Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(
809-526-1080;
www.barcelo.com
; Carretera Nueva; all-incl s/d from RD$2868/4780;
)
One of Juan Dolio's more glamorous choices, the rooms at the Capella are spread out
around lush grounds with reflecting pools. Inevitably for a resort this size, room quality is
a bit uneven - the best are in the 4000 block just steps from the shady palmed beach. The
pool area is a little small considering the number of guests, but it's generally a more tran-
quil scene than some others in town.
Coral Costa Caribe Resort
MAP
RESORT
$$$
GOOGLE MAP
( 809-526-2244;
www.coralcostacaribe.com
; Carretera Local; all-incl s/d/tr US$125/190/245;
)
Action at Juan Dolio's liveliest all-inclusive centers around the pool area, where a
variety of sizes and professions mingle over bottomless cocktails and fist-pumping reg-
gaeton. It's probably worth splurging an extra US$50 per night for newly renovated super-
ior category rooms here, a more modern escape from the nice but potentially crowded
beach. Three signature restaurants (Dominican, Italian and Mexican), a watersport/ diving
center and five bars and a disco round out a lively atmosphere. If you're staying further
west and want to imbibe here, a full-day pass is a painful US$50, but if you're a fast
drinker, the US$25 afternoon-only pass might easily be washed down your gullet.
Eating & Drinking
Don't worry if you're staying at an all-inclusive with less-than-stellar buffet food - Juan
Dolio has several decent restaurants, both near the main intersection and strung out along
Carretera Nueva east of the main resort area.
Ristorante El Sueño
(Carretera Local; pizza RD$280-425, pasta RD$255-425; noon-11pm Tue-Sun; )
Italian owners
and their Azurri cohorts sit around this casual open-air eatery
Godfather
-style, giving it a
nod of authenticity it doesn't need - the real-deal pizzas do the job on their own. The lob-
ster fettuccine also stands out, a favorite of local expats, as does the
all'amatriciana
, as
does anything
alla criolla
, as does the whole menu. It's rare that you eat in an Italian res-
taurant outside of Italy and think to yourself, “Bam! This must be how it is in Italy!” This
is
that
restaurant - one of this coast's most consistently great spots.
ITALIAN
$$
El Mesón
SPANISH, ITALIAN
$$
