Once you’ve explored the old streets of Santo Domingo and taken in its rich culture, you should investigate the natural beauty of the Dominican Republic. From the compact all inclusive luxury in Costa Dorada, to the quaint beauty of Samana, or the beaches at Bavaro in Punta Cana, there's plenty for you on your 2017 or 2018 Dominican holidays.

The Dominican Republic is teeming with popular resorts and places to visit. Samana, on the northeast coast, looks over Samana Bay, which hundreds of whales descend upon during mating season. Punta Cana is home to two of the Dominican Republic's best resorts, Uvero Alto and Bavaro. Bavaro has magic beaches and Uvero Alto is where you want to visit if you're looking for a laidback family resort.

Puerto Plata, located close to Costa Dorada, is one of the most popular resorts in the Dominican Republic. Puerto Plata's two famous beach resorts, Playa Dorada and Bahia Maimon, have to be seen to be believed (psst, they're beautiful.) 

The Dominican Republic has a rich food history. Over the centuries explorers from all over the globe descended on the island's shores. Moreover, foods and recipes from other Caribbean nations made their ways to the island. These foods have come together to create the Dominican Republic's delicious, modern cuisine. Book the right all inclusive hotel, and you'll be able to sample it all. Ask for the local cuisine!

Sancocho or seven-meat stew is one of the most popular dishes found on the island. Some experts call it the official dish of the Dominican Republic. The delicious stew features seven types of meat from four different animals, cooked with root vegetables. Uniquely Dominican, Mangu is a dish of mashed plantains. Mangu is usually served with eggs and fried cheese. It is a typical breakfast dish that you will find at restaurants and hotels. If you are looking to cool down with a local drink, you will find Morir Sonando. The iced drink is a mixture of orange and milk. Drink this after spending time in the sun or with lunch to replenish the body.

The Dominican Republic is a perfect choice for families. Not only are there endless sandy beaches on the island, but the hotels are oases of relaxation that will please everyone. All inclusive packages will include a plethora of activities for the little ones. Looking for an ocean cruise? Why not take the family to Punta Cana Bavaro for a trip aboard a catamaran? The whole family can snorkel, swim or dive into the ocean's blue waters off the boat. Migrating humpback whales can be seen at many of the Dominican Republic's coves and bays. Watch from the shoreline or get up close and personal on the catamarans or boats that venture out into the waters. Whatever you choose, the family will have a holiday to remember in the Dominican Republic.

Travel away from the island's capital Santo Domingo and you will find much of the region is rural. It is there that you will see the Dominican Republic's captivating natural beauty. It is that scenery that provides the backdrop to outdoor adventures across the island.

Travellers will find mountain views and rushing rivers on the island's interior. Lush jungles and beautiful waterfalls can be found off road. Get your adrenaline fix as you go white water rafting, ride inflatable tubes along rapids or go cascading in the islands waterfalls.

Hike to the top of Pico Duarte for sweeping views across the island as you discover your holiday paradise. Nearer the shoreline, you will find hundreds of miles of sensational beaches. Go on a whale-spotting adventure out into the bay or try your hand at some exhilarating watersports. The whole family can see exotic animals and swim with dolphins at Manati Park.

If you don’t know where to start, ask the concierge at the desk of your all inclusive hotel, they’re there to help.

The Dominican Republic is all about beaches and laidback lifestyles. Whether in a five-star luxury all inclusive hotel or self-catering digs that are wallet-friendly, holidays in the Dominican Republic come with accommodation to suit everyone. Fall asleep to the crashing of waves and wake up to sunshine and glorious temperatures in places like Bavaro, Punta Cana.

If you are looking for a beach break at its absolute best, Boca Chica is a complete knockout. It is all endless white sand shorelines and sapphire blue waters. You will find the perfect spot for a relaxing time. Settle down on the sand, a sun lounger or in a beachside bar sipping on a fruity cocktail in the shade. If you have children, Boca Chica has safe, shallow waters for the whole family to enjoy.

Puerto Plata has the perfect palm-fringed beaches, clear waters and offshore reefs. It is a prime location for swimming or snorkelling. If you fancy windsurfing, the beaches on the northern coast have winds and waves that are perfect. The undeveloped Barahona is perfect if you want to escape the crowds of tourists.

Other popular beach resorts in the Dominican Republic include Samana, Punta Cana and the lovely Bayahibe. Bayahibe is a top beach destination for your Caribbean holiday, as Bayahibe Beach is a little less frequented by tourists and makes for a romantic spot to enjoy the sunset.

As you might expect from a laid-back, relaxed and happy destination, the Dominican Republic’s nightlife is second to none. The island’s party calendar is a vibrant and busy one, with festivals, parties, bars and clubs open to all the year round. If you’re after a fun, lively drink that doesn’t include getting hot and sweaty, pull up a stool in a beach-side bar, and you’ll be sharing a drink with the locals before you can say ‘Calabash Rum Cocktail, por favor!’ Book the right all inclusive deal for your holidays and you won't even have to go far for that quintessential Caribbean holiday vibe. Cocktails on the beach!

Santo Domingo is a romantic escape full of old colonial buildings. The city's architecture allows for beautiful strolls in the evening along the city's streets. A popular region of the Dominican Republic is Punta Cana, and there are plenty of hotels here to accommodate you. The area has several five-star all inclusive resorts and spas that allow you to sit back, relax and enjoy the panoramic coastal views of the ocean.

If you are travelling without children, you will find several all inclusive, adult-only hotels. The hotels will provide you and your loved one with everything you need. In fact, you won't need to even leave the resort if you don’t want to! The Bayahibe region makes for an idyllic holiday spot for groups of all ages. The resorts in the region come with their own pool area, spa and fitness centres. Some even have their own nightclub and casinos. You could try the exclusive resort area of Costa Dorada, or go for some palm-lined relaxation in Samana. The Dominican Republic really has something to suit everyone.

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Even with the best all inclusive package, holidays to the Caribbean should be about getting out and exploring beautiful cultural heritage. The island isn't just about beaches, although they are great. Alcazar de Colon is a must-see UNESCO World Heritage site for history lovers. It is the oldest palace in the Americas and offers up plenty of education to visitors. Santo Domingo is the starting point to any holiday in the Dominican Republic. Known as the "first city of the Americas", Santo Domingo is rich in history. You can explore the incredible old city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the oldest European city in the Americas. Get your fill of culture and history in the form of colonial buildings, churches and engrossing museums - the perfect warm up before outdoor adventures.