ll July - September 2009 ZiNG 59 Top to bottom: Baseball is the Republic's national sport; Alcazar de Colon, Santo Domingo; Altos de Chavon, Casa de Campo ? PACKING Don't forget the essentials for a beach holiday, as swimwear can be expensive if bought locally. Visitors should also take a few formal jackets for dining out, and it's a good idea to have long trousers and long-sleeved shirts for mosquito- infested areas. Those intending to visit the ' Alps' should remember that it can be chilly at night. ? HEALTH PRECAUTIONS There are no particular innoculation requirements for those entering the country, but travellers are advised to ensure that they are protected against tetanus, polio, and hepatitis A and B. ? INSECT REPELLENT This is one of the most vital things to bring with you. It should be applied liberally on exposed skin, especially ankles, and particularly at nightfall. Avoiding mosquito bites is an essential part of staying healthy. ? ELECTRICITY The country's erratic electricity supply works on a 110- volt system, as in the US and Canada. Plugs are the two- pin North American type. While most Dominicans endure lengthy daily power cuts, due to a creaking power network, nearly all tourist facilities enjoy the benefi ts of private generators or inverters. LIAT fl ies from Antigua to Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic four times per week non stop. SANTO DOMINGO Bonao La Vega San Francisco de Macoris San Pedro de Macoris Santiago Puerto Plata Ellis Piña Pedernales Barahona San CristóbalLa Romana ATLANTIC OCEAN CARIBBEAN SEA La Samana Oviedo Jimani Restauración Monte CristiEl Castillo Cabrera Cabarete Nisibón Monte Plata CORDILLERA CENTRAL Galvan Sabaneta Pico Duarte El Choco National Park GETTY IMAGES

60 ZiNG July - September 2009 ISLAND PROFILE not available on site. So what will it be today? The beach or one of the water sports options? Maybe some riding, jumping or polo lessons at the Equestrian Centre; tennis, or trap shooting, or a try at the 10 position sporting clay course within the Shooting Centre? Oh, and don't forget about golf on one of three Championship courses, including the Teeth of the Dog links, where seven of the 18 manicured holes border the sea. Want to relax? Grab a chaise at the beach, or lounge around one of the many pools on the property. Your decision- making isn't over, as there are a dozen restaurants to choose from throughout the day. No wonder most of the guests never leave the resort throughout their vacation. The 300 hotel- style casita rooms, and 150 privately- owned villas, are clustered around the 7000- acre property - which is larger than many Caribbean islands. The grounds, scenery, and service are impeccable, with everything about the resort truly fi rst- class. While I'm off volleying with a junior pro, negotiating a double- fence jump, looking for lost balls in the rough, or trying to track and fi re at an elusive skeet, my wife is lounging at the beach pouring over the evening menu options. Just what the doctor ordered. One of the most impressive aspects of Casa de Campo is the Dominican Cultural Centre Altos de Chavon - a 16th- century replica of a Mediterranean village, perched high above the Chavon River. Period stone and brick buildings line the village's cobbled alleys and piazzas. The stone archways, carved wooden doors, vine- covered balconies, and hand- forged wrought- iron work transport you back centuries, even though the village was actually only inaugurated in 1982. The new marina is another exercise in architectural good taste. Situated on the Caribbean Sea along the Chavon River, and housing more than 50 shops and restaurants, the marina fl ows around the cobblestone piazza and the piers are fi lled with Dominican and international yachts. The entire property is meant to evoke a Mediterranean village. However you look at it, this destination has it all. Whatever your budget, whatever your preferred itinerary - pretty much whatever turns you on, it's here, in abundance, and delivered with a smile. ? Must- sees It's impossible to see everything the Dominican Republic has to offer in one visit. So here are ZiNG's top attractions... or alternatively come back again and again. 1 Playa Bonita Paradise is an often overused word, but when it comes to this 13km stretch of uninterrupted white sand, we mean it. An offshore reef also offers the best snorkelling in the Samana peninsular. 2 El Limon Waterfall Hidden deep within the Samana mountains, accessible only on horseback and foot, is this stunning 50m- drop waterfall. Enjoy a swim in the crystal clear waters at its base. 3 Isabela de Torres cable car Experience stunning views from Puerta Plata's premier attraction. At the top of the mountain is a diminutive version of Rio's Christ the Redeemer, spreading its arms out to the city. 4 Lago Enriquillo Sitting at the lowest point in the Caribbean, is a saltwater lake larger than the size of Manhattan. Take a boat trip and spot crocodiles, rhinoceros iguanas and thousands of tropical birds. 5 Santo Domingo Malecon A scenic, seven- mile- long boardwalk and party zone dotted with bustling bars and cafes. Take in the old city wall, San Jose Fort and La Obelisca, stopping for an ice- cold drink or two along away. THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC MINISTRY OF TOURISM El Limon Waterfall, Samana Above: Christ the Redeemer