The Dominican Republic, a beautiful Caribbean Island, was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1492. The sun, sea and sand make it the perfect winter destination for shivering Europeans and North Americans. Spanish, French, Haitian, and African influences have enriched the Republic to make it a culturally rich experience.

Cuisine
Antillean and Creole fare influence the Dominican cuisine. It consists mainly of rice, fish and other seafood, meats and vegetables. Coconut gives it a unique flavour. Deserts like arroz con leche, a rice pudding and aqua de coco, a mix of sugarcane juice and fruits, are very popular and very sweet.

Beaches
The Dominican Republic has some of the best beaches in the world. The sand is white and washed by warm, blue waters of the Caribbean Sea. The visitor has a choice of either staying in resorts with many water-based activities or hotels with quiet, peaceful beaches.

Golf
Beautifully designed 19-course golf courses dot the ocean fronts. The courses boast of hosting both Bill Clinton and George Bush. The golf clubs rent clubs at affordable rates and hire professionals to give lessons.

Gaming and Casinos
If the beaches and golfing are not for you, spend some hours at the casinos. The major resorts run a casino on their premises and are open all night. Some casinos operate 24 hours a day.

The Dominican Republic rum, cigars and coffee are popular all over the world.