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Why It's Good:
If you're a fan of the sun, sand and surf, the Caribbean is an obvious destination. And while the Dominican Republic certainly has gorgeous beaches and weather to lust over, there's something for everyone on the island including plenty of wildlife, hiking, spas and golfing to fill your days.
Why It's Green:
The city of La Romana has been recognized by the Caribbean Hospitality Industry with the Green Area of the Caribbean Award. The hotels have joined forces to preserve the area and several green projects are underway including local environmental education programs, beach conservation, endangered species protection and reforestation.
Where to Eat, Stay, Spa and Sport in La Romana, Dominican Republic
Every time I go to the Caribbean, I notice that while the coastal tourist areas are pristine and beautiful, the central areas of the islands often seem busy, polluted and underdeveloped. So on my recent trip to La Romana in the Dominican Republic, I was pleasantly surprised to discover a number of fabulous eco destinations, below. — Julie Knapp
Get & Stay There:
Start your trip out right by flying directly into La Romana (instead of Santo Domingo) and you'll avoid a long and polluting bus ride to your resort. Six hotels in La Romana have eco-friendly initiatives. One to try is the Sunscape Casa del Mar. Like many Caribbean hotels, it's all-inclusive and has activities galore for singles and families. Casa del Mar also conserves energy and water, and recycles fallen trees from hurricanes and tropical storms to build such features as the children's tree house. While you're there, be sure to check out the indigenous garden.
Eat Locally & Deliciously:
One thing I loved about the island is that you don't necessarily have to find a green restaurant to do your part while dining. At virtually any seafood, Latin or Caribbean restaurant, you can select locally grown or fished items including red snapper, sea bass, crab, plantains, pineapple, papaya and coconut. You'll get to enjoy authentic fresh tastes of the island and know that your food wasn't shipped in from far away.
Relax at a Spa:
On my trip, I visited the just-opened Cygalle Healing Spa at Casa de Campo.The holistic and green spa is truly a tropical sanctuary, from the impressive labyrinth in the garden to the luxurious treatments. A unique mix of ancient and modern healing practices, the menu included both a basic massage and a Crystal Chakra Aromatherapy session. All of the spa's services feature organic products and live formulas that are free of chemicals and preservatives, and are mixed on site at the spa pharmacy, including many locally grown ingredients like aloe, papaya and coconut oil. If you want to take some home, they're sold in recycled bottles.
Check Out the Fauna:
If you like more of an active vacation, try the National Park of the East. It's an ecological reserve that offers everything from coral-reef diving to bird watching. The area is home to 112 different bird species, bottlenose dolphins, manatees, rhinoceros and iguanas, as well as loggerhead, green and hawksbill turtles. There's also a hike that was recently carved out called Padre Nuestro, which takes visitors through caves that are covered with pictographs and rock carvings.
