This developing resort area, which stretches for about 15 mls W of Punta Cana, is in a rather remote part of the island reached by tedious and often appalling country roads. Its popularity - evidenced by the ongoing construction of secure, self-contained complexes - is by virtue of the almost unbroken stretch of white sandy beach and clear blue ocean protected by a long coral reef. The mundane little shopping centre of Plaza Bavaro, with its modest shops, services and minor eateries, is the only thing that resembles a centre, and provides the only alternative to the facilities at the all-inclusive properties that dominate the region.

Middle- to upmarket holidaymakers who do not mind being "confined to barracks".

Widely scattered and often isolated all-inclusive hotels, most with a comprehensive range of in-house activities and facilities.

About 15 mls of fine white sand (often fringed with tall palm trees) protected by a coral reef that promotes safer bathing and water sports. Windsurfing, sailing and diving are particularly popular.

Plaza Bavaro and surrounding smaller plazas provide minimarkets and a limited number of unsophisticated, tourist-orientated shops selling jewellery, local handicrafts and beachwear. A wider selection can be found at the dull provincial town of Higuey. Look out for local rum, cigars and amber products.

Daytime: beaches, water sports and organised hotel activities; swimming with dolphins; Manati ecological park, with a replica of a native Taino village; go-karting; golf. Nightlife: lively, unsophisticated hotel discos, shows and bars; a couple of hotels have small casinos.

Restricted almost exclusively to the hotels. All-inclusive packages have curtailed any significant independent enterprise. Don't drink the tap water (brush your teeth with bottled water) and avoid salads or cold meats that are displayed without the benefit of chilling devices.

Local minibuses are unreliable and best avoided. Taxis can be ordered from all hotels.

Full day: Saona and Catalina islands; Este National Park, including caves with pre-Columbian petroglyphs; boat trip along the Chavon River; helitours of E region; Santo Domingo for sightseeing and shopping.

On the E tip of the island, on the Atlantic E coast. 38 mls E of Higuey, the nearest large town. 128 mls E of Santo Domingo and its international airport.

Long stretch of coast, backed by flat coastal countryside that includes a large lagoon and extensive mangrove thickets.

Airport : Punta Cana
Airport Code: PUJ
Flight time from ther U.K.: 9 hrs