Sosua is a bit more upbeat. Its main beach is a sheltered cove of silky sands and coral reefs – and if that wasn't enough this colourful resort boasts several other beautiful beaches nearby. You'll find buzzing beachside stalls to browse around, laid-back bars and at night, there are lively discos and even a casino to occupy you

     Excluive Playa Dorada is a gated resort of all-inclusive hotels on the northern coast. Framed by greenery and the stunning Mount Isabela, this resort fringes a 2km crescent of powdery sands lapped by unbelievably clear waters where lofty palms sway in the gentle breeze, set against bright blue skies and a take-it-easy pace.

     Nestled into thick palm groves on the Dominican Republic's northern coast, the pace of life in Bahia Maimon is as slow as the Caribbean can get. A string of stylish all-inclusive hotels a few kilometres from Puerto Plata, it boasts picture-perfect shores.

     San Juan's seafront features incredible beaches, with fine sands and, at Playa Grande, fantastic waves creating perfect conditions for the surfers who make their base here every summer. One of the most spectacular beaches in the island, Playa Grande's kilometre and a half of white sand is perfect for strolls on the beach. Bahia Principe is altogether more peaceful, more authentic and completely charming with brightly coloured, traditional Dominican Republic houses lining the town's bustling streets, fishing boats bobbing in the harbour.

     The resort of Bayahibe boasts laid back, pristine beaches, wildlife parks and sugar plantations - nearby towns and villages, such as  La Romana, and Bayahibe itself are all built on the profits of the island's sugar industries. There are beautiful white sands, tall coconut palms and islets rising from the Caribbean sea. There's plenty to do if sunbathing's not your thing - Altos de Chavon, just out of town, is a re-creation of a 16th century Italian village with artisan workshops; an archaeological museum; cobblestone streets; and a quaint church. Bayahibe provides one of the entrances to the Parque Nacional del Este and Isla Soana. The park consists of limestone terraces formed a million years ago and caves containing pre-Columbian carvings.  

     While Cabarete is just about as laid back as a Caribbean village can be, the beachside action is ratcheted up a degree or two. The bay's location is exceptional - a wide arc of sand overlooking the wide, blue expanse of the Atlantic is backed by lush palms. There is a  lush interior, tranquil lagoons and emerald green hills. An offshore reef at the entrance to the bay makes swimming safer but it's the onshore breeze which makes windsurfing such a popular pursuit.

     Costa Dorada is set against the backdrop of Mount Isabella de Torres. Its golden sand beach stretches for two and a half miles and is shared with Playa Dorada.  Juan Dolio is for those who like the best of both worlds. Laid back and friendly,  it's also strategically located within easy reach of Santo Domingo, La Romana and Boca Chica. So, as well as all the peaceful, away-from-it-all relaxation you could ever dream of, there's also the chance for some daytrips to more lively locales. The beach is good and has safe swimming in shallow waters protected by a coral reef.

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