When Columbus first set foot in the New World, he spied the North Coast of what we call the Dominican Republic and called it "the most beautiful land on earth." Today you might just say the same thing. Spectacular beaches stretch for miles around the country's shores - head for a white sand playa one day, then change to a craggy cove good for beach combing the next. If you're into windsurfing or kitesurfing, the newest craze, Playa Caberete is one of the top destinations in the world.