All-Inclusive Beachfront Resort with Natural Sun Deck
Located about 10 minutes from Puerto Plata, the small town of Sosúa is known for having some of the finest beaches in the Dominican Republic. Not only is the amber sand soft and the water crystal clear, but the vendors lining the shore also reflect the area’s unique cultural makeup. Founded by European Jews, Sosúa has a population today that includes native Dominicans, as well as German expats. As Fodor’s writes, “it sometimes seems that you can get schnitzel here more easily than sancocho.” Built on a reef that serves as a natural sun deck, Casa Marina Reef has access to a private stretch of beach and is just a short walk from the town’s popular public beaches for those visitors who want to experience the village lifestyle.
With a dive shop onsite and complimentary kayaks and boogie boards, the all-inclusive resort makes it easy for guests to take advantage of the nearby Caribbean Sea. There’s also plenty to do inland, including playing volleyball and lounging in the property’s many pools and hot tubs. During the day, the resort hosts kids' programs and activities such as aqua aerobics. Nighttime entertainment ranges from the discotheque and casino to shows in the amphitheater.
With this package, visitors can dine at any of the five buffet and à la carte restaurants. Some specialize in a particular type of cuisine—seafood or Italian, for example. Casa Marina Reef also has nine bars. Midsize guest rooms are decked out with local crafts, rattan furniture, and bright tropical colors. All come with a terrace or balcony overlooking the ocean or surrounding gardens.
Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic: Waterfalls, Beaches, and Centuries-Old Historical Sites
Situated on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic, Puerto Plata is best known for its sun-kissed beaches. But the province has several breathtaking geographical features inland as well. Damajagua is a natural water park of sorts—it features 27 waterfalls flowing from limestone rock formations. Tour guides lead groups through the falls, and you can swim and occasionally slide down the natural water slides.
You can get an aerial view of Puerto Plata and the Caribbean Sea on a teleférico, or cable car. One of them climbs 2,565 feet to the apex of Mount Isabel de Torres, which is crowned with blooming botanical gardens and a replica of Rio de Janeiro's massive Christ the Redeemer statue. It's also worth it to take a scenic drive to Parque Histórico La Isabela, where you'll find the remains of a church as well as ruins of a colonial village where Columbus routinely woke his neighbors by blasting the Santa Maria's foghorn.