Iberostar Hacienda Dominicus, Dominican Republic

by Paris Permenter & John Bigley

Click here for a full gallery of photos of Iberostar Hacienda Dominicus

Lovers know that passions bloom in the sultry warmth of the Caribbean. Sometimes, though, passion's plans get a cold shower when budgets come face to face with that four-letter problem: cost.

Now, though, couples have an all-inclusive Caribbean option for prices at a fraction of those seen at many all-inclusives. At Iberostar Hacienda Dominicus, located on the southeast coast of the Dominican Republic, the two of you can feel like a king and queen with an all inclusive plan that includes everything from transfers, tips, and top shelf liquors to watersports and nightlife.

Most visitors at this expansive resort arrive at nearby La Romana International Airport. From the airport, it's less than a half-hour drive to the resort, a drive past sugar cane fields and across the Chavon River, which served as a backdrop for Apocolypse Now and Rambo 2.

You can star in your own movie--a far more romantic one--at this seaside resort. Couples from the US, Canada, and Italy make up much of the clientele of this resort which opened in November 2001. Families are also welcomed, and parents seeking some quality time alone will find the kids' club offers supervised activities for ages 4-12.

Pastel room blocks line the expansive pool complex. Walk from your room to the shade of a thatched palapa at poolside or head straight for the powdery white sand beach for the day. Topless sunbathers dot the beachfront. Active couples can opt for snorkeling right offshore or sign up for a snorkeling or a dive trip. All nonmotorized watersports are included in the all-inclusive package.

And golfers can test their skills on one of the world's top courses, Teeth of the Dog. Greens fees aren't included but a quick stop by the Guests Services desk can make the necessary arrangements at this championship course located about 25 minutes from Iberostar.

Teeth of the Dog is located near Altos de Chavon, a replica 16th century Mediterranean village. Wedding coordinators at Iberostar can help couples make the cobblestone streets of Altos de Chavon a unique setting for their vows. The village's Church of St. Stanislaus has hosted many weddings (click here for a photo gallery of this church).

Iberostar's wedding coordinators can also help couples arrange weddings right at the resort. Wedding packages include a wedding cake and champagne for up to eight guests as well as flowers, music, photographer, judge, and the services of the wedding coordinator. (more on Dominican Republic wedding regulations)

As the day draws to a close, lovers can opt for an evening meal in the main restaurant or select a specialty restaurant: Mexican, steakhouse, or Japanese.

In the evening hours, take time to watch the elegant pink flamingos in the large pond that divides the restaurant from the evening's entertainment: the theater or disco. Every night brings a big production with dancers and a light show. Order the specialty of the house, an Iberostar Bayibe, then watch the elaborate show.

After the final dancer leaves the stage, the dancing heads next door to the pulsating disco. Surrounded by a nautical theme, the two of you can test your newly learned merengue skills (you did take that poolside lesson after lunch, didn't you?)

For more on Iberostar, see www.iberostar.com