Page 1: The Puerto Plata area

A two hour flight from Miami takes you to the Puerto Plata International Airport in the north coast of the Dominican Republic (DR) on the largest island in the Antilles.

In recent years more American tourists have begun to visit here.    A growing number of retirees are relocating to the Dominican Republic because of the low cost of living and close proximity to the U.S.

Luxury resorts, including many villas and time-share condos, are scattered along the beaches in this family friendly area.

The resorts are low-rise and not as dense as, for example, Cancun.  The atmosphere is very laid back--except for the drivers who whiz around like maniacs on scooters and small cars.

The early morning sky may be gray above the cabanas lining the beach, but the temperature on this late November day was comfortable, in the low 80s.  In the distance is Ocean World, a theme park/aquarium.  For the adults there is a casino near SeaWorld.

A stroll along the beach turns up a shop with paintings by locals as well as sarongs and souvenirs.

The town of Puerto Plata is home to Brugal rum and you can...
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