Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Villas Los Corales
( 809-552-1262;
www.los-corales-villas.com
;
Playa Bávaro; r US$90-300; )
This small
Italian-owned development has none of the grandiose ambitions of the nearby all-inclus-
ives to be all things to all people. For those seeking more-modest surroundings and a com-
munity feel, Los Corales will do. Of the 50 or so apartments, all have small private patios
and balconies, and private kitchenettes; some have oceanfront views.
Some of the cheapest options are a bit musty - it's worth dropping an extra US$30 to
their US$120 category. In addition to the excellent Balicana (
Click here
)
, there's an Italian
restaurant, as well as a bar, holistic spa, small fitness center and swimming pool.
APARTMENT
$$
Hotel Cortecito Inn
( 809-552-0639;
www.hotelcortecitoinn.net
; El Cortecito; r incl breakfast US$60; )
One of
the few independent, reasonably priced choices in the area. Smileless service, confronta-
tional staff and uninspiring breakfasts are the rule, but the rooms can be spacious and the
pool and renovated grounds pleasant enough. Expect to leave your ID at reception.
HOTEL
$$
Paradisus Punta Cana
MAP
RESORT
$$$
GOOGLE MAP
( 809-687-9923;
www.melia.com
; Playa Bávaro; all-incl d from US$446; )
Almost
jungly and discerningly quiet, this resort feels nothing like most in the area. It attracts
singles and families alike and takes appreciated steps to keep them separate where de-
sired. The madeover standard rooms feel more urban arthouse than Caribbean and the 190
newer Reserve rooms feature lush courtyards, modern art, patios and Jacuzzi tubs for two.
Both the large and winding main pool and the beach (full of day beds) are gorgeous,
and the separate Royal Services pool feels like a Roman bath. Kids get batting cages and a
climbing wall, adults 12 restaurants, including Passion by Martín Berasategui (
Click
NaturaPark Beach Ecoresort & Spa
( 809-221-2626;
www.blau-hotels.com
; Cabeza de Toro; d from US$218; )
Natur-
aPark has a narrow beach outside the village of Cabeza de Toro, halfway between Bávaro
and Punta Cana. From the Lincoln Logs-style recycled coconut wood lobby furniture to
HOTEL
$$$
