When Christopher Columbus called the Dominican Republic ""the most beautiful land on earth,"" he did not realize that it would one day be one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean. Columbus could well have been referring to Punta Cana!

Located on the southeast coast of the Dominican Republic, Punta Cana is a nature lover’s paradise with 20 miles of white, unspoiled sandy beaches lined with swaying coconut palms. What makes this stunning Caribbean island all the more inviting is the average year-round temperature of 25°C (77°F) and an average water temperature of 23°C (74°F).

Punta Cana’s shoreline is protected by law, ensuring that no manmade structure can detract from its natural beauty. The calm, tranquil beaches with their warm tropical breezes are perfect for those who love the outdoors and adventure travel. Visitors can enjoy their favorite water sports amidst the stunning scenery. Whether it’s diving, a 4x4 motorbike excursion along the beach, swimming with dolphins or taking a walk in the jungle, Punta Cana has something for everyone.

Apart from its breathtaking beaches, Punta Cana has a 2,000-acre natural forest reserve maintained by the Punta Cana Ecological Foundation and 14 kilometers of protected coral reef directly parallel to the coast. Punta Cana also has a number of unique natural features like freshwater lagoons and coastal mangroves that make it a delight both for visitors and environmentalists.

For the most part, Punta Cana has a European ambiance as can be seen in its European style hotels. Punts Cana is hardly a town; it is more of a resort area. The cheap prices of land have attracted many a hotel owner to set up hotels and resorts with extensive facilities for swimming, water sports and golf. Most resorts have their own golf courses, each of them well maintained and situated in stunning locales, making them second to none.

Other attractions for visitors are the Manati Park Bavaro, with performing dolphins and sea lions, an authentic replica of an ancient Taino Indian Village and more. Its no wonder that Punta Cana is called an escapist’s dream!