With its pristine white beaches and clear waters, the Dominican Republic is as Caribbean as it gets. A long-standing colonial outpost, this island nation’s heritage and old world architecture is concentrated in its capital city, Santo Domingo, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Sun-worshippers spend the majority of their time in Cabarete, where a string of perfect beaches host the entire gamut of water sports. The city of Sosua, meanwhile, is reminiscent of the Riviera. Heading inland, there are a number of remote villages like Bonao, where you’ll find yourself a world away from the hustle of modern, metropolitan life. Lago Enriquillo, the country’s largest body of fresh water, sits at more than 100 feet below sea level. Daytrips to the lake also reveal numerous iguanas and several caves with wall paintings.
