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| Playa Encuentro |
Playa Encuentro
Encuentro means “meeting” or “find,” and this isolated beach is certainly a gem of a find, bringing together man, his board, and the surf. Playa Encuentro is one of the highest rated beaches in the DR for surfing.
There are five distinct breaks that vary by season and time
of day, and wave heights generally run from 1.5 to 3.5 feet (but can reach up
to 9 under certain conditions). Surfing season is during the winter, from
November through April, but summer can also produce very ride-able breaks.
Several surf rental and lesson shacks
are set up on the beach. It is best to arrive early in the morning, as the
breaks are best before noon. Less than 5 kilometers west of Cabarete, accessible by
catching a moto or public transport. The
entrance to the beach is by the Coconut Palms resort.
Surfing 321
Surfing 321 is one of the larger and better-known surf
outfits in the area. The multilingual staff speaks English, Spanish, German,
French, and Russian. Surfing 321 offer many deals and options for all levels of
surfers, including rentals, lessons, trips, and the newfangled stand-up
paddleboarding. Located at the entrance
to the Coconut Palm Resort, continue to the beach and find the TakeOff School;
963-7873; www.321takeoff.com; 321takeoff@gmail.com
Pauhana Surfing
Pauhana is another reputable option for surf lessons located
on Playa Encuentro. Rates for lessons run
from US$45 for a day to US$225 for a week. 902-1212; www.pauhanasurfing.com; surfpauhana@gmail.com
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| Blue Moon Cabanas Nestled in the Hills |
A
Detour for a Night
Blue Moon
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| Guests Enjoying Blue Moon's Indian-Caribbean Fare |
Just a short drive from the coast, this
retreat center is a peaceful oasis in the northern hills, affording occasional
views of the mountains and sea. The property is green and well-tended, with a
generous dining space, pool, patio, kitchen, bar, and lounge areas. The evening
meal, diverse and decadent, is the highlight – an Indian-Caribbean affair
served on banana leaves, eaten lounging on plush cushions. A large breakfast is
included with the price.
US$40-60 per cabana; in a private vehicle from Cabarete, turn right at the intersection of Sabaneta de Yásica, heading south for 6 kilometers over the bridge in Los Brazos. The entrance to Blue Moon is on the left. If coming by public transport, take a guagua to the Sabaneta intersection. Here, catch another guagua headed towards Jamao al Norte, and disembark at the entrance to Blue Moon, a five-minute walk off the highway up a short hill. Must book prior to arrival. 757-0614, ask for Eneyda; www.bluemoonretreat.net; info@bluemoonretreat.net
US$40-60 per cabana; in a private vehicle from Cabarete, turn right at the intersection of Sabaneta de Yásica, heading south for 6 kilometers over the bridge in Los Brazos. The entrance to Blue Moon is on the left. If coming by public transport, take a guagua to the Sabaneta intersection. Here, catch another guagua headed towards Jamao al Norte, and disembark at the entrance to Blue Moon, a five-minute walk off the highway up a short hill. Must book prior to arrival. 757-0614, ask for Eneyda; www.bluemoonretreat.net; info@bluemoonretreat.net
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