Key West, FLKey West, FL

Key West, FL

The warm, clear Caribbean waters of the Florida Keys are ideal for kayaking. Paddlers visiting the island chain can cross the «leeward» side by riding a board supported by the trade winds to cover long distances. When there is no wind, the boards can be used as a fishing platform or just for a quiet rest in the secluded corners of country apartments. Key West’s laid-back attitude pairs perfectly with this slow-paced sport, providing the opportunity to travel through the mangroves without forgetting the spectacular marine life, including everything from manatees to rays.

Amsterdam, The NetherlandsAmsterdam, The Netherlands

Amsterdam, The Netherlands (Hotel Prices & Photos)

Amsterdam may seem like an odd place for rowing, but the sport can be played on almost any type of water, and the city has 165 canals, which together are about 60 miles long, it’s actually the perfect destination. The canals carve their way through the city’s golden age buildings, cobbled streets and ornate gables. There are no sharks here, you just have to watch out for a rare rusty bike as you drive past storybook-like historic buildings. While you take in all the great architecture, you can even paddle right next to the Anne Frank House, where you can really feel the historical significance of Amsterdam.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (Hotel Prices & Photos)

Puerto Vallarta is a paradise for paddlers of all levels, as well as other water sports enthusiasts. Here you can glide through the still warm waters of Banderas Bay while spotting humpback whales, dolphins and sea turtles. Los Muertos Beach, the most active stretch of sand along the bay, offers it all, including board and paddle rentals, as well as lessons with an experienced expert. While you’re here, you can also enjoy some amazing diving and snorkeling as well as a variety of land-based options. Puerto Vallarta is a rich cultural city with a plethora of fantastic options, including everything from taco stands and beach vendors selling half-shell oysters to fine dining. Nightlife options include a clubbing nightclub, cozy lounges and live theatre.

Namotu Island, FijiNamotu Island, Fiji

Namotu Island, Fiji (Hotel Prices & Photos)

Fiji is one of the most fantastic island destinations on the planet, and famed watersports enthusiast Dave Kalama lists Namotu Island as one of the best. He’s been going to this resort since its inception, famously, «If you have a bucket list and Namotu Island isn’t at the top, then put it there.» The glorious waters surrounding Namota are perfect for kayaking — the conditions are perfect for both flat water and paddles. The resort is uniquely located quite close to all of Fiji’s best holiday destinations, including the legendary Cloudbreak. Swimming pools offer a gentler experience for beginners and intermediate paddlers.

Seattle, WashingtonSeattle, Washington

Seattle, Washington (Hotel Prices & Photos)

Seattle is surrounded by water — wedged between the Puget Sound’s salt water, fed by the Pacific Ocean to the west, and the freshwater Lake Washington to the east. Lake Union, Green Lake, Lake Washington, Elliot Bay, and Shishol Bay are all popular places to walk. Set against the backdrop of the magnificent Cascades and the Olympic Mountains, Seattle offers a particularly scenic ride. It’s hard to beat rowing on Lake Union close to the skyline of the city with the world-famous Space Needle while watching seaplanes come and go. Start your day with a latte, have an afternoon snack, and enjoy a delicious salmon dinner after dark. You can even take part in the races that take place every weekend during the paddleboarding season, from May 1 to the end of September, including the popular Round Rock Race, a 13-mile September event around Mercer Island on Lake Washington.

Lisbon Coast, Portugal Lisbon Coast, Portugal

Lisbon Coast, Portugal (Prices & Photos)

Portugal is known as the paddleboarding capital of Europe due to its incredible variety of paddleboarding waters, all within easy reach from the capital. The Luis Saldanha Marine Park, located about 31 km south of Lisbon, lies at the foot of the Arrábida Hills, sheltered from the prevailing northerly easterly winds. Rowing here is like rowing in an aquarium, with calm morning water visibility up to 70 feet. You can even paddle along the turquoise waters with the resident bottlenose dolphin. If you want to relax, there are several idyllic sandy coves where you can relax.

Malibu, CAMalibu, CA

Malibu, CA (Hotel Prices & Photos)

While there may be plenty of good paddleboarding in the Los Angeles area, many consider Malibu to stand out as the best. Here you can enjoy great views, miles of gorgeous beaches, and plenty of wildlife. While it can get crowded with surfers, leaving just after the most popular breaks, you can find uncrowded waters perfect for paddling. Hire a board and paddle up to Point Dume, where you’ll discover gorgeous beaches and wild coves, or take a 2-hour tour with the Malibu Surf Shack, where you can wander along the coast, past the rocks and kelp beds that are home to An abundance of sea lions and seals.

Cape Town, South AfricaCape Town, South Africa

Cape Town, South Africa (Hotel Prices & Photos)

There is so much more to Africa than a wild safari, and with such a variety of waves and beautiful scenery, SUP is gaining popularity in such places like Cape Town, South Africa. There are plenty of places to rent a board and hire a guide, as well as ideal spots for paddling the flat water of the canals or the surf. Sunset Beach and Blouberg to the north of Table Mountain, Muizenberg and Strand to the south are considered the best. New paddlers can venture into the calm waters of the Langebahn Lagoon, located about an hour north of the headland.

Puerto RicoPuerto Rico

Puerto Rico (prices and hotel photos)

You don’t need a passport to get to this unincorporated territory of the United States and the island of the Caribbean — Puerto Rico is also unique in that you have excellent opportunities for paddleboarding right in the city of San Juan, especially in Condado. Condado Lagoon is an ideal place for beginners as the water is usually flat and the wind is light. It offers scenic views of the «city» of Condado, the mangroves growing around the lagoon, and the ocean. You might even get lucky and see creatures like dolphins, turtles, manatees and stingers swimming alongside you in the warm waters. SUP has become very popular in Puerto Rico, as in many other places, so you will find many companies around the island that rent boards or provide tours, even on the outlying islands of Vieques and Culebra.

Bay of Islands, New ZealandBay of Islands, New Zealand

Bay of Islands, New Zealand (Hotel Prices & Photos)

The subtropical climate of the Bay of Islands, New Zealand, located near the northern tip of the North Island, makes this an ideal place for walking on kayaks with numerous sheltered coves, inlets and entrances. The water here is warm all year round and you may also be joined by a pod of dolphins. Settle in the seaside town of Russell, with bays that make it ideal for building a comfortable itinerary as well as great after-walk cafe culture. Kerikeri is another good option where many schools for kids and kids can be found.

Causeway Coast, Northern Ireland Causeway Coast, Northern Ireland

Causeway Coast, Northern Ireland (Prices & Photos)

The Emerald Isle may be the last place you might think of paddling, but the Causeway Coast in Northern Ireland might boasting a beautiful indented coastline with many beach breaks and reefs. Portrush — the capital of surfing, a stone’s throw from the city — two ways — east and west. In winter the waves are massive but in summer they often bring calm, gentle waters perfect for paddling along the coast to explore caves and bays — it’s also close to the world famous Giant’s Way, an amazing sight with some 40,000 interconnected basalt columns, the result of an ancient volcanic eruption . SUP lessons are available for beginners at Portballintrae Harbour.

San Diego, CA San Diego, CA

San Diego, CA (Hotel Prices & Photos)

San Diego offers some of the best baby waters in the state. La Jolla Cove is a marine sanctuary where you can spot sea turtles, bats, leopard sharks and jellyfish while paddling, not to mention stunning scenery with beautiful cliffs, beaches and magnificent mansions. At Tidelands Park on Coronado Island, you can launch your board straight into the bay and paddle Coronado and the massive bridge while taking in breathtaking views of the city skyline.

Myrtle Beach, SC Myrtle Beach, SC

Myrtle Beach, SC Prices & Photos

Myrtle Beach is a particularly popular summer destination with its amusement and water parks, many restaurants and accommodations, live entertainment and almost endless watersports opportunities on a vast stretch of silky white sands. You can enjoy not only swimming, sunbathing, fishing, sailing and surfing, but also great paddleboarding. There are plenty of places to rent a board and take lessons, as well as group tours of the calm waters of the salt marsh groves filled with wildlife, as well as the meandering freshwater streams of the Black Water river system, walking under the Spanish moss draped Cypriot trees in the national reserve the Waccamau River. The more adventurous and experienced might want to go on a tour that includes launching through the surf while enjoying the beach from a different perspective.

Fort Lauderdale, FLFort Lauderdale, FL

Fort Lauderdale, FL (Hotel Prices & Photos)

Fort Lauderdale is often referred to as the «Venice of the East,» with its winding inter-barred waterway that empties into the Atlantic Ocean. It’s also at the heart of the South Florida paddleboarding craze. Here, within the Intercoastal, the waters are calm and boaters have eased the speed limits, making room for more relaxing paddleboarding. Drive past the mansions lining the waterfront and enjoy conversations with the locals who hang out in their backyards. During the winter months, the waters are home to the Florida manatee, so you can even get up close and personal with the gentle giants.

5 attractions and 2 hotels in the Dominican Republic

Samana invites you to explore five unique attractions

Samana in terms of tourism is one of the most versatile provinces of the Dominican Republic. Incredible tropical landscapes, untouched nature, rich history and culture encourage tourists to come back here again and again. But those who come to Samana for the first time should first get acquainted with the five unique sights of the province.

St. Peter’s Church, or, as it is also called, La Churcha, is one of the most symbolic and valuable architectural objects of this area, built in 1901 from prefabricated elements brought from England. According to local residents, this is the only building that survived the fire that destroyed the city in 1946. La Churcha is a temple that represents the culture of a free population who cherished the dream of building a new life away from slavery. The facility is subordinate to the African Methodist Episcopal Church, which today is defined as the Dominican Evangelical Church.

Pueblo Principe. It is this market square that is the most iconic attraction in the city of Santa Barbara de Samana, serving, among other things, as a starting point for sailing to Samana Bay. As befits a shopping area, Pueblo Príncipe takes the tourist into a lively kaleidoscope of noise, color and color, teeming with shops, restaurants, banks and pharmacies. All the malls here are made of wood and painted yellow, green and blue.

Bridges of Samana. There are two bridges in Samana that connect the mainland with the islands of Cayo Linares and Cayo Vigia. The picturesque and tropical idyll of the landscapes of these places has won the love of tourists, photographers, film producers and commercials.
The objects were built in the 60s by the Italian architect Gillimo Bertaglieri. The length of the bridge connecting the mainland with the island of Cayo Linares is 90 meters, the length of the bridge to Cayo Vigia is 550 meters.

La Boca del Diablo, or «the mouth of the devil» — natural landmark, located near the town of Las Galeras. Many consider this place a geological phenomenon, because the «devil’s mouth» is a small crevice in the rock about 30 meters. Due to the ebbs and flows, water and air from it are regularly spat out under pressure, sometimes frightening unprepared tourists with a devilish roar.

Rincon Beach. Samana is replete with beaches of amazing beauty, but one still stands out for its special landscape and colors, where the sea shimmers with a huge palette of shades of turquoise blue. We are talking about Playa Rincon, which is one of the ten most beautiful beaches in the world. At its northern end, the full-flowing river Caño Frio flows into the sea, forming a natural freshwater backwater in this place. Many rent boats for boat trips in these exceptionally picturesque places.

The Casas XVI hotel collection in Santo Domingo has been enriched with a new gem

The Casa Antillana has expanded the Casas XVI collection of colonial mansions, which now offers its guests a cozy «harbor» of 14 luxurious suites in five mansions located in the heart of Santo Domingo’s Colonial Zone.

The decoration of Casa Antillana is reminiscent of the old colonial houses of the Antilles, offering its guests a special charm and privacy. Three spacious and comfortable suites immerse guests in the ideal atmosphere of relaxation «with taste». All rooms have access to a patio with an ornate pool.

Furniture with tropical palm and fruit motifs is made from local woods. The spacious bathrooms enchant with plenty of natural light, parquet floors and antique bathtubs. The decoration of the room with wicker and rattan furniture also refers to the theme of the tropics. The special coziness of the laconic dining room, dominated by an English table made of mahogany, is given by white doors to the terrace with a beautiful arcade.

According to the architect José Batle, who oversaw the restoration of the building, Casa Antillana dates from the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, originally the property of a Dominican monastery, whose main buildings, namely the monastery and the temple, were located just to the north.

Guests are provided with their own butler, chef and concierge, not to mention access to the public areas of the other Casas XVI mansions, each with its own unique charm.

The Casa de los Mapas contains ancient maps of the island of Hispaniola from the time of the arrival of the Spaniards in the New World. Casa del Árbol is decorated with all sorts of allusions to the pineapple tree, a symbol of hospitality. Casa Macorís has a contemporary tone of elegance adapted to our times. And finally, Casa del Diseñador is a sedate chic of the sixteenth century with elements of the recognizable style of Oscar de la Renta.

New hotel will win Rio San Juan special recognition

Recently, the east coast of the Dominican Republic has become synonymous with the «tourist mecca» with luxurious facilities and complexes that meet the most demanding tastes and requirements. However, the northern coast of the country, with its unique natural beauties and reserves, is gaining more and more popularity, offering hotels and infrastructure that highlight the natural wealth of the region.

The town of Rio San Juan in the province of Maria Trinidad Sanchez is known for its beautiful places, including the beaches of Caleton, Playa Grande and Los Minos. Nearby is the unique mangrove reserve Laguna Gris Gris.

It is here that Áni Villas recently opened its doors, a luxurious all-inclusive facility that pays special attention to the privacy of guests and the natural environment. The complex in the Dominican Republic became the fourth among the resorts of the group, the first three of which are located in Sri Lanka, Thailand and Anguilla.

According to architect Sarah Garcia and design engineer George Morales, exclusive materials were used in the construction and decoration of Áni Villas, some of which were exported from Asia and South America. Local materials were also carefully selected. Emphasis was given to decorative elements, predominantly handmade, many of which were made by Dominican artisans with the aim of integrating the community into the project and creating new jobs.

Sophisticated lighting, spacious rooms and a combination of natural materials in the decor immerse the guest in an atmosphere of privacy and luxury literally «in the bosom» of nature. Visitors can expect a personalized service thanks to the services of a personal concierge.

The hotel, which has a total of fourteen rooms and is divided into two villas — Barn and Larimar — offers panoramic ocean views. It features several pools, including a slide, a gym and a spa. Cocktail workshops, bike tours, paddleboarding, yoga and kayaking are held regularly.

The hotel’s gastronomic offer is handled by Rio San Juan-born Dominican chef Juan Gilberto Mena, who says typical Dominican elements are integrated into every dish. “All recipes, even international ones, are based on local and exceptionally fresh ingredients. This is the main postulate of haute cuisine,” he notes.

Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic will take part in the exhibition «MITT 2018»

The Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic will take part for the thirteenth time in the international tourism exhibition MITT 2018, which will be held from March 13 to 15 at the Expocentre Central Exhibition Complex in Moscow.

The 60m Dominican Republic booth ² will feature six partner companies including Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts, Barceló Hotels & Resorts, Be Live Hotels, Princess Hotels & Resorts hosted by Travel Service and Republica Pro tour operators.

Recently, the Dominican Republic has been steadily demonstrating one of the fastest dynamics in the development of the tourism sector in the Caribbean. According to Latinvex, the country remains the leader in terms of the percentage of GDP coming from tourism. This figure was 9.4% in 2016, the highest in Latin America and five times the regional average of 1.8%, according to the analyst publication. In 2017, the tourism sector’s foreign exchange revenues amounted to USD 7,177.5 billion, up 6.8% compared to 2016.

Positive dynamics continues in terms of inbound tourism. According to the Central Bank of the Dominican Republic, 6,187,542 tourists arrived in the country in 2017, up 228,195 from the previous year. In percentage terms, this figure represents an increase of 3.8%. In January 2018, the number of tourists arriving in the country by air was 566,797. Compared to January 2017, the increase is 3.9%. Among the markets that contributed to growth, Russia occupies one of the leading positions.

During the period from January to December 2017, 240,048 Russian tourists arrived in the Dominican Republic, which in percentage terms shows an increase of almost 82% compared to 2016. In absolute terms, we are talking about 107,885 additional visitors. In January 2018, the tourist flow from Russia to the Dominican Republic amounted to 20,977 people, or a 2.3% increase compared to the same month last year. In addition to the growth in the number of tourists, the average level of expenses of guests arriving in the Dominican Republic also increased in 2017. The growth was 2.1% — from 130.6 to 133.4 US dollars per day.

Recognizing the importance of activating all tourism niches, today the government of the Dominican Republic, in addition to its efforts to increase the absolute number of tourists, is also targeting a diversity of visitor profile in a firm desire to stimulate the premium segment, where average spending is immeasurably higher.

The country is aimed at continuous development. In January-December 2017, the Tourism Development Council (CONFOTUR) approved seventy-three tourism projects with an investment of 4,118.5 billion US dollars, which will add approximately 20,723 rooms to the country’s room stock and generate about 27,000 direct and indirect jobs — in addition to those already created during the construction phase. The projects are mainly concentrated in the provinces of La Altagracia, San Pedro de Macoris, Puerto Plata, Barahona, El Seibo and Samana.

According to Galina Lysenko, director of the Representative Office of the Ministry of Tourism of the Dominican Republic in Russia, Ukraine and the CIS countries, the tourism industry is constantly working to diversify its offerings. Hotels are redefining traditional concepts. Eco- and agro-tourism is developing — the first and only winery in the Caribbean, Ocoa Bay, as a non-trivial example from this segment. The south of the country is being actively promoted and built up — in the province of Peravia, work is underway to create the Puntarena resort. All — with only one goal — to surprise and satisfy the tourist.

“In the new year, we have every reason to expect the continuation of a favorable trend. In 2018, we will even more actively strive to diversify the offer, paying more attention to the luxury segment, active and cultural recreation, as well as other equally interesting niches.