Associate editor Paul Felt sampled a new resort in the
Dominican Republic last month and got into the inclusive groove
right away. His report follows:
uring my stay at the inclusive
Iberostar Hacienda Dominicus, which opened in Bayahibe, Dominican
Republic in November, I asked general manager Juan Llinas what
separated his property from the four other Iberostar resorts in the
Dominican Republic.
He seemed perplexed by my question and relieved when an answer
came to him. "The beach," Llinas replied.
Iberostar's beach, which features a water-sports center, a dive
shop and a bar in the guise of a lighthouse, happens to be an
excellent locale for volleyball, sea kayaking, snorkeling and
relaxing -- all of which I enjoyed during my four-day stay. Long
and crescent-shaped, the beach was my first stop after
check-in.
What interested me more, however, was Llinas' passive
acknowledgement that the other Iberostars in this country do not
differ markedly from the Hacienda Dominicus.
This speaks to the harmony of design, amenities and service
among all five Iberostar resorts, a consistency that enables guests
who have stayed at the sister resorts to know what to expect from
the newest family member.
It also goes a long way toward explaining the 94% occupancy the
resort enjoyed in February, just three months after its
opening.
Apparently, travel agents know what to expect, as well. One guest
told me his agent, knowing he already was an Iberostar fan, had
alerted him to the new property. Convenient access to it via La
Romana Airport, 20 minutes away, sealed the deal for him.
The airport is served with daily flights from San Juan and
Miami. A word of caution, however -- bring carry-on luggage for
extended weekend getaways.
Upon arrival at La Romana, I found that my checked suitcase
failed to make the connection in San Juan. It arrived the next
day.
The Hacienda's employees are friendly and always ready with an
easy smile.
Guests are greeted with song by one of the breakfast chefs,
whose singing made the wait for an omelette enjoyable.
As I strolled by the pool, a staff member named Elvis recruited
me for a volleyball tournament that afternoon.
Although I discovered my serving skills have deserted me, the
games succeeded in getting me out from under the shade of my
grass-roofed cabana and adjustable lounge chair.
While the beach and its activities are important selling points
for the resort, its airy architecture and tropical ambience also
get a thumbs up.
Accommodations are located in seven two-story buildings that
look out over courtyards and fountains.
Canals and waterways, inhabited by flamingos and egrets,
parallel walkways. Palm trees and cabanas provide shade at the pool
and the beach.
Dining options include an informal beach bar for brunch and
lunch, a buffet restaurant and two a la carte restaurants -- the
Bonsai Japanese steakhouse and the Maria Bonita Mexican
restaurant.
Guests are limited to one a la carte reservation for every three
nights. For guests on a short stay, I recommend Bonsai.
For nightlife, the Titanic disco, decorated to resemble the deck
of a cruise ship, is a lively place on a Saturday night. It opens
at 11 p.m., and the cigar shop next door stays open late.
Before the disco opens, the Hacienda's nightly entertainment
takes place in a large theater, rotating between a
Hollywood-inspired dance revue and a Mr. Iberostar talent contest
involving audience members.
It's easy to become spoiled at this resort, where dining,
drinking and activities neither incur room charges nor surprise at
checkout.
Room Key: Iberostar Hacienda Dominicus
Address: Bayahibe, Dominican Republic
Phone: (888) 923-2722 or (809) 688-3600
Web:www.iberostar.com
Resort manager: Juan Llinas
Sample rates: From $180 per night, double, to June
30 (May is the rainy season); from $210 per night, double, July 1
through Dec. 22. Junior suite supplement is $15 per person.
Location: Bayahibe, a 20-minute ride from La
Romana Airport.
Number of rooms: 496, including 36 junior suites
with ocean view.
Raves: Generously sized rooms with tile floors,
ceiling fans and air conditioning. Friendly, even extroverted
staff. Japanese steakhouse is a culinary stand-out. Lively disco.
Seemingly endless supply of pina coladas and beer.
Rants: Lackluster buffet. Variety entertainment
tends to be kitschy. Boat traffic speeds by close to shore and
makes sea kayaking more perilous than it should be.