Days are spent swinging idly on hammocks under palm trees or swimming in the calm waters, while evenings revolve around kicking back with a cocktail such as a rum-based Cuba Libre, tucking into fine international cuisine and savouring the flavours of your holiday destination. Whatever you do, the mix of Spanish influence (and language) and an African heritage, together with a totally tropical and quintessentially Caribbean vibe, is bound to beguile.

The region of Punta Cana is home to a variety of excellent resorts, spread along the picture-perfect coast. Among the most popular are Bavaro, Uvero Alto, and Punta Cana itself. Lush hotel complexes, replete with restaurants, spas, pools, palm trees and sporting facilities accommodate all kinds of travellers, with couples in search of romance often favouring this peaceful spot. Families too love the ambience and friendly atmosphere here too, and tend to head for the numerous hotels offering children's clubs and crèche services. 

Most Punta Cana holidays are enjoyed in the excellent all-inclusive hotels that line the idyllic seafront in the eastern part of the Dominican Republic, on the island of Hispaniola. Visitors to these hotels often choose to remain within the confines of the complex for the duration of their stay. However, if you want to get out and about, tours to Santo Domingo - the first ever European settlement in this part of the world or wildlife paradise Manati Park, as well as snorkelling excursions and trips on which you can swim with dolphins are all on offer. 

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Punta Cana enjoys average daytime temperatures of around 28C throughout the year, though many holidaymakers choose to travel between December and April to guarantee dry days. Moderate rainfall is more likely between May and November, although this time of year is also when you are most likely to find bargains. You just have to be prepared for some bursts of rain during your stay and occasionally the island can be hit by stronger storms.

Whale-watching season; January-March: Book a trip from Punta Cana to Samana to see humpback whales making the annual migration to their breeding grounds. You don't get many better opportunities to see these magnificent creatures up close. 

Punta Cana Carnival; February/March: It's a long trek to the famed Santo Domingo or La Vega Carnivals, so visit the local one instead. It might not be as big, but it's just as wild, wonderful, and enthralling.

Desalia; February: This dance music event takes over part of the Punta Cana beach every February and attracts big-name artists such as Calvin Harris. Bikinis, shorts, sun hats and designer shades are the party outfits of choice.

Relaxing: Beach life does wonders for the soul, allowing you to shake off the worries of everyday life. Order a long cool drink and savour the horizontal vibe by the water's edge.

Grown-up families: A number of nature parks can be found around Punta Cana. At Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park, for example, you can swim in lagoons and spot birds and wildlife among the verdant vegetation.

Kids & teens: Swim with dolphins, chat with parrots, and hold snakes (if you dare) at Manati Park.