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The Caribbean island of the Dominican Republic is the perfect place for an enjoyable holiday. The island has been a centre for tourism since 1492 when Christopher Columbus and his crew became the first non-indigenous people to set foot on the island.

Hispaniola

When Columbus arrived, he named the island Hispaniola in honour of his Spanish patrons. The local people at the time, the Taínos, who had been living peacefully on the island since around 800 AD, were wiped out within fifty years by diseases brought by the Europeans, not to mention their brutal methods of colonisation. The capital city was called Santo Domingo and became the first European owned city outside of Europe itself.

The main sources of income for the island were gold and sugar. Before long though, the gold ran out and the settlers moved on. The island was then over-run by French pirates. In 1795, the Spanish ceded the island to France, then following a period of invasion by Haiti, the locals established the independent country of the Dominican Republic in 1844.

Getting there

Most visitors to the Dominican Republic require a visa which can be obtained from the consulate in London or at the airport upon arrival. It is valid for 30 days. Anyone wishing to stay longer must apply for an extension. There are regular flights from the major UK airports to the Dominican Republic.

What to see and do

Most people who go on Dominican Republic holidays are looking to enjoy the 300 kilometres of beautiful sandy beaches. The main tourist area is on the north side of the island between Puerto Plata and Cabarete, where most of the holiday resorts are sited. The capital, at the southern end of the island, is also a popular tourist spot with its cathedral and other historical sights. The culture of the indigenous people can still be seen with traditional arts and crafts available for purchase.

Flora, fauna and forests

The Dominican Republic has several national parks and areas of scientific interest. The mountains in the centre of the island are covered with forests which contain a wealth of floral gems including 67 types of orchid. Sadly, much of the original forest was destroyed at the time of colonisation but an extensive preservation programme has seen the island's natural glory restored. The island is home to several types of reptiles including crocodiles and various species of iguana. Tourists can also watch humpback whales and manatees.

Last word

Christopher Columbus may have been the first tourist, but there is still plenty for modern day tourists to enjoy. Visit the official tourism website for more information.

The Rose Hall Resort and Spa is a Hilton Hotel situated on the glorious Montego Bay on the Caribbean island of Jamaica. Since 15th February 2011, Rose Hall has become one of the all-inclusive beach resorts in the Montego bay area. The hotel is situated on what used to be the 400 acre 18th century Rose Hall sugar plantation.

Private beach and water park

The hotel has its own private beach on Montego Bay, perhaps the most famous area of Jamaica with its pure white sands. The Rose Hall resort is perfect for families with incredible Sugar Mills,Falls Water park where among other delights, there are three terraced swimming pools, a safe children's area and a 280 foot water slide.

Golf and tennis

A holiday in Jamaica is all about relaxing. For some, that means lazing on a beach but others prefer something a little more active. Rose Hall, Jamaica, offers its own

18 hole golf course, called Cinnamon Hills.It was designed by Robert Von Hagge and is a Par 71 and was ranked one of the "Top Courses in Jamaica" by Golf Digest Magazine. Tennis players can enjoy using one of the six lighted courts, which need to be booked a day in advance, plus you can also book lessons with the on-site pros for both golf and tennis.

A Jamaican holiday could just be about staying on the resort,enjoying all it has to offer but the more adventurous might like to venture out and find out all about Jamaica and what it has to offer to the visitors. Rose Hall is just 15 miles from Montego Bay itself with its hot night-life and fabulous fresh fish restaurants.

What to see

Jamaica is the largest English-speaking island in the Caribbean and the third largest in the area. The capital city is Kingston, a must-see for visitors, where you can enjoy the rhythm and excitement of people dancing to the reggae music that is played in the streets and bars. Rose Hall arranges various excursions such as to the Rose Hall Great House itself or another plantation house called Greenword Great House.

Otherwise, you can really get into the reggae beat and visit the Bob Marley Performance Centre. Whatever you decide to do, the attentive staff at Rose Hall Resort and Spa will ensure that you enjoy every minute of it.

Last word

If you are planning a package holiday to Jamaica and want a resort that has everything that any family could want, then have a look at the Rose Hall website to find out about deals and special offers just for you.