(MIAMI, Fla., February 2012) – In an effort to meet travelers’ growing desire for authentic vacation experiences, a selection of Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, and Hilton Garden Inn hotels in the Caribbean and Latin America today announced the “Authentically Local” package – an exciting new program that introduces travelers to local culture and language.

Available now through Dec. 31, 2012, the “Authentically Local” package features accommodations and a number of local touches including:

·         Local culture consultants who provide can’t-miss authentic destination suggestions, such as snorkeling the crystal waters at Hilton Curaçao and hiking through a natural forest when visiting Hilton Papagayo Costa Rica Resort & Spa

·         A hands-on cultural experience specific to each hotel and destination including a choice of dance lessons, cooking classes, cocktail tastings, boat tours and more

·         Traditional dinner with local flair, featuring everything from empanada appetizers at Hilton Buenos Aires and mole enchiladas at Hilton Mexico City Reforma to sancocho at Hilton Santo Domingo and conch at  British Colonial Hilton Nassau

For guests who want to expand their cultural engagement and give the local language a try, hotels will provide a language immersion pin identifying the guest as an “Authentically Local” participant.  Team members will then speak to the guest only in the local language.  An English/Spanish/Portuguese/Papiamentu dictionary and a list of language schools in the area, should guests want to return for a formal language course, complete the package.

From tango teachings in Buenos Aires and rumba lessons in Cartagena, to traditional caipirinha-making class in São Paulo and rum tasting in Bogota, the program offers culturally-rich learning experiences to “get local” at each of the following hotels in the Caribbean and Latin America: Hilton Buenos Aires, Argentina; Hilton São Paulo Morumbi, Brazil; Hilton Belem, Brazil; Hilton Bogota, Colombia; Hilton Cartagena, Colombia; Hilton Garden Inn Santiago Airport, Chile; Hilton Los Cabos Beach & Golf Resort; Hilton Mexico City Reforma; Hilton Villahermosa & Conference Center, Mexico; Hilton Garden Inn Tuxtla Gutierrez, Mexico; Hilton Papagayo Costa Rica Resort & Spa; DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Central Pacific – Costa Rica; DoubleTree Cariari by Hilton San Jose, Costa Rica;  British Colonial Hilton Nassau, The Bahamas; Hilton Barbados Resort; Hilton Curaçao; Hilton Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; and Hilton Trinidad & Conference Centre.

Guests booking “Authentically Local” should check with culture consultants at each property to learn about the most celebrated experiences known to the destination.

For example, Chrystian De La Barrera, culture consultant for Hilton Cartagena, shared, “When visiting Hilton Cartagena, guest should not miss out on the opportunity to discover Colombia’s rich history.  The best cultural experience is offered during an ancient-walled city tour to get a glimpse of 18^th century architecture and learn how the city has evolved.”

Other culture consultants had tips of their own.  Food lovers visiting Hilton São Paulo Morumbi in Brazil should visit the city’s Mercado Municipal, São Paulo’s first grocery market built in 1928.  When staying at Hilton Santo Domingo, not-to-be-missed local sites include the Colonial Zone and Los Tres Ojos Cave, an open-air limestone cave with beautiful blue, green, and yellow reflections considered one of the nation’s most visited attractions.  Guests of Hilton Buenos Aires should stop for a snack at Cafe Tortoni – established in 1858, or visit with local artisans at Recoleta’s arts and craft fair.

For reservations, guests should call 1-800-HILTONS, contact the participating hotel directly, or call a local Hilton Reservations and Customer Care office, and request the Authentically Local package.

I wouldn’t say swimming with dolphins is on my bucket list as much as it’s a lifelong obsession. While visiting Punta Cana recently, I was lucky enough to visit the Dolphin Explorer Park. I was hyperventilating with excitement when I first read the itinerary, but I had no idea what was in store for me.

As we made the short drive from the Hard Rock Punta Cana, I started to imagine the setup of the dolphin park. Maybe there would be four or five dolphins in a large saltwater tank. Maybe we would be able to have some one-on-one time. I soon found, however, that the Dolphin Explorer Park offers an incredible –and highly personal– experience with dolphins, that would top my highest expectations.

First of all, there isn’t a small, saltwater tank. The park’s 20 dolphins enjoy a marked-off parameter of gorgeous Caribbean sea that we reach via a protracted wooden dock. Our group of four was directed to one of the four sections, where two flipper-happy dolphins were waiting for us.

I couldn’t get in the water fast enough. Our trainer– who was extremely friendly and commanded the dolphins with drill sergeant precision– guided us through this breathtaking experience, which included being launched in the air by prodding the dolphins’ bottlenoses, holding onto their fins as they swam from side to side and my personal favorite, giving them kisses and rubbing their bellies. All in all, we were in the water with these majestic creatures for over an hour.

The unique wildlife park also boasts a pristine stretch of beach, which is lovely to explore after a dolphin encounter. I particularly appreciated that aspect of the park, as I needed a nice stroll on the beach after my adrenaline-spiked swim.

Or guests can opt for another aquatic adventure after a dolphin encounter. Snorkel with nurse sharks, stingrays or the kids’ favorite—fur seals.There are also two Bengal tigers, exotic birds and a 20-minute seal show (akin to the traditional Sea World shows) to round out the family-friendly atmosphere.

I had never stayed in an all-inclusive resort. That is until last month, when I visited Punta Cana, the easternmost region of the Dominican Republic famous for its all-inclusive resorts. There are several options in the area, but I was staying in the biggest and brightest of them all: the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana.

The lush, 121-acre property boasts over 1,000 rooms (each with their own double Jacuzzi tub in the living room), 15 pools, nine gourmet restaurants, a handful of night clubs, the biggest casino in the Dominican Republic and one dazed budget traveler. If you’re thinking it sounds like a hike to get anywhere, it’s because it is. (My room was a half mile walk to the main building.) But there are complimentary shuttles running every 15 minutes to take guests anywhere on the property.

At first I was suffering from sensory overload. (It’s not really this big is it? Nowhere can really be this nice, right?) But I have to admit, after the initial disbelief, I started to feel comfortable in this unparalleled luxury. I was sleeping in and ordering a huge plate of French toast and a pot of fresh coffee from the resort’s complimentary room service.  I was lounging by the pool and continuously getting lost in the labyrinthine rows of rooms.  And it was especially lovely to be treated in the hotel’s sprawling, 60,000 square foot Rock Spa.

But if Dominicans treated their guests this well, I wanted to see how locals on the island really relax.

I decided to step outside the enclosed luxury of the Hard Rock and head to the only public beach in the area, Macao beach. With the shoreline’s towering palms, fresh fruit stands and a beach full of people smiling ear to ear, Macao Beach gave me the feeling I had stumbled upon an authentic slice of Dominican life. (And to think I was only a five-minute cab ride from my all-inclusive resort.) There was also a fairly busy surf school that I wanted to check out—the Macao Surf Camp—where visitors can take lessons anytime of the day or just watch in awe at Jack, Macao’s very own surfing dog.

After a long day in the sun, I took another short drive to the small Corticito neighborhood Captain Cook’s Seafood for some authentic Dominican fare. The no frills restaurant, nestled right on the white sand shores of El Corticito beach, boasts an incredible view of the Caribbean and the seafood–including Captain Cook’s famous lobster–is caught daily before being fried or grilled to perfection in the enormous open-air kitchen.

I watched as the sumptuous smells wafted over the lackadaisical beach side diners staring out at the sunset. In comparison to a buffet of international cuisine back at the all-inclusive resorts, it seemed I had stumbled upon Dominican luxury at its finest.

Dominican Republic (DR) Sets New Tourism Record in 2010
The DR welcomed 4,124,543 visitors in 2010 according to the Dominican Republic Central Bank. This represents an increase of 132,240 visitors (3.3 percent growth) over the previous year. It is the first time that the number of visitors to the DR has surpassed four million. Visitation to the DR this past December was up 0.75 percent, despite several flight cancellations due to snowstorms. The U.S. continues to be the leading market for the country with over one million visitors arriving to the sunny paradise for six years in a row. Overall, there was an increase of 83,022 tourists from North America. South America is also a strong market with 67,436 more arrivals from Argentina (26,052), Brazil (17,583), Chile (11,234), and Central America and the Caribbean. Punta Cana International (PUJ) in the DR continues to be the busiest airport, welcoming 57 percent of all arrivals. Las Americas International Airport follows with 22 percent and Puerto Plata at 11 percent. The DR Central Bank reports that most tourists came for leisure travel (91 percent) and stayed in hotels. www.bancentral.gov.do/publicaciones_economicas/informe_turistico/informe_turistico2010-12.pdf.

Tortuga Bay Receives Prestigious Five Diamond Award
The Five Diamond Award has honored Punta Cana’s luxurious Tortuga Bay Hotel with the AAA Five Diamond Award. The Oscar de la Renta designed hotel is the first in the DR and one of only four hotels in the Caribbean to receive the honor. The AAA Five Diamond Award is presented to properties demonstrating the highest level of overall excellence according to the AAA Diamond Ratings System for restaurants and lodging. For more information on Tortuga Bay, visit www.PuntaCana.com. Information about Diamond Ratings and a complete list of Five Diamond Lodging and Restaurants can be found at www.AAA.com/NEWS.

President Leonel Fernandez Inaugurates New Bannister Hotel in Samaná
President Leonel Fernandez inaugurated a new Bannister Hotel located in the Bay of Samaná on Dec. 15, 2010. Located 17 miles from Samaná El Catey International Airport, the $100 million hotel and residential development overlooks Samaná Bay and includes a full-service marina, spa, fitness room, beach club, tennis courts, equestrian center, shopping arena, 185 luxury vacation homes and countless year-round activities. www.PuertoBahiaSamana.com

Saturdays at the Alcazar de Colon
The Palace of Columbus (Alcazar de Colon) in Santo Domingo’s Colonial City presents the opportunity to relive the majestic life of the 16th Century at the Plaza de España every Saturday from 7 p.m. to midnight. The time of the court of Don Diego Colon and Maria de Toledo are brought to life by actors in full 16th century attire telling the significance of the historic monument and its first inhabitants. The costumes are designed by leading Dominican designers, such as Leonel Lirio, Hipolito Pena, Roberto Flores, Giannina Azar, Magaly Tiburcio, Jorge Diep, Luis Rivas, Berkola, Carla Carbonell, Luis Dominguez and Carlos de Moya.

2nd Annual International Cap Cana Billfish Shootout
The 17th Annual International Billfish Shootout, in its 2nd year at Cap Cana, will take place from May 31-June 5, 2011 at the Cap Cana Marina. This 3-day, all-release team event is comprised of two to four person angler teams, each boat accompanied by a certified observer. Registration and entry fees for the tournament are $3,000 for a team of up to four anglers and must be received by May 30, 2011; however, the tournament will be offering an early bird discount rate of $2,550 if the entry fee is paid by April 1, 2011. For online registration and more details, contact tournament organizers at info@intlbillfishtourns.com.

15th Annual Juan Marichal Golf Classic
Greg Norman, designer of the Costa Blanca Golf Course, helped celebrate the 15th Annual Juan Marichal Golf Classic on Jan. 14-16, 2011. The event raised funds for A Roof for My Country, a Chilean foundation that constructs homes for impoverished communities in Latin America. Los Marlins Golf Course at Metro Country Club in Juan Dolio hosted the golf classic as it has in previous years.

DR National Forest Coverage Increases
Due to the Plan Nacional Quisqueya Verde, national forest coverage in the DR is increasing and reached 33 percent, a 5.4 percent increase over the past seven years. Environment Minister Jaime David Fernandez and the Ministry of Environment have declared 2011 as the International Year of Forests in hopes of achieving a strategic alliance with the media to benefit the forests. From mahogany and local pine, to cedar, oak and tamarind, 11,400,000 different species of trees were planted in 2010. The reforestation program was initiated in October 1997 in order to advance reforestation and restore and preserve biodiversity in the DR.

DR Ministry of Tourism Invests in National Beach Management and Landscaping Plan
The DR Ministry of Tourism will invest $2.5 million in the National Beach Management and Landscaping Plan, a program anticipated to recover and landscape more than 250 public beaches nationwide, including 18 of the country’s most popular. The project’s first stage was initiated in September and will accompany an awareness campaign intended to protect the DR’s beautiful beaches. With an expected time length of 18 months and four different phases, the project enhances the conditions of beaches around the country. www.GoDominicanRepublic.com.

Cadaques del Caribe Resort Opens in Bayahibe
Built at a cost of $60 million, the family-oriented resort Cadaques del Caribe officially opened on Dec. 18, 2010 in Bayahibe. The resort features two swimming pools, an aquatic park, three restaurants, a wine bar, fitness center, a salon for children and more.

Land Whale Observatory Opens in Samaná Bay
The Ministry of Environment inaugurated the DR’s first land whale observation point on Jan. 15, 2011 to commence the DR’s annual whale watching season. The observatory is located at Punta Balandra and allows visitors to view the hundreds of humpback whales that migrate to the protected area of the Marine Mammals Sanctuary in Samaná Bay by land rather than boat.

Celebrities Celebrate the Holidays in the DR
Celebrities from around the globe celebrated the holiday season throughout the DR. Nobel Prize laureate Mario Vargas Llosa, former Panamanian President Martin Torrijos and Mexican singer Marco Antonio Solis celebrated at La Romana’s Casa de Campo on the DR’s East Coast. Also spotted on the East Coast were Mexican singer Luis Miguel and TV producer Daysi Fuentes, who enjoyed fine cuisine at the Mitre Restaurant in the Cap Cana Marina.

Exhibition Opens at Calle El Conde Mall
“Origins and History of El Conde Street” opened at the Calle El Conde mall in Santo Domingo’s Colonial City with the help of Dominican architects, the city of Santo Domingo, Tourism Cluster of Santo Domingo and the DR Ministry of Culture. The exhibition was built to create awareness of the historical and architectural importance of the historic El Conde Street and will be open through March 2011 in order to signify the touristic and cultural influence of the center.

La Romana Toros Triumph in the Dominican Winter Baseball Championship
The La Romana Toros won the Dominican Winter Baseball Championship on Jan. 23, 2011. Referred to as The Sugarcane Series, this year’s victory tasted extremely sweet for the Toros, as they celebrate their second pennant. The Toros took advantage of the errors by the Estrellas of San Pedro and again wielded their superior bats to win 4-2, in a 5-game sweep to take the Dominican Winter Baseball crown. The team will head to represent the defending champion, Dominican Republic, in the Caribbean Baseball Series on Feb. 2-7, 2011 in Mayaguetz, Puerto Rico. http://espn.go.com/extra/baseball/domwl/schedule.

La Estancia Resort and Golf Course Opens
President Fernandez and Tourism Minister Francisco Javier Garcia cut the ribbon to mark the official opening of the La Estancia tourism and residential area between La Romana and Bayahibe. The $120 million development is already made up of the 60 Las Brisas Apartments, 52 La Canada Townhomes, 12 par-3 golf residencies, 18 Las Villas Golf Cottages and 300 lots. La Estancia will eventually include a 27-hole golf course, 2,500 residencies, a new branch of the New England Association of School and Colleges, and a hotel. http://www.legr.com/eng/.

DR Ministry of Environment Opens EcoTour Routes
The DR Ministry of Environment, in conjunction with the OMSA government bus company, Santo Domingo East Municipality and the Ministry of Tourism, has opened the Organge Dominicana sponsored EcoTour Santo Domingo Este route. The tour costs RD$100 and includes free admission into three natural attractions, including the National Aquarium, the Los Tres Ojos cave and the Cachon de la Rubia springs. Using buses that run on natural gas, the tours depart every hour between 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from the Parque Juan Pablo II on Ave. Venezuela in eastern Santo Domingo.

I wouldn’t say swimming with dolphins is on my bucket list as much as it’s a lifelong obsession. While visiting Punta Cana recently, I was lucky enough to visit the Dolphin Explorer Park. I was hyperventilating with excitement when I first read the itinerary, but I had no idea what was in store for me.

As we made the short drive from the Hard Rock Punta Cana, I started to imagine the setup of the dolphin park. Maybe there would be four or five dolphins in a large saltwater tank. Maybe we would be able to have some one-on-one time. I soon found, however, that the Dolphin Explorer Park offers an incredible –and highly personal– experience with dolphins, that would top my highest expectations.

First of all, there isn’t a small, saltwater tank. The park’s 20 dolphins enjoy a marked-off parameter of gorgeous Caribbean sea that we reach via a protracted wooden dock. Our group of four was directed to one of the four sections, where two flipper-happy dolphins were waiting for us.

I couldn’t get in the water fast enough. Our trainer– who was extremely friendly and commanded the dolphins with drill sergeant precision– guided us through this breathtaking experience, which included being launched in the air by prodding the dolphins’ bottlenoses, holding onto their fins as they swam from side to side and my personal favorite, giving them kisses and rubbing their bellies. All in all, we were in the water with these majestic creatures for over an hour.

The unique wildlife park also boasts a pristine stretch of beach, which is lovely to explore after a dolphin encounter. I particularly appreciated that aspect of the park, as I needed a nice stroll on the beach after my adrenaline-spiked swim.

Or guests can opt for another aquatic adventure after a dolphin encounter. Snorkel with nurse sharks, stingrays or the kids’ favorite—fur seals.There are also two Bengal tigers, exotic birds and a 20-minute seal show (akin to the traditional Sea World shows) to round out the family-friendly atmosphere.

Okay, so it was dumb luck that I booked a villa in this tranquil ocean front oasis, three miles west of the clamor of Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. The road to Cofresi would be easy to miss if it weren’t for the billboard directing me to Ocean World, but more about that later.

My home for the week, Villa Carolisol was reasonably priced and lovely with a large second story covered porch, 4 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms and a pool. Palm trees and tropical blooms surrounded the structure and peeked over the porch framing a view of the ocean which I, and friends, enjoyed every day.

My Villa

Seaside Tranquility in Cofresi

Teddys

Located on the west end of the beach, also within walking distance, is the US$25 million dollar Ocean World. This new aquamarine park, opened in 2004, features a marina, which includes huge man made lagoons that hold sharks, dolphins, sea lions, and stingrays. Also on the grounds are tanks for snorkeling and viewing tropical fish, including piranha. Although we walked to the marina, we opted to pass on the $55 admission as we were on a budget as usual. Of course, I’ll be able to head to another destination in a few months being the frugal travelers that I am.

Throughout my week in the DR, I raced in all directions to partake in many side trips. Gus, the local activities director, magically appeared and offered to schedule various outings such as white water rafting, golfing, shopping, massages, the cable car and other tours this paradise has to offer. But I always looked forward to returning to our villa and the beaches in Cofresi to catch my breath. What a stroke of luck to have found this haven without laboriously doing endless research.

For more visit www.villacarolisol.com
www.sunvillageresort.com
www.oceanworld.info