Sun seekers beckoned to Dominican Republic’s sizzling beaches

Dominican Republic, /PRNewswire/ — As travelersemerge from the season’s deep freeze and search for the hottest spot to flaunttheir beach bodies this spring and summer, Dominican Republic ispreparing to welcome the next wave of sun seekers to its 1,000 miles ofsparkling coastline.

With 21 beaches in Dominican Republic accreditedby Blue Flag for meeting international environmental and safety standards,travelers of every type – whether looking for a pampered retreat or anadrenaline-pumping challenge – can find somewhere perfect to soak up the sun.

Dominican Republic’s Saona Island is just one of manylocales in the country to boast an idyllic Caribbean setting. 1,000 miles ofsparkling…

La Romana’s Luxe Retreats

World-famousand most recently frequented by jetsetters like Beyoncé, Jay-Z, MarcAnthony, Lupita Nyong’o and numerous international supermodels, LaRomana’s coast in the southeastern corner of the country provides a luxurious,private escape. Offering warm azure waters and peaceful golden sands, thearea’s luxury resorts and designer golf courses are a favorite hideout ofcelebrities and tourists looking to rejuvenate and unwind. The nearby town ofBayahibe offers a colorful slice of local life and allows access to theintimate beaches on Catalina and Saona Island, ideal for peaceful sunbathing,diving and spectacular sunsets.

Punta Cana’s Famous White-hot Strip

PuntaCana’s draw is undeniable – the renowned province’s picture-perfect whitesand beaches are a Caribbean dream. The area flaunts an array offirst-class beachfront accommodations, both luxe and affordable, and includesmore than a dozen designer golf courses dotting its powder-fine sands. With theendless opportunities for relaxation among the palm-strung hammocks andocean-side massages, it comes as no surprise that Punta Cana remainsthe most visited destination in the Caribbean and CentralAmerica.

Samaná’sSecret Coves

Forthe traveler looking for a quiet, secluded escape, the wild and verdant SamanáPeninsula in the northeast offers the perfect hideaway. Tucked away betweenlush jungle coves, beaches here are golden and hushed – those that know justwhere to look can even find remote, un-touched beaches accessible only by afriendly fisherman’s boat. Travelers to this corner of the island come toSamaná to rejuvenate and connect with mamí nature: yogaescapes, organic spas and meditation areas are plentiful, as are adventuresinto the area’s surrounding waterfalls, hills and protected natural areas.

Puerto Plata’s Fit Playground

Themore adventurous beach fans flock to the Puerto Plata province’s energeticcoastline, filled with active travelers and watersport lovers. The town ofCabarete is known as the Kiteboarding Capital of the World – many hours can bespent on the water challenging Atlantic waves or watching local and internationalathletes show off their surfing, kiteboarding and stand up paddleboardingskills. Away from shore, visitors looking for an adrenaline rush can take up atour operator on a cliff jumping, canyoning, rappelling or white water raftingadventure in Puerto Plata’s natural playground.

Santo Domingo’s Local Hotspots

Touristsenjoying the historic and nightlife options of Dominican Republic’s mostcosmopolitan city can escape to the nearby beach town of Juan Dolio,frequented by locals. Residents of 600-year-old Santo Domingo take tothese neighboring beaches to unwind – visitors are welcome to drink, danceand relax like a local to learn just why Dominican Republic is consideredthe happiest country in Latin America.

"Dominican Republic is proud to boast ninedistinct ecological zones, each offering a different way for tourists to enjoyour sun and beaches," said Magaly Toribio, Marketing Advisor for theDominican Republic Ministry of Tourism. "Our beaches consistently rankhighly on industry experts’ ‘must-visit’ lists. We take great care to preserveand maintain our offerings for the enjoyment of all, while protecting the floraand fauna that call our coasts home."

Blue Flag beaches must adhere to water quality,environmental management, safety and service standards, as well as provideenvironmental education programs as established by the Foundation forEnvironmental Education (FEE). Thefull list of Blue Flag accredited beaches includes Arena Gorda Complejo BahiaPrincipe Bavaro, Arena Gorda Iberostar, El Cortecito Grand Palladium BavaroResort, Bávaro Paradisus Palma Real, El Cortecito Barceló Dominican Beach,Playa Macao Hard Rock Hotel Casino Punta Cana and Playa Bávaro Complejo BarcelóBávaro in La Altagracia; El Cortecito in Bávaro; Bayahibe Beach at Dreams LaRomana Resort & Spa in La Romana; Cabeza de Toro Be Live Collection in PuntaCana, Cabeza de Toro Natura Park and Playa Arena Gorda Barceló PuntaCana in Higüey; Los Cayos Bahia Principe, La Honda Bahia Principe CayoLevantado and El Portillo Bahia Principe in Samaná; Costa Dorada Be LiveMarien, Costa Dorada Iberostar, Playa Dorada Blue Jack Tar and Playa Dorada IIIin Puerto Plata; La Laguna Dominicus in Bayahibe and Playa Montero Bahía Principe inSan Pedro de Macorís. The country’s Blue Flag program is managed bythe Dominican Environmental Law Institute (IDARD). Visit www.BlueFlag.org formore information.

About Dominican Republic

Surroundedby the Atlantic Ocean on the north and the Caribbean Sea on the south, our lushtropical and paradisiacal country boasts nearly 1,000 miles (1,609 km) ofcoastline, 250 miles (402 km) of the world’s top beaches, magnificent resortsand hotels, and a variety of sports, recreation and entertainment options. Hereyou can dance to the pulse pounding thrill of the merengue, renew in ourluxurious and diverse accommodations, explore ancient relics of centuries past,delight in delicious Dominican gastronomy or enjoy ecotourism adventures in ourmagnificent national parks, mountain ranges, rivers and beaches.

Known for our warm and hospitable people, DominicanRepublic is a destination like no other, featuring astounding nature,intriguing history and rich cultural experiences like music, art and festivals,plus uniquely Dominican specialties such as cigars, rum, chocolate, coffee,merengue, amber and larimar.

Dominican Republic features the best beaches,fascinating history and culture, and is a chosen escape for celebrities,couples and families alike. Visit Dominican Republic Ministry ofTourism’s official website at: www.GoDominicanRepublic.com.