Discovered by Christopher Columbus, the idyllic Caribbean island of Hispaniola has endured a turbulent history with periods of Spanish, French, Haitian and American occupation. Today, the Dominican Republic – a US-style democracy – covers two-thirds of the island, the remaining third being French-speaking Haiti.

Picture sugar-white beaches fringed with palm trees, clear blue waters, every imaginable water sport, vibrant people and the hypnotic tones of the salsa and merengue carried on the sea breeze. Add to this verdant green valleys, lakes, tropical rainforests and four mountain ranges including Pico Duarte, the tallest in the Caribbean, and you begin to understand the country’s popularity.

At the easternmost tip of the island is Punta Cana, originally the name of the small village but now used to describe the entire resort area encompassing Juanillo, Punta Cana, Cabeza de Toro, Bavaro, El Cortecito, Mocao and Uvero Alto, with all-inclusive resorts and the Manatee natural park bursting with fauna and flora unique to the island.

In recent years, the island has become the top Caribbean destination. International investment in high quality all-inclusive hotels and development of villas, beachside apartments, marinas, high quality golf courses and excellent sporting facilities are all under way to cater for the increased interest in the island.