Get the low-down on the best spots to find larimar, an exceptional jewel that can be found only in the Dominican Republic, with top tour operator The Holiday Place (www.theholidayplace.co.uk / 020 7644 1793). And with a fortnight�s holiday to the popular Cabarete Beach for �499, you too can afford to be bedecked with jewels.

Agnes Czekanska, product manager at The Holiday Place, says: �As larimar is native to the Dominican Republic, larimar mines are in constant operation. To get an idea of the detail that goes into making larimar jewellery, visitors should check out the factory at the back of The Canoa shop in Puerto Plata, where artisans can be found crafting the stone.�

Known as �the blue beauty of the Caribbean,� the stone was named locally by Miguel Mendez, who combined the name of his daughter �Lar�issa with �Mar,� the Spanish word for sea. Known as �The Atlantis Stone� since a wise prophet claimed the Dominican Republic was part of the lost continent of Atlantis, Larimar has only been sourcable for 31 years, though locals have long known of the stone.

THE DEALS

PARAISO DEL SOL, FORTNIGHT FOR �499! Be located in the stunning surroundings of Cabarete Beach, Dominican Republic with a stay at the three-star Paraiso del Sol. Enjoy a 14-night trip for �499 on an all-inclusive basis. Price includes UK departure taxes and the services of a rep. Departs 9 September from London Gatwick. Book through the Holiday Place (www.theholidayplace.co.uk / 020 7644 1793).

HACIENDA TROPICAL, �599 Go four-star with a break at the Hacienda Tropical, Puerto Plata. Enjoy a 14-night trip for �599 on an all-inclusive basis. Price includes UK departure taxes and the services of a rep. Departs 9 September from London Gatwick. Book through the Holiday Place (www.theholidayplace.co.uk / 020 7644 1793).

BREEZES PUERTO PLATA, �649 Escape to the four-star Breezes Puerto Plata resort, situated on the stunning north coast on the island. A 14-night trip is yours for �649 on an all-inclusive basis. Price includes UK departure taxes and the services of a rep. Departs 9 September from London Gatwick. Book through the Holiday Place (www.theholidayplace.co.uk / 020 7644 1793).

All prices subject to availability and correct at time of departure. - Ends - About The Holiday Place:

The Holiday Place PLC is one of Europe's top independent tour operators, offering exotic package and tailor made holidays to a wide variety of worldwide destinations. The company specialises in holidays to Cuba, Egypt, The Dominican Republic, the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean, and Dubai.

Founded in 1986 to offer quality packages at competitive prices, coupled with a personal and reliable service, The Holiday Place has retained a small company ethos despite achieving excellent growth. The company has doubled its turnover since 2002, and appeared in The Sunday Times Fast Track of Britain�s fastest growing companies in 2004.

The Holiday Place�s staff offer unparalleled destination knowledge, and the company enjoys an exceptionally low staff turnover, with over half the employees having worked at the company for over 7 years. The Holiday Place is one of the longest established British tour operators to Cuba, and is currently the UK market leader in holidays to Cuba.

Contact: Jaillan Yehia Rooster tel: +44 (0) 20 7691 3939 fax: +44 (0) 20 7691 3929 email: jaillan.yehia@rooster.co.uk web: www.rooster.co.uk