Self-care, sunshine and culture in La Romana
With fresh seafood, medieval-style sites, stellar sunsets and some of the world’s best beaches, this Dominican Republic hotspot makes for a stress-free getaway in the tropics. | Alina Dizik | March 17, 2023
When it comes to planning the perfect Caribbean getaway, you really can please everyone on your list — you just need to know where to stay. Our recommendation? The charming town of La Romana on the Dominican Republic’s southeast coast. With a unique mix of white-sand beaches, stunning landmarks, fresh local seafood and plenty of time for relaxation, it provides each visitor with their ideal vacation — no matter their age. Here are some of the best things to do in La Romana:
Explore: Visit nearby Altos de Chavon to experience local culture and catch a performance at the medieval-style amphitheater
Relax: Book a massage at the spa, enjoy a meal overlooking the Caribbean or take a fitness class
Get outdoors: Explore caves at a national park or ride the waves on Jet Skis
Find your bliss
Whether you’re seeking a relaxing romantic getaway, eager to make fun memories with friends or going on a family adventure, the key to experiencing the ultimate getaway is to find the right place to stay.
For a stress-free experience from arrival to departure, head to an all-inclusive resort. Located on the Dominican Republic’s lush Carribean coast, Hilton La Romana, an All-Inclusive Adult Only Resort offers everything from rejuvenating spa treatments (think hot stone and deep tissue massages) and pool-side cabanas to privately catered dinners without ever leaving the property. And with a private white-sand beach, you’ll want to set aside time to witness the island’s dreamy sunsets.
Traveling with kids? Enjoy all the same perks but with additional kid-friendly amenities at the adjacent Hilton La Romana, an All-Inclusive Family Resort.
Take time to reconnect
Spending time with loved ones is easy at an all-inclusive resort. Sign up for a dance or fitness class, soak up some vitamin D on the private beach overlooking the turquoise water or simply lounge in your spacious suite (room service is included as part of your stay). Hilton La Romana’s all-inclusive resorts also have an extensive network of water activities — including infinity pools and a water park! — for everyone to enjoy.
Throughout the resorts there are gorgeous spaces to spend quality time with loved ones without feeling rushed. Choose from a wide range of restaurants (many have daily specials that take advantage of the Dominican Republic’s local ingredients), daily classes and activities, nightly entertainment and more. Whatever you choose to do each day, you’ll be able to focus on creating special moments rather than figuring out logistics.
Explore the area
Eager to spend the day sightseeing? Your resort concierge can help arrange rental cars, city tours and island excursions. Both properties are conveniently located within 20 minutes of La Romana’s stunning Altos de Chavon, a stone replica of a 16th century Mediterranean village that sits 300 feet (91 meters) above the area’s winding Chavon River. The area also includes a medieval amphitheater where you can see a show, an art gallery featuring local artists and an archeological museum. It’s the ideal destination for a taste of the local culture and history.
Kick back with the locals at nearby Bayahibe and Dominicus beaches or tap into your inner adventurer with a visit to Cotubanama National Park for snorkeling, hiking, cave exploration and freshwater springs.
Take in the action
With a mix of watersports, exercise classes and plenty of space for hanging out alfresco, making moves has never been easier. Snorkeling and diving excursions or playing one of the nearby golf courses are always popular picks. Kids in tow? The resort’s Kids and Teen clubs are the perfect place for young guests to make new friends while parents enjoy a restful respite without worry. Work with resort staff to create a specific itinerary to take the stress out of daily planning. Both properties also offer Premium Club rooms and suites that give you access to lounges, exclusive meals and other amenities (private plunge pool, anyone?).
Whether you want to kick your feet up and enjoy the resort amenities to their fullest as soon as you arrive in the Dominican Republic or prefer to explore the natural surroundings with thrilling excursions, a visit to La Romana will have you planning a return trip in no time.
Alina Dizik is a veteran lifestyle journalist, covering travel, real estate, family, work trends and dining. Her work appears in The Wall Street Journal, BBC, The Cut, The Guardian and other top publications. She lives in Chicago and has spent time living in New York, Europe and the Middle East. She spends more than two months each year traveling internationally with her husband and two school-age children. She has visited more than 50 countries.
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