From Boston to San Francisco: places to commemorate 250 years of US independence

Mount Rushmore and all its other geological wonders

In the footsteps of John Fitzgerald Kennedy in Boston

In Washington: visiting the National Archives and spending evenings at the Natural History Museum

In San Francisco: Angel Island and Fort Point

In Charleston for the International African American Museum

Old-world hotels, cocktails under the palm trees and long lunches overlooking the sea: exploring the island that charms with its slow pace

Anguilla: a Caribbean celebration of relaxation, with beaches and lobsters

As you stroll along the cobbled streets of Santo Domingo’s Ciudad Colonial, where the hum of the historic quarter mingles with the aroma of freshly roasted coffee in the restored courtyards, it becomes clear that the Dominican Republic is moving beyond its old reputation as a purely seaside destination. Travelling along the route that winds its way up to the wild Samaná Peninsula, the encounter with the landscape is immediate and evocative: from the Atlantic breeze rustling the palm trees at Playa Bonita to the tranquillity of the new boutique hotels nestled within nature, the experience on the ground reveals a country that has resolutely committed to low-density hospitality, the protection of biodiversity and the celebration of its historical heritage. Planning this trip during the summer months, between July and early autumn, proves to be an excellent choice: the warm temperatures are cooled by brief, passing showers that keep the natural landscape lush, whilst the lower number of visitors allows you to appreciate the true essence and most authentic hospitality of the Dominican Republic.

The other Dominican Republic is in the untamed Samaná

How to get there and get around on your own

Wellbeing, art and the distinctive touch of Altos de Chavón

Discover the best destinations and travel tips for your holidays: the best all-inclusive trips to leave without worries