The Cinemateca Dominicana in Plaza de la Cultura in Santo Domingo is hosting the 6th International GLBT Santo Domingo Film Festival, Outfest. The festival began on 26 November and continues until 6 December 2015.
See the schedule at https://www.facebook.com/sdqoutfest/
The Wingfield Estate conducts tours to explain the steps of the cane production and processing and feels like stepping back in time. The history can be seen through copper vats and rum casks. Enjoy views from above at UNESCO Brimstone Hill Fortress. Traveling on the St. Kitts Scenic Railway, which was used to move the sugar cane from the plantations to the factory, gives a tour of the island and the only acapella group set on rails.
The signature luxury experience continues at Belle Mont Farm designed by architect Bill Bensley, who created the Four Seasons Tented Camp in Chiang Rai, Thailand. Every detail was carefully planned to create authentic luxury that matches the mountain top setting on Kittian Hill. Participate in the farm by picking your own mangoes and make sure to take part in the farm dinner. For more visit HERE
The Dominican Republic has been included on two of the Best of Caribbean travel lists of the US News & World Report publication.
Puerto Plata and Punta Cana are both included the "Best Affordable Caribbean Destinations" list. Interestingly, the destinations are given the same weight as countries such as Puerto Rico, Curacao, Jamaica, Grenada, Dominica, US Virgin Islands, Barbados, and St. Kitts and Nevis.
The publication recommends a trip to Punta Cana:
"Thanks to a wealth of all-inclusive resorts, Punta Cana is an affordable haven for sun-worshippers. This resort town offers everything from pristine beaches and turquoise water to challenging golf courses and top-notch cuisine."
And to Puerto Plata:
"This Dominican Republic beach town offers plenty for those seeking off-resort activities. Here, you can enjoy water sports in Cabarete and jaw-dropping sights like the Damajaqua Cascades [sic]. And with daily nonstop flights from the U.S., getting to Puerto Plata is a cinch."
In the "beach bum" category, Punta Cana is on the Best Caribbean Beaches list. http://travel.usnews.com/Rankings/Best_Affordable_Caribbean_Destinations/
Now in its 19th year, the Dominican Republic Jazz Festival promises five nights of free concerts 4-8 November in Santiago, Puerto Plata, Sosua and Cabarete. Confirmed artists for 2015 include international jazz players David Sanchez Quartet and John Patitucci, and the Pedrito Martinez Group. From the Dominican Republic, Pengbian Sang and Retro Jazz, and Manuel Tejada will be playing, as well as Josean Jacobo, Javier Vargas and the Big Band of the Santo Domingo Music Conservatory. Marco Pignataro and Matt Marvuglio of the Berklee Global Jazz Institute will also be playing.
This year the festival will pay tribute to saxophone players Juan Colon, Crispin Fernandez and Sandy Gabriel.
The event is sponsored by the Ministry of Tourism.