The Dominican Republic

600 kilometres of secluded idyllic beaches, 255 days of sun yearly

and an average temperature of 27 degrees Celsius: Welcome to the Dominican Republic that meanwhile has gained worldwide reputation as the Golf-Eldorado of the Caribbean!

The Island, on which Columbus first set foot in 1492, does, however, offer much more than sun, sand and summer flair: interesting colonial cities, a pulsating nightlife, a wide range of facilities for active holidaymakers as well as the inhabitants’ pure joy of life – facts that render the Dominican Republic one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world. A destination that will increasingly be frequented by European golf players, looking forward to great golf on the exceptional golf courses on the coasts and inland.

The Dominican Republic has for a long time been the best golf destination in the Caribbean and in Latin America – the Casa de Campo was described as “The most complete Golf Resort of the Caribbean” already in 1986 in the first Golf-Travel-Book covering the whole world (by Holmar Knoerzer, LN-Publishing Company) and has been steadily developing during the 90ies. Several international awards reflect this reputation again and again. At the end of 2008, the island-state was awarded “Best Golf and Travel Destination in Latin America and in the Carribbean” by the IAGTO, the International Association of Golf Tour Operators.

And deservedly so: Golf courses offering spectacular views of the Ocean or situated close to the tropical primeval forest make golf in the Dominican Republic an extraordinary experience. Passionate golfers will enjoy almost 30 golf courses that are open throughout the year and have been designed by the best golf course architects in the world, among others Jack Nicklaus, Pete Dye, and Robert Trent Jones. Varied coastal or inland champions with strategically placed bunkers, wide fairways, coastal or inland courses, and champions in the primeval forest leave nothing more to be desired and are awarded high prizes at regular intervals. The „Faldo Legacy Course“ of the new Luxury Resort Roco Ki was awarded second best golf project of the year in 2008 – which was already the third award for this resort that opened its doors only three months ago.

The golf course of the Luxury Resort Casa de Campo is known worldwide: The exceptional 18-hole course „Teeth of the Dog“ is located directly on the coral coast and offers big bunkers and small ponds. In the middle of 2008, this course and the Punta Espada-Course were ranked among the international Top-50.

Numerous courses offer great golf: for example the Punta Cana Resort & Club featuring a spectacular finale on the coral coast, the three courses of Casa de Campo, the excellent Playa Grande-Golf in Puerto Plata, or the spacious 18-hole course in Playa Dorada that delivers unique experience to golfers of all levels.

New Luxury Resorts

Located in Bávaro on the east coast of the Dominican Republic, a new splendid hotel of the Majestic Beach Resorts opened its doors in October 2008. The Majestic Elegance Punta Cana (600 guest rooms, 5 restaurants, 11 bars) is the second project of this hotel chain in the Dominican Republic. Golf enthusiasts will enjoy one of 5 neighbouring golf courses, the 18-hole course of Bávaro that has an extraordinary reputation. Fitness enthusiasts may burn off energy in a state of the art studio offering cardio machines and weight training.

The Ritz Carlton Group is also building a hotel in cooperation with the Luxury Resort Cap Cana in Punta Cana: A hotel offering 220 guest rooms and a 1,500-squaremeter Spa area. This is where 5 gourmet restaurants look forward to pampering you with culinary delicacies. An area of 194 beach and golf villas will be added, and the resort scheduled to open in2010.

The new Four Seasons Hotel (200 guest rooms and suites), situated on the area of the world renowned Luxury Resort of Casa de Campo, will attract new and sophisticated target groups. This is the very region that has made golf in the Dominican Republic so popular and developed its tourism potential.

Hidden Secrets for Nature Lovers and Active Holidaymakers

Along with exquisite golf courses and several luxury resorts, the Dominican Republic makes other hearts beat faster: 30 National Parks, the highest mountains in the Caribbean and a multitude of cultural treasures from colonial times make this country ideal for active and exciting holidays. The Pico Duarte, the highest mountain peak of the Caribbean, is a highlight for hikers and climbers. And a trip to the 3,000-metres high Kordilleren will keep mountain bikers’ momentum going.

Unspoilt nature and fascinating flora and fauna await you in the National Parks that offer unlimited potential for eco-tourism. The salt flats of Cabo Robo, an Eldorado for bird watchers, attract 28 different bird species and humpbacks can be watched during their mating season in the National park Los Haitises on the Peninsula of Samaná during January and February. They return to the bay every year to nurse their young.

Hot Rhythms and Musical Joi de Vivre

Merengue, Bachata – these hot Caribbean rhythms get thousands on the dance floor, also in Germany. In the Dominican Republic, these rhythms are everyday music. Tourists will find a wide range of possibilities to enjoy this infectious music - whether in bars or during numerous festivals and events – music and dancing procure joi de vivre and guarantee rolling hips.

The Dominican Carnival – a Firework of Colours and Sounds

Carnival in the Dominican Republic invites you to dance and celebrate. And each year around 27 February, the Caribbean Island vibrates with the rhythms of Merengue and Bachata and visitors will marvel at dance groups wearing multicoloured fanciful costumes. The central Carnival takes place in La Vega in the Cibao Valley at the Rio Camú River where the “Rey de Carnaval”, the King of Carnival, is elected. There is no better destination than the Dominican Republic when you want to combine hot Caribbean rhythms with extraordinary golf swings.

On the Trail of Columbus

Awe-inspiring cathedrals, churches and monasteries take visitors of the Dominican Republic back to long forgotten times – particularly in Santo Domingo. The capital of the Dominican Republic lies in the south of the island and has three million inhabitants. The city is not only the economic and political centre of the country, but also the biggest metropolis of the Caribbean. The city was founded by Columbus and is called “America’s Cradle”, the first capital of the “New World”. Its thoroughly reconstructed historical centre, which was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage in 1990, features well-preserved stony witnesses to the times of colonization. The old city is called „Zona Colonial“ and is a must for all tourists interested in culture.

Santo Domingo features the biggest cathedral in the Dominican Republic, the Basílica Menor de la Virgen de La Anunciación, here simply called Santa María la Menor. This is the oldest cathedral in the “New World”. Another epochal highlicht is the cathedral that is situated in Santiago de los Caballeros, the second biggest city of the island: the Santiago Apóstol Cathedral, a neo-classical cathedral featuring a gilded mahogany altar and beautiful stained-glass windows. All that glitters related to history and golf in the Dominican Republic is gold - an Eldorado of extraordinary treasures that are well worth while to visit. You will need more than one vacation alone!

A whole country is looking forward to welcoming you – we wish you a hearty welcome and great golf!