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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 Republic is 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. DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Has It All 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 Dominican Republic | 37 Consult your travel agent for more details on these and other tours. PUNTA CANA Reef Explorer Get to know the local sea life with power snorkeling, kayaking, or paddle surfing among the reefs. Ease any cares away at the hand of your personal masseuse, as you relax with a body massage or foot reflexology treatment as soothing as the seascape around you. Ziplines The ultimate in exhilaration, feel the Caribbean breeze rustle through your hair as you soar over canopied jungle, zipping from platform to platform for a bird's-eye view of the mountaintop beyond. Saona Island Board a catamaran bound for the beautiful coasts of Saona Island, a natural swimming pool, and the country's trademark pristine white beaches. A delicious barbeque lunch is included in your day. Dr. Fish Wellness awaits on this three-hour cruise through Bavaro. Find your center with yoga and Pilates set to panoramic views of the ocean blue; then, should you choose, try out an electronic ionization machine designed to cleanse the body of toxins as little fish happily exfoliate your sandal-loving feet. Caribbean Buccaneers Be whisked away for an exciting adventure on the high seas aboard a colonial-style galleon. Join the crew as a gang of pirates spin yarns and entertains with a live show. Dinner among your new shipmates on a floating island completes the tale. VACATION ENHANCING TOURS This country's resorts may seem to have it all, but one of the best ways to sample the beat of this island nation is to pre-book a tour.