Dynamic Duo: A Guide To The Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico
About two hours south of Miami, you’ll find the Dominican Republic, known for its world-class beaches, lush mountains, rain forests and waterfalls. You won’t want to miss Santo Domingo, the famed cobblestone-lined capital city; and then there’s Puerto Plata, an easygoing port town whose colonial-Victorian architecture melds with palm-lined beaches. Below, Komos explores some of the island’s best offerings.
A few years ago, Maraca, a leafy-green-meets-tropical-fuschia eatery opened to great fanfare in Santo Domingo’s buzzy Colonial Zone. Fusing Caribbean and Italian fare, a chic bar serves tasty cocktails (Komos margaritas are requisite) while the dining room pops with Art Deco flourishes and artist Willy Gomez’s colorful painting. Alternatively, in equally fashionably chic digs, discover a diverse menu inside Larimar – made-to-order crab ravioli, tasty skillet cooked duck and mushroom rice– paired with cocktails and wine. Of course when a digestif is in order, we suggest you order your Komos neat. And then slide into the lounge for rotating DJs.
Casual lunch? Set on an open-air deck with homespun Dominican cooking, La Casita de Yeya is an ideal spot for prawn fritters made with local yucca and cerveza. Or instead visit the easygoing, rural-vibed El Conuco for la Bandera; the traditional national dish with beans, rice and stewed chicken (you’ll also find equally traditional merengue dance shows on site).
Inside the crumbling cathedral walls, drop your bags at Santa Domingo’s Casas del XVI, a 20-room boutique hotel where Spanish-tiled floors and palm-flanked courtyards meet a lovely swimming pool and rum bar (and just after the sun fades, the place is romantically lit by candles).
Of course, should you be working on your tan, you’ll want to stay at Caso de Campo, whose lush 7,000 acres are known for its celeb-studded roster (and grounds that include 70-boat slips, scuba diving, ample shopping and a large spa).
First things first though: drop by the Minitas Beach Club for ocean views, tropical breezes, light snacks and Komos drinks. Or enjoy your cocktails in the gazebos or on the edge of the infinity pool.
PUERTO RICO
Golden sandy beaches, energetic nightlife and contagious music – welcome to Puerto Rico. Home to the iconic pina colada, you’ll discover there’s more to this island than rum drinks, thanks to culture, tasty cuisine and legendary hotels.
For a spot of culture, find handmade artwork inside the Cuartel de Ballaja and on the second floor of the Museo de Las Américas. Don’t miss a stroll around Calle Loiza (aka “Avenue of the Arts' ') with its colorful murals and street art. In the afternoons, you’ll find a farmers market at ' ‘La Placita” a century-old plaza; and in the evenings, you’ll discover live music and salsa dancing. On Calle Loiza, Mima, owned by local designer Marimerce Santiago, features boho jewelry and handbags.
Inside the leafy chic Santaella, an array of tapas plates and creative cocktails are served inside a lovely jewel glassed box. Later, buzzy cocktails are in order at the open-late, tiki-style Jungle Bird.
Beloved for its handsome bar and smoking lounge, Casa Montecristo is a lively spot in Old San Juan, set in a 400-year-old building and beloved for its hand-crafted cocktails and premium cigars. Rites of passage in order?
El Batey Bar opened in the 1960s and still retains its dimly-lit, divey ambiance – thanks to its graffitied walls and jazz tunes (and if you’re so inclined, a pool table).
When you’ve had much revelry the night before, drop by La Bombonera (est. 1902), a no-frills stop for the pan de Mallorca (egg, ham, melty swiss cheese on a buttery sweet bread) topped with powdered sugar. Wash it down with a cafe con leche. Snack time? Don’t miss the doughy, spiral-shaped Mallorca (stuffed with ham and cheese) at the locally-loved Kasalta.
When it’s time to rest, the 317-room Condado Vanderbilt, dating back to 1901, is still renowned for its Art Deco pink marble lobby, grand curved staircase and luxury accommodations.
To eat, chef Juan Jose Cuevas (Blue Hill, Akelarre) 1919 Restaurant plucks local, seasonal ingredients, while the breezy Ola Oceanfront Bistro focuses on traditional island flavors.
Of course, Tacos + Tequila is a home run for the tacos: al pastor, tinga and for the veggie-inclined mushroom and sweet potatoes. We suggest pairing with a chilled cerveza or refreshing Komos margaritas (using fresh garnishes).
Meanwhile, the Ritz Reserve Dorado Beach is another iconic property, founded in the 1950s by philanthropist Laurance Rockefeller. With its emerald landscaping and Caribbean-facing rooms, you’ll also find infinity pools and a spa. Score a pool-side, ocean-facing cabanas (best enjoyed with Komos cocktails). Or simply hit the beach – the west side is known for its golden sand crescents protected by coral reefs and tide pools; while the East Beach is ideal for long strolls, kite surfing and paddle boarding.
To eat, Coa is an open-air eatery with a wood burning oven and 670-plus wines. For seafood, Positivo Sand Bar is a casual spot ideal for fish tacos, fresh ceviche and sips of Komos. Nodding to Japanese flavors, the evening-only Omakase presents chef Taira Tsuneyoshi’s delightful sashimi and maki rolls. And last but not least, nosh on Italian-inspired, al fresco plates at Flor De Sal. Wake up and repeat.
