3-Nights Catalonia Bayahibe from $266

Bayahibe, Dominican Republic, a fishing village 65 mi/105 km east of Santo Domingo, has somehow managed to retain its small-town feel and attitude—despite an explosion in the number of all-inclusive resorts in recent years. Bayahibe is considered one of the most pleasant villages in the Caribbean, full of gaily painted fishing skiffs, friendly residents and a laid-back atmosphere.

The stretch of sand near the town is short and shaded by palm trees. The best beaches lie south of town, where the all-inclusive resorts are located. Some of the best snorkeling and scuba diving on the island is available there. Offshore are several shipwrecks, several of which can be explored in the 1724 Guadalupe Underwater Archaeological Preserve.

The National Park of the East is nearby. The park's caves contain pre-Columbian petroglyphs, and nearby Isla Saona—popular on boat excursions from Bayahibe—has hiking trails to a lagoon with flamingos.

A few simple hotels can be found in Bayahibe, along with dive shops and small beach bars and restaurants serving wonderful seafood.