Isla Saona is the crown jewel of the Dominican Republic. Step onto a catamaran or speedboat from Bayahíbe and sail through turquoise waters toward this untouched tropical island inside the East National Park.

Along the way, stop at the famous Piscina Natural — a shallow sandbar in the open sea where starfish glide beneath your feet. Then spend the afternoon on endless white-sand beaches lined with coconut palms, enjoy a Dominican buffet lunch, and sip from the open bar as merengue plays.

This is the postcard Dominican Republic — and it delivers every single time.