The Dominican Republic in the Caribbean enchants JULIA WHITE with its friendly people and stunning beaches

WAIST-HIGH  in the Caribbean Sea, I'm holding a Cuba Libre in one hand and a starfish in the other. I ask myself if life can get any better as I bob about in the warm, shallow, turquoise waters. I soon realise it can when I'm whisked by speedboat to the jewel of the Dominican Republic, an island called Saona, which is off the southern coast.

The beauty spot Parque Nacional del Este is also known as Bounty Island, as the adverts for the chocolate bar were filmed here.

The sea is a rainbow of vivid turquoises and greens, the sand is as soft as freshly sieved flour, and swaying green palms provide shade from the intense sun.

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Unsurprisingly, word has got out about this secluded gem and, by lunchtime, tourists are arriving by the boatload.

This is one of the Dominican Republic's most popular attractions and while its national park status prevents any high-rise hotels on the island, the place is crammed with visitors all year.

I'm staying at Punta Cana on the north-east coast of the Dominican Republic, one of the favoured resorts because of its long stretch of soft white beach.

It's here that the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea, so the water is choppy but the sand runs deep inland. Despite the string of huge all-inclusive hotels, the beaches aren't crowded.

Keen to get a true taste of the island's culture, I take an organised tour. Picked up at the crack of dawn by guide Alex, we hurtle along the Dominican Republic's bumpy roads in an open-top former army truck.
Travelling with no roof is a great way to see the lush, green countryside up close.

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As well as horse-riding on a ranch, seeing how cigars are made and visiting a primary school, I spend time in a small village, welcomed into the home of one of the families to sample some of the country's specialities.

These include strong coffee, bitter chocolate and Mama Juana, an intoxicating alcoholic drink made from rum, red wine, honey and a particular kind of root.

Everyone here is extremely friendly and welcoming and I wonder whether the smiling faces are just put on for our group of tourists. It certainly feels that way when we are encouraged to buy their local produce.

The Barceló Dominican Beach hotel where I am staying prides itself on having unlimited food and drink available 24 hours a day (something not all the hotels in the area can boast) and there is plenty of variety, from Japanese to Spanish and Brazilian, so your tastebuds don't get bored.

Like the food, when it comes to hotel entertainment, there's something here for everyone.

If you're after a high-tempo holiday there's non-stop poolside entertainment, a swim-up bar, beach activities, nightclub, eight bars and a casino.

Families will be kept busy by the children's club with a pool and endless activities such as canoeing, archery, basketball, horse-riding and even Spanish lessons.

If like me, you're after total relaxation, carve out your own space and soak up the sun in paradise surroundings.

GETTING THERE:

Airtours (0844 871 6636/www.Airtours.co.uk) offers seven nights at the four-star Barceló Dominican Beach from £554pp (two sharing), full board. Price includes return flights from Gatwick or Manchester to Punta Cana and transfers.

Departing May 5, 2010.

Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism: 0207 242 7778/ www.godominicanrepublic.com