Mélange Travel & Lifestyle Magazine APRIL 2019 | Page 272

PLACES OF INTEREST Larimar Museum and Factory Hoyo Azul Punta Cana Hoyo Azul is a blue hole with amazingly clear waters located at the bottom of a 75 meter cliff in the Punta Cana region. Visitors on a tour to this incredible site will descend a series of steps leading to a cave which in turn leads them to the blue hole where they can swim in its clear waters. Larimar is a gemstone which was formed through the heat of volcanic eruptions. Only found on the Dominican Republic, it has recently joined the ranks of what are known as precious stones. Although they come in a variety of colours, azure blue is the most sought after as the clear colour imitates the waters that surround the country. Visitors to the factory can learn how these gems are mined and turned into items of jewelry. Photo Credit: Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism Photo Credit: Dominican Republic Ministry of Tourism