visit to the DR in Dec. '99

My husband and I are going to stay in Cabarete at the Paraiso Del Sol in December, 1999. I have not been able to find any information about this hotel/resort on the "net". What can you tell me? This is our first visit to the DR. We would also enjoy receiving your recommendations for open-air restaurants. What can you tell us?

We have a goal of visiting as many beaches in the world that we can during our lifetime.Are there any novels depicting life in the DR that you might recommend. We are both voracious readers and love to read about areas that we are visiting.

We are flying out of the DR on Jan. 1, 2000. Does this sound like a responsible or risky decision in your opinion?

We are truly looking forward to the beaches of northern DR, the fresh seafood, rest, relaxation, and meeting other world-beach travelers.

I look forward to your reply.

A-ready-for-a-vacation-middle school principal, Jan M.

We are flying out of the DR on Jan. 1, 2000. Does this sound like a responsible or risky decision in your opinion

The FAA has stated that to expect delays within the domestic US system. They have also issued warnings for extended delays in many countries not prepared for Y2K. I doubt you are in any danger, but your vacation may be extended

Tom

i would love to be able to tell you many nice things about cabarette. but my sister and my best friend almost drowned in my very eyes had it not been for a good samaritan that rescued us. the waves in cabarette can be huge. there are some international windsurfing competitions held there every year. be careful. definitly visit sosua. in my opinion it is the one of the most beautiful beaches in d.r. , besides the other beaches are plaged w/ tourists and you will not be able tosee how the natives enjoy the beaches. hotels have such controls over the other beaches that you may not be able to enjoy the services of the small entrepeneurs whom walk around selling shrimps, oysters, drinks, beers. i don't see why returning on the first would be a concern. i don't believe the airport service in d.r. will be any more affected than in the u.s. except i personally would prefer to enjoy the night that marks a turn of century partying as much as possible. i would say if you can, and you've already decided to celebrate in d.r. extend your stay by at least one day, and enjoy yourself

Many beaches to visit on the north coast--Bergantine a favorite of mine especially for the lobster lunches available--Playa Dorada--full of tourists, loads of water sports-jet skis etc., Long Beach--not really for swimming -Puerto Plata's local beach: Costambar, Cofresi, Maimon. enjoy. We'll cross our fingers for you, but I understand the airports are or will be y2k ready. Stop in and say hello.

Exactly where is Bergntine in relation to Sosua and Caberete. A lobster lunch sounds wonderful, and do you recommend any specific restaurant?

Hi, theres a nice restaurant in Cabarete for to eat lobster. The name is "La casa del pescador" Tel. 571 0760 greetings bonita

WELL MY FRIEND STAYED IN CABARETTE AND SHE SAID THE BEACHES WERE NICE AND THE HOTEL SHE WAS AT WAS REALLY NICE BUT THERE WASN'T ANY NIGHTLIFE. THAT IT WAS ALOT OF COUPLES AND OLDER PEOPLE. ABOUT SOSUA I HATED IT THE BEACH WAS DIRTY AND YOU HAVE TO PAY FOR EVERYTHING (EVEN TO USE THE WASHROOM). IT WAS OVER CROWDED AND YOU CAN'T EVEN RELAX AS THERE ARE SO MANY VENDORS ON THE BEACH ASKING YOU TO BUY THIS AND BUY THAT OR TO BRAID YOUR HAIR. I WOULD SUGGEST TAKING A TRIP INTO PUERTO PLATA. YOU WILL THINK IT IS WORTH THE DRIVE. IT IS ONLY ABOUT 20-30 MINITUES IF THAT. I CAN TELL YOU SOME GOOD PLACES TO GO IN PUERTO PLATA IF YOU ARE INTERESTED. ALWAYS EVERYONE HAS A DIFFERENT OPINION OF DIFFERENT PLACES. SO FEEL FREE TO E-MAIL ME. I WILL BE IN PUERTO PLATAFOR 3 WEEKS COMING BACK JAN 9TH. IT WILL BE MY 7TH TIME. I LOVE IT. HAVE A GOOD TRIP. LORRI

lorri and I above do all of our traveling to the dr, as much and as often as possible. I was the friend that stayed in Cabarette. The beach is beautiful but very windy and as your first reponse stated you really should never turn your back on the waves, the undertoe is strong enough, but if a wave knocks you over you are going to want to make sure that you have a swimming buddy to watch over you. Cabarette has some great shops along the main drive and you can choose the fish house or restaurant you want with ease, there are many and the fish does not come any fresher.

Cabarette is a wonderful place to start a journey, if you are feeling adventurous, rent a jeep and travel into the country from Cabarette. I wish i could give some names of the villages that I travelled to but my memory is not that great. If this is your first time to the dr, take a guide with you, I would not recommend that you venture out on your own if one you do not know the language and two if it is your first trip. It has only been within my last 4 or 5 trips that we have begun to venture off of our comfy resort on a regular basis to explore. The dr has so much to offer, and the people that live there are one of the greatest assests it has to offer.

enjoy

Bergantine is between Sosua and Playa Dorado-you can walk from the Playa Dorado beach to Bergantine 30 minutes or so-depending on how fast you walk--you can take a boat ride from Playa Dorado and arrange for them to pick you up at a specified time(I think 50 pesos-may have changed) or you can go by taxi- we use Techni Taxi and its 70 pesos one way-always make arrangements for a pickup time if you go by taxi because there are no phones in the Bergantine area. As far as restaurants to choose--we go cool box by cool box-check the catch(fresh fish-lobster, etc.) check the price and then decide. These really are not restaurants but most people live there and cook from their kitchens. Some of the horse stables have a VIP trip which includes a stop in bergantine. Hope this helps.

Jan,

When you come to the DR you must see Playa Rincon at the tip of the Samana Peninsula. Its rated as one of the five prettiest beaches in the world,...and it is. E-mail me for further information.