Note: All options priced per person and valid for a Travel with a Friend package (two Groupons required), or pay an additional $599 fee to travel solo. Read about package structures here.

All-Inclusive Dominican Republic Vacation

The gated community of Playa Dorada on the Dominican Republic’s northern coast features two casinos, an open-air shopping center, and a designer golf course. Also located on the grounds of this 247-acre beachfront community: the Gran Ventana Beach Resort, a sprawling, all-inclusive property with more than 500 guest rooms. Despite its imposing size, the resort gets high marks for customer service—reviewers consistently praise the courteous staff, the poolside drink and towel service, and the range of kid-friendly activities available onsite.

Snorkeling, windsurfing, kayaking, and sailing are all covered in the all-inclusive package.

are all covered in the all-inclusive package. Dining options include authentic Caribbean at Octopus Gourmet Restaurant and fresh seafood at Ocean Grill.

include authentic Caribbean at Octopus Gourmet Restaurant and fresh seafood at Ocean Grill. Discounted golf at the Robert Trent Jones-designed Dorada Golf Course

at the Robert Trent Jones-designed Dorada Golf Course Family fun : Rent complimentary bikes from the hotel and explore the complex, or watch an animated movie screened at the hotel.

: Rent complimentary bikes from the hotel and explore the complex, or watch an animated movie screened at the hotel. Adults-only disco nights at a popular nightclub within walking distance of the hotel

Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic: Waterfalls, Beaches, and Centuries-Old Historical Sites

Situated on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic, Puerto Plata is best known for its sun-kissed beaches. But the province has several breathtaking geographical features inland as well. Damajagua is a natural water park of sorts—it features 27 waterfalls flowing from limestone rock formations. Tour guides lead groups through the falls, and you can swim and occasionally slide down the natural water slides.

You can get an aerial view of Puerto Plata and the Caribbean Sea on a teleférico, or cable car. One of them climbs 2,565 feet to the apex of Mount Isabel de Torres, which is crowned with blooming botanical gardens and a replica of Rio de Janeiro's massive Christ the Redeemer statue. It's also worth it to take a scenic drive to Parque Histórico La Isabela, where you'll find the remains of a church as well as ruins of a colonial village where Columbus routinely woke his neighbors by blasting the Santa Maria's foghorn.

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