Vacation Destination of the Month- July 2009

This month's BellaMar Concierge, Inc. vacation destination is the Dominican Republic.

There are two major resort areas within the Dominican Republic, Puerto Plata and Punta Cana, they offer all of the amenities expected from a resort destination. Best of all, both areas are easily accessible with airports just outside of town, and can be reached from most major airports in the United States.

If you are looking to lounge on beautiful beaches the Dominican Republic is right for you. Many resorts offer all inclusive services, which not only include food and beverage, but also include non-motorized water toys like kayaks and sail boats. They have great restaurants, shopping and spas with oceanfront massage palapas.

For the more adventurous at heart the options are endless. Scuba diving, deep sea fishing, hiking, 4x4 tours, sunset cruises, and many other spectacular tours.

My personal favorite is the 27 Waterfalls Tour just outside of Puerto Plata. The tour begins by meeting your personal local guide and don your helmet and life jacket at the "27 Charcos Visitor Center." From the visitor's center you will cross a wide river and begin a rigorous 90 minute hike up a mountain and into the jungle. You know you have reached the river when you hear the roaring waterfall "number 27" and will soon see it on your left. During the next two hours you will spend your time jumping from rocks (up to 25' in height) into crystal clear pools surrounded by sandstone walls. If you are not interested in jumping from all 27 waterfalls you do the shorter tour first 7 waterfalls, which will still give you great exposure to the beautiful area.

A few recommendations:
-Get to the visitor's center early, we arrived at 7am and were the first couple on the hike
-Bring cash, the cost is about $8 for 1-7 waterfalls or $14 for 1-27 waterfalls
-Plan on wearing tennis shoes or tight fitting water socks, Crocs and flip-flops will not work on this tour
-Bring a waterproof camera, there is NO way you will not get wet, in some cases the only way down is to get in the water
-HAVE FUN! There is no other tour in the world like this!-For more information visit the website www.27charcos.com

For more information on travel to the Dominican Republic or for anywhere else in the world please visit our website at www.bellamarconcierge.com or email us at bellamarconcierge@gmail.com, Thanks and happy traveling