Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Casa Bonita
( 809-476-5059;
www.casabonitadr.com
; Carretera Barahona-Paraíso Km 17; r incl breakfast Dominic-
ans/foreigners from US$217/280; )
Formerly the vacation retreat of a wealthy
Dominican family - and now run by siblings as a discerning boutique hotel - Casa Bonita
is set on a hill with stunning Caribbean and mountain views in all directions. It is easily
the most remarkable hotel in the southwest.
Rooms aren't lavish but are modestly stylish, all with views, and are just a short walk to
the stunning infinity pool, Jacuzzi and hammock-strung gardens. The restaurant is steeped
in sustainability, with everything plated coming from its own organic vegetable garden or
sourced locally. Specialties include a remarkable baked artisanal cheese (RD$450) from
Polo. You won't soon forget the Tanama spa, built into the forest, where you can be mas-
saged on a bed
in the river
. A 10-platform canopy tour and mountain biking trails have
also been added, giving the hotel an adventure edge. It's refined, personal and close to
perfect.
HOTEL
$$$
Piratas del Caribe
( 809-243-1140;
www.hotelpiratasdelcaribe.com
;
Calle Arzobispo Nouel 1; s/d incl breakfast US$139/
179; )
Entering through the gates of this new little boutique oasis in the heart of
Paraíso feels like an epiphany. You'll be greeted with just five rooms, all with large
private patios, four of which offer second-floor sea views and are idyllic for taking break-
fast on. It's Spanish-French owned and Spanish-German managed, so there's a European
air about the place.
HOTEL
$$$
Restaurante Luz
(mains RD$200-450; 8:30am-10:30pm)
On the coastal road in the adjoining villages of
Bahoruco and La Ciénaga, this good option has a tidy second-floor dining room overlook-
ing the shore, and a nice ocean breeze. It's old-school Dominican, serving mainly grilled
fish and
lambi
.
SEAFOOD, DOMINICAN
$
Information
Paraíso is one of the few reliable places for internet between Barahona and Pedernales,
though wi-fi is still slow. Try
Papelaria Cheche
(Calle José Castillo; per hr RD$40; 8am-noon &
2-10pm)
on Calle José Castillo, a small transport container with a few computers. For med-
