SIX18 TRAVEL

Established in 1502, Puerto Plata earned its name, Port of Silver, from the glistening silver color of its coast at sunset. The seaside city served as the last stop for ships carrying goods back to the Old World. Today, Puerto Plata welcomes those taking a different type of journey: from hectic real life to tranquil, all-inclusive decadence.

Its beach-town neighbor to the east, Punta Cana, offers the coddling comforts of the all-inclusive but with very little authenticity. Puerto Plata's appeal, however, is in fusing the two. In addition to the spectacular beaches of the Dominican Republic's north coast or the activities along the lively Malecón boardwalk, there's also the crumbling, yet majestic colonial architecture of the historic district or the breathtaking views atop Mount Isabel de Torres in the morning. In short, Puerto Plata's virtues include plenty of off-resort activities to placate the curious and plenty of all-inclusive activities to entertain the laid-back – and for a reasonable price. Need even more diversions? This Port of Silver is just a quick flight away from the DR's capital, Santo Domingo, and the thriving nightlife, shopping and burgeoning food scene found there.