Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
CABRERA
East of Playa Grande is Cabrera, a sleepy town of stone houses with colorful shutters,
flower boxes and well-kept gardens, as well as lavish vacation homes owned by Dominic-
ans and expats. Because electricity and hence nighttime lights are scarce, stargazing is ex-
cellent.
Nearby Playa Diamante is a small, fairly ordinary-looking beach with shallow water good
for children; Playa El Breton , within Parque Nacional Cabo Francis, has excellent snorkel-
ing; most noteworthy of all, Playa Entrada is one of the longest, most picture-postcard-
worthy beaches in the country. Privacy is easy to come by. A couple of informal shacks sell
seafood and drinks (these might be abandoned on weekdays).
Nearby Laguna Dudu , a unique site for divers, is a waterfilled limestone cave that runs all
the way to the ocean! Non-divers can access the landscaped picnic area (RD$100) for cliff
jumping and rope swinging.
The area has been colonized by a collection of spectacular, private, high-end, fully
staffed villas for rent, part of a development called Orchid Bay Estates; these include
Balinese-inspired Sunrise Villas ( 866-998-4552; www.sunrise-villa.com ; villas from US$1350) ,
Mediterranean-style Villa Castellamonte and the 35,000-sq-ft ultramodern Casa Kimball
(all have eight bedrooms). Otherwise travelers can head to Hotel La Catalina (
809-589-7700; www.lacatalina.com ; r incl breakfast US$100; ) , perched on a lush hill several
kilometers inland and west of town. It offers charming and airy rooms with fresh white lin-
ens and wicker furniture, as well as spectacular views from the restaurant and pool area.
Free shuttles take guests to and from Playa Grande.
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