican Republic.

The direction of Puerto Plata and Sosua.

It is of immense satisfaction for the people in Puerto Plata and people of the world know that every day grows the preoccupation for a re-dress the Bride of the Atlantic. This serves as a suggestion to those who want to buy real estates, farms or lots in our beautiful country, especially in the North Coast. Example number one is the channeling of the glens of the Malecón.

Despite the large cost associated with this work the Minister of Tourism, Felix Jimenez recalled that work will be conducted with the aim of preserving the sand to be deposited, in order to regenerate the coastline and make it fit for bathers to enjoy our clean water. Jimenez ensures that the works that are being implemented will be completed at the latest in March of next year (2008). So by the same date Dominican Republic exceed half a million cruise passengers and that next December arrive in the country on the first cruise of Royal Caribbean.

While in the municipality of Sosua the Trustee, Vladimir Cespedes reported that in the first year of his administration handed over 32 works completely, closed to different communities and therefore considers that the efficiency of the management of the resources received has helped build a lot works and actions that are contributing to the development of this tourist destination. The government of the Dominican Republic will undertake great efforts of the tourism in Puerto Plata.

Christmas in Dominican Republic

By the same spirit of this tropical country is characterized Christmas, because as we all know there is a characteristic symbol of Christmas as the tree, completed with a myriad of accessories and lights. It is the king of the house during the days of December, and go decorating it becomes an event that unites all members of the family.

The tradition in our country is to buy artificial trees, made from different materials and with different features, it has become a common feature in some families to acquire natural trees of different species to give it a more "realistic" touch to the celebration .

Here Christmas is celebrated to the rhythm of merengue, marked by the drums, güira and accordion, with a lot of festivity, food, joy, and a chill wind that blows from November to January, cooling ribs between a plate of “sancocho” and a lot of dancing. In Santo Domingo, on the night of December 24 is dinner among family and friends and then go to the Malecón to share together and have breakfast at dawn with ginger tea or hot chocolate and bread.

In short, in the Dominican Republic it doesn’t snow at Christmas, but the popular American ingenuity has managed to get that point blank and cold with some curious trees without leaves and hand-painted white, very justified reason to take advantage and come to pass these days in a distant exotic place, will give us a new perspective on Christmas. New traditions, other dishes, light clothes and dream beaches in our North Coast; I can assure you that you want to stay here.

In Dominican Christmas dish is whole roasted pork or baked pork leg, accompanied by mass cakes with banana leaves filled with meat and wrapped in banana leafs. The tradition of turkey also has its spot on the table, although often by economic issues, is replaced by chicken, one of the most common food on the island.

The British ambassador supported initiative Cricket Dominican

The British ambassador Ian A. Worthington, accompanied by the ambassador of commercial Leonora Dipp Martinez visited the Zone of Puerto Plata and at the same visit, the ambassador presided at the meeting of the new team of future Dominican Cricket players held in Costambar tourism project at the residence of the president of team Alan Buckley.

To the surprise of the present the ambassador proved to be a very simple and understanding man, because this is more than happy to have someone there that took the initiative in the Dominican Republic in the very near future to be able to play this great sport. "I think that the cricket will be a success in the Dominican Republic and that the sport is very similar to baseball and this can highlight major players such as Sammy Sosa is here" express the great ambassador of His Majesty.

This is concrete evidence that the British remains a paradise filled with treasures to exploit. Alan expressed "Desire, equipment and support are." Don’t surprise you if instead of a baseball game it’s a game of cricket, since Alan Buckley as president and initiator of this sport in the country is with all wishes that this dream becomes a reality.

Come to the Dominican Republic to spend Christmas Eve here.

The expected Christmas Eve has come and in the middle of so many natural disasters the only option is to receive it with much or little that we have. Each individual has its own way of celebrating the expected date, although for children it’s very important.

Particularly in the north coast of the Dominican Republic the spirit of Christmas is usually more alive, as the need for movement is contagious both for this and for reaching, even more because here the “parrandas”, a tradition that it dies and gives no truce. It brings together a group of musicians to visit their friends in the early morning, making noise and waking up the whole town.

In the case of tourists they naturally feel at home, all of this thanks to the hospitality which is characterized by a good Dominican. In the Dominican Republic it’s very normal for natives and foreigners prefer to get Lots, villas, farms or property that dates season let you in a more private moments and economic benefit without becoming unforgettable, the best of everything with us is that you have an opportunity to acquire the preferred option.

While Christmas Eve is an important date, not only the banquet, but because it’s a ritual of family reunion, every family must remember to thank God always and not only that night to be the host of Christmas and the rest of their days. And remember always that "Christmas is the color you have in your heart."

Enter the Beautiful Wonders of the Dominican Republic.

Why not cite one of the most important tourist destinations of our island in the majesty Valley Neiba, amid the vastness of the plains that spreads between the mountains of the same name and the Sierra de Bahoruco, in the middle of the desert of the island, you can still hear the silence of the sea and the vague murmur of the waves that are lost in time.

Lake Enriquillo is unique in the world, while a marvel and an oddity of nature, for many reasons. One is that its surface is 40 meters below the sea level. The island Kids, where the highest point rises 20 meters above the surface of the lake, is also below sea level, and is the only island in the world which is in such conditions.

Recently the Ministry of Environment presented to the south community of the country on international certificate declaring Lake Enriquillo as a wetland of international importance under the “Ramsar Convention” for the protection of wetlands, which include lakes, lagoons. That will allow the government eventually obtain technical resources and financial support from abroad to boost ecotourism in the region and the lake itself. At nearby Lake Enriquillo there is a place known as Barias, it is a beautiful place where surging waters flowing springs and pure crystalline. There are other points worth knowing in the area of the lake, such as the wellspring of “Lemon Valley”, “Azufrada” and “Caritas.” At shores of the lake can be reached by vehicles, while the Isle Cabritos and other access points can be reached by boat.

Lake Enriquillo is a place that has a set of natural elements. Within the stunning wildlife that is in place highlights the presence of crocodiles, particularly in the area of freshwater “Borbollones”. There is also a large number of iguanas, and exotic birds like the Flemish and the heron. It is believed that this lake is the residue of a canal linking the Bay of Neiba with Golgo of Leogane in Haíti. His name is in honor of the Indian chieftain who Enriquillo during the XVI century raised up against the Spaniards. The transport to reach the lake can be by public or private transport from Santo Domingo or anywhere in the country.

The visitors are organized from tourist sites like Juan Dolio, Boca Chica, Puerto Plata and Sosua. The way to get there is long, but the scenery is beautiful and worth a visit. But imagine if you live near? ... Well, you have a nice story ... you can do it! We have a unique opportunity to purchase the lot that you have always dreamed of near this lake. Click here.

There is probably no country in other part of the World that focuses more elements so full with history and ecological values, than those offered by the Lake Enriquillo.

Current status of the Dominican Republic

Inevitably stops thinking about the situation in which the people of the Dominican Republic is currently experiencing. In the first order are tragedies for two consecutive storms (Noel-Olga).

As the storm Noel director of the EOC said that after the passage of this phenomenon which left 87 dead, were found the bodies of 34 other people and only remain missing 14 with the numbering 121 people have died in over phenomenon nationwide. The storm Olga increased to 33 the number of those killed by floods in the north and 190 communities incommunicado, as reported the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) in its latest bulletin issued on the phenomenon.

The chart reflects dwellings affected ten thousand 52 slightly affected thousand 899 severely affected, and 370 destroyed, for a total of 12321. It must be recognized that for the government now magnifies the problem because the victims demand that their homes are rebuilt, but while it is decided where the houses will be built, the families concerned are housed in rented housing by the State and yesterday gave taps a final document to make them get payment from the next month's rent.

As for our town of Sosua everything is under control and the damage is very minimal, so that allows us to think that our tourism will not be affected, similarly kept in good condition our land, real estate and surrounding areas, which we who gives assurance that acquires one of our properties are choosing the best. We know that now inevitably each head has its unknowns, but a very common is "Where reach our country's economy?

Sub-Tropical Storm Olga Sosua, Puerto Plata

Surprisingly for all emergency agencies and even more for Dominicans came a big Christmas surprise, a tropical storm, which in this case for the technical agencies have considered sub-tropical storm named Olga.

The storm was formed on Monday on the Virgin Islands 10 days after the end of the cyclonic season. According to the warning number 3 from the National Hurricane Center Miami, Florida Storm Olga was moving south of this western 24 kilometers per hour, moving in the next 24 hours will continue in the path predicted.

The Dominican authorities issued a report on Red Alert throughout the country especially the North Coast. It is expected that in the next few hours will be strengthened while above storm is approaching the Dominican Republic. In the same order, the Director of the Civil Defence, General Staff Rafael Luna Paulino confirmed that the emergency agencies were reactivated in all areas of Red Alert.

It reiterated a call to all properties that are vulnerable particularly those areas where landslides occur. In addition, should take into account the integration of President Leonel Fernandez, which brought together the commanders who make up the National Emergency Commission (CNE) and thus put the movements of prevention.

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RD$4837.3 million reorganization costs of tourism in Puerto Plata

Today, the vision of tourism at the international level by the other extreme travel boom which we all know have emerged after Puerto Plata have advanced, thus requiring the rearrangement of the North province.

In recent years, in Puerto Plata where invested about three thousand 659.4 million pesos, and at the conclusion of the works that are in the process of the amount will reach the sum of four thousand 837.3 million pesos, according to Bernadette Abbott, undersecretary of Tourism in the North Coast. This change has been achieved with government investment.

Between January and August of this year, this tourist hub has received a visit from 395 thousand 86 tourists from different parts of the world, according to figures provided Abbott, who has under its dependence on tourism in the areas of Puerto Plata, Sosua, Cabarete, Rio San Juan , Santiago, La Vega, Bonao, and Constance Jarabacoa. Abbott explained that although Puerto Plata was the first pole tourism in the country, for many years, it didn’t receive the necessary attention of the governments. This systematic neglect that led to grow the tourist industry, the increase was in a piecemeal manner, without planning and insecurity in basic services…

Since two years, Puerto Plata has begun to rearrange the tourism business, the main employer in the city, as sole living here had lost the lead over other destinations that receive foreigners in the country and elsewhere in the Caribbean, in the past fiscal periods.

Among the more orderly business travel can find the real estate world, which has become an option for more bids for the visitors and investors can find beautiful properties, farms or lots, to enable it to enjoy the great charms of this tourist pole.

Puerto Plata Celebrate 166 anniversary, birthday of Gregorio Luperon.
Sosua, Puerto Plata

Born in England, which migrates to the Dominican Republic, where she owned a "colmadito" (very small Supermarket) gives birth to a boy in the year 1839, learning him the values of hard work, being the streets, where he sold PIÑONATE, with only 14 years to help support the household.

He spoke the English language, as it was spoken in the house, and together with the Spanish language had its greatest distance horizon. That is the same general whom the priest Santiago Rodriguez expressed in the Mass officiated at the commemoration of the 166 anniversary of the patriot from Puerto Plata, "General Gregorio Luperon surrendered completely to the cause of the Restoration; this man should inspire Dominicans to restore their lives, that don’t allow us to be truly free.

During the celebration of mass at the Cathedral St. Philip the Apostle, which was attended by key civilian and military authorities of this city, Rodriguez assured that the man is free only when it can mastered himself always thinking in his brothers and all human attitudes that we descend from class and our status as children of God. The religious urged the authorities to in the same way that General Gregorio Luperon contributed his sword to restore the Independence of the Republic, to restore the disastrous situation facing Puerto Plata, which shows in the poor state of the jetty and the streets of their neighbourhoods which where ashamed to walk.

Also urged them to be in aid of poor families living in a state of overcrowding in miserable shacks and create more job opportunities in order to counteract crime, which can not be achieved as long as there are people living in a state of slavery.

Then we performed parade, a stop in front of the house where he died the illustrious man of Puerto Plata, and a wreath at the foot of the statue of the Restoration on the Malecón.
There the Northern Command of the Dominican Air Force honoured him.

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Construction faults
About defects of the construction complain many builder-owners.

Who knows here what it depends on, can react on time and properly. Get an overview! Construction achievements point of more and more frequent defects on many building sites counts that the offer of the cheapest craftsman or building contractor is accepted. However, who saves at this point, pays extra later. Reason: Just these craftsmen feel the pricing pressure and, therefore, save in wage and material. Besides, they often work under pressure, so that everything what they do becomes more inexact. The result is that the constructions and construction achievements show defects.
In a row of articles, we will try to show frequent problems and their solutions.

Today filtrations in the” Bermuda roof”:

Extensive roofs the in addition rising components and different directions have, stretch under solar irradiation differently from us so it comes with the time to tears education.

Another reason for filtration is also, that the painters the roof roles what is not right in this subject. The roof renovation is not very costly and should be explained in the following steps:
1. Clean of the roof with high-pressure cleaner or wire brush and water.
2. Removing of all loose colour surfaces.
3. Fill of all tears by means of white cement. Here pay attention that is filled always first
crosswise to the tear.
4. Degreasing of the roof surface with detergent and richly water.
5. Paint the roof surface with high-class colour in the direction of the case line. Pay attention,
on this occasion, absolutely to the fact that with paintbrush is worked


If you need more information don’t hesitate to ask us.

Development of the North Coast of the Dominican Republic

In an almost completely uninhabited region named Sosúa, the new immigrants, most of them young men with urban backgrounds with scant or none farm work experience, almost all of them tragically separated from their families, commenced a new life. In the beginning the purpose was to establish a communal agricultural colony; sleeping in barracks and a dining hall were built. Little by little the settlers began developing a self sufficient village that boasted its own water works, sanitation system, clinic, pharmacy, school, library, synagogue, theatre, newspaper, shops and even their own bank. Being isolated by land forced them to process their perishable agricultural production to assure a longer shelf life that would allow them to ship it to market under the precarious transportation conditions available; that is how cheese and sausages industries were born. “Productos Sosúa”, the common name of the now very large factories, until recently still owned by descendents of the first settlers, is a leading brand in the country.
Nevertheless, besides agriculture and its derived agro industrial activities, the “Sosuaenians” created other industries, developed commerce and generally projected into the whole northern region of the country all their enthusiasm and ingenuity, enriching the whole area and its inhabitants both economically and culturally. The population of the region grew and became enmeshed in the destiny of the Jews, both through partnerships in work or trade and through matrimonial unions. Surely this integration facilitated progress, softened transition pains, and helped ease the effects of the numerous problems that the colony faced during its first years.
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Over time Sosúa became a living model and an authentic demonstration of what the human spirit can achieve when it applies itself fully to hard work, faith in life and to the firm belief that regardless of how bad things are, hope must never be abandoned.
For 40 years Sosúa survived as an isolated and bucolic township. Only in 1980 it finally got connected to the national network of paved roads and soon thereafter an international airport was built nearby. Thus began a new phase in its development, having become now a tourism destination, thanks on one hand to its welcoming beaches, the warm hospitality of its people and the beauty of its landscape, and on the other to having been integrated into the whole Dominican Northern Region’s tourism map. Sosua now boasts a number of hotels that cover the whole range of the demand; this of course has brought new challenges, pressure on the physical infrastructure and a change in the composition of the population.
The Dominican Republic is a country where Jews are respected and treated as equals by all its citizens; but in Sosua this is especially noticeable: despite the fact that currently the Jewish population is just a few dozen, their influence manifests itself in the outspoken pride of this link that the average Sosuaenian expresses; the two large food processing plants are the undisputed motor of the whole region, in the economy but also in the town’s social and administrative fields; alongside those companies, the Jewish founders or their offspring are heavily invested in other enterprises, mainly in the hotel business, but also in agribusiness. Several streets carry the names of settlers that left their mark. The oldest school in town is named after the Jewish educator who for decades was the principal. Luis Hess from whom we wrote previously.

For more information about the North Coast of the Dominican Republic

The North Coast of the Dominican Republic

has become my second first native country, not only because here more often the sun appears than in Bavaria, but because I have here no asthma and the school of Sosua is a motivation machine.
When there was not Pisa study yet, I was still smiled, has taken a short-cut, however, since Germany in the international comparison only very badly, this has changed.
The Collejio Cristobal Colon which was renamed later as Collejo Luis Hess, to honor of his founder Luis Hess.
Only a short time ago Luis Hess has been distinguished with the federal sevice cross, actually, the persons responsible of the Ministries of Education and the Arts should look to get an impression, why here with pleasure are learned, are not smoked and not drunk and why the youngsters with drugs have nothing to do with.
Now till this day and my children are already for Nine years at the school here in Sosua, I have not been penitent to have ventured the step. I am available for questions to the North Coast and to the Dominican Republic, with pleasure.

Gerhard Bulla

Federal Service Cross lent to one of the founders of Sosua, on the North Coast of the Dominican Republic.

Luis Hess who was born in 1908 in Erfurt has been distinguished with the salary cross of the first class of the salary order of the Federal Republic of Germany.
The ambassador Mr. Karl Koehler and the fee consul Robert Loinaz have carried out the honorary rental here in Sosua. Luis Hess is one of the immigrants who found regimes a new native country on the North Coast of the Dominican Republic during the Trujíllo.
The Jewish municipality of Sosua has done in decades of work the North Coast the piece of jewellery which it is today.
Among the rest, the honoring was lent because Mr. Luis Hess has worked untiringly on the respect between German and Jew.

For more information about the North Coast

Smart 3 bedroom villa in quiet gated residential area, with own beach.

The object is situated right in the middle between Sosua and Cabarete.

The house convinces with a generous room layout and an certain amount of extras, as for example air-conditioning and jacuzzi. From the terrace one reaches in the affectionately created and cultivated tropical garden. Also the tasteful complete furniture is already included in the purchase price. An absolute opportunity, because the owner has just reduced the purchase price by 40,000 US $ down to 229,000 US $ now.

For more information about the dominican Republic

Santo Domingo and Puerto Plata are the only two towns in the Dominican Republic, which inhabits an Amber Museum.

Puerto Plata’s amber museum at the North Coast of the Dominican Republic offers not just one, but two good reasons to pay attention:
First the outstanding architectural example of this historical Victorian mansion and
second the fascinating amber. In all colours, like the common known crystal brown, the light yellow and the dark blue.

Back in the last century German brothers Bentz invested in sugar cane and made a fortune in Puerto Plata. In 1919 they built Villa Bentz, immortalizing their family name with an opulent home erected two short blocks from the central square. With its wide terraces and lush gardens, Villa Bentz was an icon of success during that rich period in Puerto Plata.

To get more information about the Villa Bentz

The Caribbean is a pot of countless nations. Today more than 35 million people live in this region. These are descendants of Indians, Europeans, Africans, Indians, Chinese, other Asians and Arab. One finds descendants of the Urbevölkerung of descendant of the Urbevölkerung on the mainland and only a few on the islands. On Dominica a small group lives even today, the so-called Black Caribs have originated from the connections of blacks and Kariben. On Aruba, e.g., there are numerous mestizos: Descendants from connections of Indians and European. Kreolen the original Kreolen are the descendants born in the Caribbean of the Europeans. Today one understands by this name all people who have arisen from many different connections between the numerous people as " new Caribbean inhabitants ". Rastafarians dreadlocks and reggae are the typical signs of the real Rastafarians (from the name of Ethiopian emperor Ras Tafari derived) him his origin on Jamaica has. The Rastafarians are, actually, open, peaceful people who not always are, nevertheless, on grounds of her marihuana consumption popularly on the islands. The typical attitude to life of the Caribbean find time for the life. A chat with the neighbor is more important, than to rush somewhere in haste. In spite of partly unwieldy general living conditions enjoy the existence. Openly and fully tolerance shut to all people.

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Part III
Plans are under way for the new 315-room Westin Roco Ki Beach and Golf Resort, Punta Macao, 305-792-1500, on the Web at www.westin.com/rocoki , set to open in 2007. Aside from its 18-hole championship golf course, two-mile beach and Westin Kids Club, the draw here is likely to be the 20 Jungle Luxe Bungalows, which will look as if they are floating over man-made lakes and will have panoramic views of the ocean.
Families seeking smaller hotels and closer access to adventure may prefer the northern coast near Puerto Plata. Also known as the Amber Coast because of its large amber deposits, the north attracts avid mountain bikers and is one of the world's top windsurfing destinations. Set at the base of a mountain range on a private beach, Casa Colonial Beach and Spa, Playa Dorada, Puerto Plata; 809-320-3232; http://www.slh.com/, is an all-suite hotel with Spanish colonial architecture. Hotel guests have access to the Playa Dorada Golf Course, ranked in 2005 by Golf Digest as one of the best 100 courses outside the United States. Although there are no organized programs, children are welcome. Doubles from $350.
Perched on a cliff above Sosua Bay and recently renovated, the 190-room, all-inclusive Victoria Resort Golf and Beach Resort, also on Playa Dorada, Puerto Plata, 809-320-1200, http://www.vhhr.com/, looks like a Victorian gingerbread house. Mountain biking, kayaking, snorkeling, windsurfing and fishing are just some of the activities offered, and there is a children's program for ages 4 to 12. All-inclusive winter rates start at $110 an adult and $55 a child from age 2 to 12.
If the desire to touch, pet and feed a shark strikes, take the family to Ocean World, Cofresi, 809-291-1000; http://www.oceanworld.net/. Just minutes from Puerto Plata, this park has interactive dolphin programs, sea lions, snorkel reef tours, and swimming tigers. Call ahead to reserve for various activities.
There are five airports in the Dominican Republic, four of which can be reached by nonstop flights from the New York area. If you are traveling to the eastern tip, fly nonstop into the Punta Cana International Airport on American or Continental; rates start at $148. To get to the north, Puerto Plata International is a 15-minute drive from the Playa Dorada resorts and has nonstop flights on American and Continental starting at $208. Travelers going to the south coast can fly into Santo Domingo, served by American, Continental and Delta; high season rates start at $174. La Romana has its own airport on Casa de Campo's property, and American Airlines flies there with a change of planes in Miami or San Juan; rates start at $308. Jet Blue, American, Delta and Continental fly nonstop into Santiago, a 90-minute drive to Puerto Plata; rates start at $158. Fares do not include taxes and fees, which come to about $100 more.

Other important informations about the Dominican Republic

Part II
At 19,000 square miles, the Dominican Republic is not a pipsqueak island with one airport, so picking the right spot takes some thought. Most of the Dominican Republic's resorts and white sandy beaches lie along the southern coast to the east of the capital, Santo Domingo, and stretch to the country's eastern tip at Punta Cana.
For families who like to stay put, there is an array of all-inclusive resorts to choose from. Largest among them, the 7,000-acre Casa de Campo resort in La Romana, http://www.casadecampo.com.do/, 809-523-3333, is the site of the famous Teeth of the Dog golf course and two additional courses. An elaborate equestrian center, 13 tennis courts (with lights for night play), skeet shooting, water sports, children's programs for all ages and a marina with shops and restaurants are among the amenities here. Double rooms start at $353 a night in the winter season (packages including meals and activities are additional). Two-bedroom villas start at $840 a night; three-and four-bedroom villas come with breakfast and maid and butler service and start at $1,057 and $1,253, respectively.
Teenagers are catered to at the recently renovated Club Med Punta Cana, 809-686-5500, http://www.clubmed.com/. There are programs for children aged 2 to 13, to be sure, but only guests between the ages of 14 and 17 are allowed entry into the Ramp, a new two-story open-air lounge (to make sure, each is given a special red bracelet upon check-in). The Ramp has an area for inline skating, skateboarding and playing foosball, telescopes for star gazing and plenty of places to just hang out. Seven-night all-inclusive rates start at $840 an adult, $385 a child ages 4 to 15, and $231 a child ages 2 to 3.
There is plenty of space to wander at the brand-new Paradisus Palma Real in Playa de Bavaro, Punta Cana, 809-686-7499, http://www.solmelia.com/, a 554-room all-suite, all-inclusive resort that opened last month and provides a family concierge to coordinate activities, a children's camp for ages 5 to 12, six restaurants, and three swimming pools. All-inclusive rates for two start at $1,100 and at $337 for children ages 4 to 12 in the winter high season. And for the child who dreams of becoming the next Sammy Sosa, an action park with batting cages, archery and a climbing wall awaits at the nearby sister resort, Paradisus Punta Cana, Playa de Bavaro, Higüey, 809-687-9923, www.solmelia.com. All-inclusive rates for two start at $750; $187 for children ages 4 to 12.

North Coast information