Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic: 7 Reasons to Make This Your Honeymoon Destination

Looking for a tropical honeymoon destination?  Forget Cancun, Punta Cana, and the Bahamas.  Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic is the new Caribbean hot spot!  This small city on the island’s northeast coast is a unique combination of relaxation, adventure, and romance.  If you’re looking for the perfect spot to celebrate your newly married status, here are 7 reasons why you should choose Puerto Plata for your post-wedding vacation!

Perfect beach conditions await.

White sands, blue skies, and warm waters.  It’s the beach trifecta and you’ll find it in Puerto Plata.  With an average high of 81 and a low of 73, the weather is surprisingly mild, while the mountains of the region mean they miss much of hurricane season.  Whether you’re the type that likes to lounge in a beach chair under a palm tree, or you’re into water sports, boogie boarding, or swimming, you’re bound to spend a lot of time in or near the water.

There’s now a direct flight!

Visiting Puerto Plata just got a lot easier thanks to Apple Vacations.  Operating through Allegiant Air, you can now fly non-stop to this Dominican destination, beginning on March 2 and running on Fridays through August 24.  This short, 3.5-hour flight will get to you into Puerto Plata in no time.  No one wants to start a honeymoon off with a long layover, and Apple’s Exclusive Vacation Flights just made getting to your final stop a whole lot easier.

All-inclusive resorts abound.

It’s easy to treat yourselves to some all-inclusive service in Puerto Plata.  The Playa Dorada section of the city is a private, secluded beach area that boasts 8 all-inclusive resorts, including Iberostar Costa Dorada, Emotions Playa Dorada, VH Grand Ventana, and Sunscape Puerto Plata.  Or travel a little further east along the coast and you’ll find the excellent Viva Wyndham Tangerine in the cool beach town of Cabarete.  At each, you’ll find great restaurants, luxe accommodations, fun entertainment, and adults-only amenities for those who want a kid-free honeymoon.

There’s so much to do!

Zip lining, snorkeling, hiking to waterfalls, sailing on catamarans, exploring museums and more can be found in Puerto Plata.  This isn’t one of those you-shouldn’t-really-leave-the-resort towns.  Here, it’s perfectly safe to step foot off the all-inclusive and discover what the area has to offer.  From natural landscapes to local history to rich culture, there’s something to entertain just about any taste.  My personal recommendations are the Outback Adventures Safari tour for a glimpse into how the locals really live and the Puerto Plata City Tour that includes a cable car ride to the top of Mount Isabel de Torres!

The locals can’t wait to meet you.

Unlike other places to which I’ve traveled, Puerto Plata welcomed me with open arms.  From the resort staff to the tour guides to the people I met on the street, everyone greeted me with a smile and a friendly hello.  Because tourism is such an important part of the Dominican economy, those living there are always happy to see new faces and to show off their home.  Despite the DR having over 5 million arrivals and being the most popular tourist destination in the Caribbean, the city of Puerto Plata will still feel very much like a small town full of warm people.

Planning your trip is smooth sailing.

Going on a honeymoon is nice and easy.  Planning one?  Now that can be another story.  Lucky for you, Apple Vacations makes arranging your trip a total breeze.  Apple’s website is a one-stop vacation planning shop.  You can book everything from flights, accommodations, upgrades, and even excursions and tours managed by their sister company, Amstar.  At most resorts, a brand rep will even greet you once you’re on the ground and be available to answer any questions and help you get settled.  Try finding that level of service from another on-line booking site.

You’ll get an authentic experience.

While tourism is their number one source of revenue, don’t think for one second that Puerto Plata is overly commercialized.  Many Caribbean destinations can quickly become cheapened by touristy gimmicks and over-saturation of major chain brands.  However, Puerto Plata is full of real people living real lives who want to show you the real magic of the Dominican Republic.  Unlike preplanned, man-made destinations, such as Cancun, Puerto Plata provides an authentic experience in a beautifully natural setting.

Well, have I totally sold you on a Puerto Plata honeymoon yet?  Comment below and tell me what you’ve love to see and do while there!

While this trip and post was sponsored by Apple Vacations, all opinions, insight, and recommendations are my own.