Soak up the sun on the golden sand beaches and indulge in the amenities of top-notch resorts. Throw in a meringue beat and the friendliness of the locals and you have Puerto Plata, the Dominican's own version of paradise.
Playa Dorada, just outside Puerto Plata, is the Dominican Republic's premier resort area. It's got everything you need for a great sun vacation - excellent hotels, sandy beaches and hopping nightlife. Laid-back Sosua is great for families and probably has the area's best beaches. Head to Cabarete for partying and some of the best windsurfing anywhere. Check out Playa Confresi, the locals' favourite beach, then spend the evening at the Ocean World casino. Puerto Plata also has plenty of shops, many featuring the famous local amber.
Although the resorts in Playa Dorada, Sosua and Cabarete are excellent quality all-inclusives, prices can vary widely so it pays to check your options carefully. Sosua often has the best prices and is a great place to find a last minute deal.