DOMINICAN REPUBLIC - The land of Merengue and Salsa

I stayed in the luxurious 5-star Gran Bahia Principe Esmeralda. The hotel is part of the Bahia Principe hotels and resorts made up of hotels in Punta Cana, Bavaro, Amber (adults only) and Esmeralda.

When staying at Esmeralda, you get access to the facilities of all the other properties, which include pools, bars and a la carte restaurants. The hotel fronts a tropical beach of white sand lined with palm trees that is lapped by the warm turquoise Caribbean Sea. It has a main pool near the beach with music and entertainment and another quieter pool further back. The rooms are beautiful with four poster beds, balconies or terraces and bathrooms fitted with a Jacuzzi. Staff cannot do enough for you; I would highly recommend this hotel.

Getting out and about...

- Mega trucks tour takes you out into the Dominican countryside and mountains. - See how people work on a sugar cane plantation - Visit a local school and a rural Dominican family house where you can see how people live

For more information and advice on the Dominican Republic, please give me a call.