A verdant, well-planned and completely sanitised, purpose-built 250-acre holiday oasis, shielded from the local population by a security-patrolled perimeter and main gate; guests are obliged to present their resort identity cards or wristbands on re-entering. More than a dozen luxury resort-style hotels are grouped around a meandering 18-hole golf course and a couple of attractive lakes. The focal point is Plaza Playa Dorada, with its compact concentration of gift shops, minimart, tour operators, a few restaurants and a couple of banks, situated off the main drive. Little of Dominican life will be seen from within the precincts of the complex and prices are higher than "outside".

Predominantly well-funded, beach-loving couples of all ages; particularly popular with honeymooners. Many others come just for the golf.

Over a dozen good-quality hotel complexes, some better than others, but all pretty much adhering to the same formula. Several are set behind the long sandy beach; others less fortunate generally have small private sections with a beach bar and loungers. Most now cater for all-inclusive packages so are popular with European tourists.

Over 2½ mls of fine, golden sand fringed with mature palms; many hotels back directly onto the shore and provide their own complement of thatched parasols, loungers and simple snack bars, although the entire length is accessible to visitors. A little scruffy in parts, it offers a good range of water sports including coral-reef snorkelling, paragliding, windsurfing and banana-boat rides.

Plaza Playa Dorada is the focal point for basic shopping requirements. It houses many gift shops, a couple of banks and exchange bureaux, a few restaurants, local tour-operators, Internet facilities, a minimart and a small cinema. Most properties also have a shop or two, selling sun creams, bottled water and toiletries. A colony of "artesanias" has appeared ½ ml along the road towards Puerto Plata offering locally made craft items.

Daytime: beach or pool based - most complexes have comprehensive organised programmes for both adults and children; horse riding; golf; go-karting at Fun City amusement park. Nightlife: a choice of discos and unsophisticated casinos at a handful of the larger hotels, with 1 or 2 lively music bars around the Plaza. All properties provide live shows and Tannoyed music until late.

Visitors on all-inclusive packages tend to dine in their own hotels which provide generous buffets although most have at least 1 a la carte specialist restaurant. Several cafeterias and relaxed restaurants in the Plaza, some with nightly entertainment. Best not to 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.

Guests are encouraged to use taxis or hotel transportation (usually tractor-drawn trailers). Frequent public guagua (minibus) service plies the coast road. Horse-drawn carriage rides around the complex.

See Puerto Plata.

On Atlantic N coast, on a stretch known as the Amber Coast. 4 mls E of Puerto Plata, 9 mls NW of Puerto Plata airport. 15 mls W of Sosua. 135 mls NW of Santo Domingo.

Occupies a flat site complete with man-made lakes, set between the main coast road and the curving sandy coastline; bisected by a narrow creek.

Airport : La Union
Airport Code: POP
Flight time from ther U.K.: 9 hrs