JUAN DOLIO
Area: Dominican Republic
Country: Dominican Republic


Location:
Towards the E end of the Caribbean S coast, 40 miles E of Santo Domingo, 25 miles E of its airport.

Telephone code from UK:
1 809

Website:
http://www.juandolio.com

Position:
Flat, uninspiring coastal plain backed by scrub and tropical farmland. Palms run along much of the length of this coast, which is protected by a reef.

Description:
Originally a small fishing village, the town today is not much more than a shambling ribbon development, merging imperceptibly with nearby Guaycanes into several miles of jumbled hotels, private resort complexes, shacks and a scattering of shops and bars in and around the centre. The dominance of all-inclusive packages has resulted in little development of infrastructure.

Suitability:
Families, couples and honeymooners for moderately quiet holiday at predominantly middlemarket all-inclusive hotels.

Accommodation:
Mainly all-inclusive hotels with only one or two approaching luxury status. Emphasis is on organised games, entertainments and sports.

Shopping:
Small, unsophisticated commercial centre with scattered shops and services. Numerous beach vendors selling various tourist souvenirs and beach paraphernalia.

Beach:
Long narrow stretches of fine, light sand shaded by palms. Most water is shallow and protected by offshore reef. Larger hotels provide a choice of water sports.

Entertainments:
Daytime: beach, water sports and organised hotel activities. Nightlife: hotel bars, live shows and discos. One hotel has a casino.

Eating:
Hotels provide main options. Few acceptable eateries outside. Don't drink the tap water; it's advisable to avoid salads or cold meats that are displayed without the benefit of chilling devices.

Public-transport:
Taxi, motoconcho (back seat of moped) or unreliable guagua (minibus). Car hire is available from international firms, but town-centre driving is frantic, local driving skills often appalling and the few main roads invariably potholed and bereft of signposts.

Local-excursions:
The capital of Santo Domingo.