/Dominican_ Republic

This mountainous, beach-fringed country occupies the eastern two-thirds of Hispaniola, second-largest of the Caribees. Santo Domingo, oldest city in the New World, is the historical capital and revels in restored treasures of its Spanish imperial days.

As in Havana, there is a waterfront drive known as the malecon. There are also strong ties to the Columbus legend. Both Santo Domingo and Havana once housed Columbus' remains. Again, like Cuba, the national sport is baseball. The two islands have nurtured some of the best baseball stars in the business. The Quincentennial of Columbus' arrival in the New World was marked with the lighting and dedication of the Columbus Memorial Lighthouse. It is a huge structure shaped as a crucifix with powerful beams of light outlining the image of a cross in the Dominican night sky.

Known for its high-quality amber - the stuff of Jurassic Park fame - the resort town of Puerto Plata, or Silver Port, graces the DR's north or Amber CoaST Here, you can ride a cable car to a massive statue of Christ, reminiscent of one which rises over Rio de Janeiro.

East of Puerto Plata is the relatively new resort area of Sosúa, with two villages connected by a wide beach. Lost Charamicos is to the west and El Batey to the east The area was founded by Jewish settlers fleeing Hitler in 1940.

To the west of Puerto Plata is La Isabela, named for Columbus' Queen Isabela. This first European settlement in the New World is world-renowned for its collection of Columbian and pre-Columbian artefacts. Current digs are revealing still more of the history and culture of the Taino aborigines. Historic Montecristi is known for its guarantee of sunshine all but five days of the year.

Shopping, sports and nightlife complete the DR's list of options offering something for every taste under the sun.

For great golf, first-class accommodations and 5-star service, the Dominican place to consider is Casa de Campo, a 7,000-acre luxury resort on the southeastern tip of the republic. The resort was decorated by the Dominican Republic's noted designer Oscar de la Renta. Of nine on-site restaurants, four are in Altos de Chavon, designed as the ultimate 16th century Mediterranean village. It has to be seen to be believed. The village of faux-ancient walls and cobblestones boasts a 5,000 seat Romanesque amphitheatre. It has hosted some of the world's best known entertainers since Frank Sinatra opened the place in 1982. The resort is closed off to locals, so you may want to savour local flavour by joining local residents in La Romana. Day tours of the nation's capital are available. For more information, call Premier Resorts and Hotels, 800-877-3643.

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