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DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Consider this gem hidden no longer; leisure travelers have caught wind of this escapist's dream. Puerto Plata's sunny beaches and affordable all- inclusives already have their share of loyal devotees, and Punta Cana and Bavaro's 20 miles of shoreline are hot on its heels. Dominican Republicis quickly building a reputation as a premier vacation spot—almost as quickly as the area is building golf courses designed by the likes of Jack Nicklaus and Nick Faldo; full-service marinas; and, of course, mega-resorts that leave you wanting for nothing. Nearby, La Romana's quaint Altos de Chavon enclave is an exceptional work of livable art, with shops, boutiques, a gallery, restaurants, amphitheater and more perched high above golf courses, polo fields, tennis courts and a marina. Not to be forgotten is Cap Cana, a luxurious community with an array of five-star hotels, and the capital, Santo Domingo, where modern hotels sit on the same cobblestoned streets conquistador Juan Ponce de León once strode upon. Of course, these towns only begin to scratch the reef-studded surface of this stunning island nation, just coming into its golden age. Las Américas International Airport Bahia de Ocoa Punta Cana Beach La Unión International Airport Santo Domingo Puerto Plata La Romana Samaná El Catey International Airport Caribbean Sea A T L A N T I C O C E A N Escocesa Bay Samana Bay Cape Samana Cape Beato Cap Cana 0 40 miles 0 40 km H A I T I La Unión International Airport Puerto Plata Sosua A T L A N T I C O C E A N Escocesa Bay Samana Bay Cape Samana Cape Francés Viejo Cape Beato Nagua Samana Playa Cabarete Las Terrenas Playa Dorada Playa Grande 0 25 miles 0 25 km 3 101 La Romana- Bayahibe Airport Catalina Island Saona Island National Park of the East Caribbean Sea Boca de Chavón Bayahibe La Romana San Pedro de Macoris Minitas Beach 0 5 miles 0 5 km 71 LA ROMANA PUERTO PLATA 58 57 59 62 61 65 63 64 72 49 55 54 53 50 52 51 48 60 Cap Cana Village Punta Cana Pantanal Punta Cana International Airport Palo Bonito Mar Tunis Juanillo Marina Cap Cana 0 3 mile 0 3 km Bávaro Lagoon Bávaro Beach Punta Cana Beach Cortecito Beach Cabeza de Toro Caribbean Sea Herrera Airport Caribbean Sea Port National Botanical Gardens Santo Domingo Country Club Mirador del Sur Park O za m a R . I s a b e l R . 0 1 mile 0 1 km 40 22 33 25 32 24 47 31 34 12 18 13 14 15 26 PUNTA CANA 36 5 10 19 27 4 35 42 44 21 28 2 39 17 29 1 41 46 45 11 23 8 37 9 7 6 43 3 38 30 16 20 56 SANTO DOMINGO Dominican Republic 41