Nestled on the shores of the breathtaking Eastern Caribbean island, the Four Seasons Resort Anguilla offers a home away from home with its 166 villas and resort accommodations. This luxurious property invites you to unwind in the seaside spa and savor fresh cuisine while enjoying the breathtaking Anguillan sunsets.

Oceanside Living – Luxurious Accommodations

With unparalleled luxury, Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla offers a wide range of stunning accommodations.

Penthouses

If breathtaking ocean views are what you desire, the penthouses provide an elevated experience with a terrace and a large private plunge pool. With a full gourmet kitchen, dining room, and ample living space, the penthouses are ideal for entertaining or enjoying a vacation with family or friends.

Townhomes

For a convenient and no less inviting option, there are split-level townhomes. These spacious options feature private kitchens, outdoor grills, and living areas perfect for entertaining at home. You won’t want to miss the opportunity to relax in the private pool while overlooking the serene waters of the Caribbean.

Beachside Dining

Four Seasons Anguilla resort offers an array of exceptional dining experiences that should suit whatever you’re in the mood for during your stay.

Sunset Lounge and Half Shell Beach Bar

You can begin your journey at the Sunset Lounge, where you can savor the island’s best sushi, from rolls and sashimi to delectable, shared plates. Indulge in vintage rums.

If you’re seeking a more casual dining experience, head to Half Shell Beach Bar. It’s nestled on the picturesque Barnes Bay Beach. This laid-back spot offers a perfect setting to enjoy a light lunch.

Blufftop Dining at Salt

Lastly, Salt provides a remarkable dining experience with its blufftop location overlooking Barnes Bay and Meads Bay! Offering fresh breakfast options and vibrant seafood dinners this is a perfect spot to take in the mesmerizing views.

Other Recommended Destinations

• Stanglwirt
• Anantara The Marker
• Turtle Bay Resort
• Anantara New York Palace Budapest Hotel
• C Lazy U Ranch

Spa at Four Seasons Resort Anguilla

You’d expect the Four Seasons to provide superior spa experiences and you won’t be disappointed.

Just a few of the services include:

• Aroma massage with carefully handcrafted essential oil blends.
• Natural remedies for better sleep, reduced stress, improved energy levels, and a positive mindset.
• Facials and body treatments with wraps and signature body scrubs.
• Personalized fitness sessions catering to all levels, offering an all-encompassing body experience that nourishes and leaves you glowing.

You’ll also find manicures, pedicures, hair salon and 24-hour fitness center.

Journey Beyond Aspen to Anguilla

Whether you seek tranquility, adventure, or culinary excellence, Four Seasons Anguilla is the perfect destination for an extraordinary escape.

For an unforgettable experience…

Journey Beyond Aspen to the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Embark on the dream of a secluded Caribbean Island to experience a luxurious escape at the Calabash Luxury Boutique Hotel. The Calabash is located in Grenada, an island paradise in the West Indies with lush, dreamlike rainforests.

The resort lies right on the coast of Prickly Bay. The island has rich agriculture with various tropical fruits and exotic plant life. The resort is close to a wide range of fun activities and fantastic cuisine. Within walking distance from where you stay is a beautiful quiet beach perfect for unwinding and relaxing.

You’ll have an opportunity to indulge in surreal amenities and savory meals throughout your entire stay. The family-owned resort invites you to be a part of their family and have the time of your life.

Accommodations Include Suites and Villas

Accompanied by the island’s beauty, the resort has luxurious room layouts that make it hard to leave. There are six different suites, each with beautiful modern finishing. The villas have 2 – 5 spacious bedrooms, a private pool, and a gorgeous ocean view.

Other Recommended Destinations

• Silversands
• The Loren at Pink Beach
• The Ranch at Rock Creek
• SeaDream Yacht Club
• Marriott International Homes & Villas

Dining at the Calabash Luxury Resort

You’ll feel like royalty with the meal plans that the Calabash Luxury Boutique Hotel has to offer. These plans make a savoring meal on the beach possible and give you a chance to eat remarkable fresh-caught seafood at Rhodes Restaurant. And with every breathtaking sunset, you can enjoy Canapés delivered to your suite.

Enjoy poolside dining at Izakaya, a Japanese-inspired restaurant. The locally sourced seafood dishes will leave you wanting more. After dinner, listen to live entertainment with cocktails and drinks that have been developed by the staff personally.

Activities For Everyone

The staff wants to ensure your stay becomes an exciting and memorable dream vacation. So, whether you are looking for a relaxing day in the sun or a thrilling adventure, the resort offers various activities to suit your mood.

Water Sports and Games

Guests can participate in non-motorized water sports. There are also snorkeling equipment, excellent for crystal clear water, kayaks, Hobie cats, and paddle boards.

The tennis courts are well-lit so you can get a few games in even after the sun goes down. If you’re looking to improve your play, take advantage of a few private lessons. Stick by the water and play a game of boules or a large game of chess in the shade.

For an unforgettable experience…

Journey Beyond Aspen to Grenada and the Calabash Luxury Resort Hotel, and experience what it’s like to live a luxurious life on a secluded island.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Along Bermuda’s iconic Pink Beach is a hideaway resort unlike any other. The Loren is unique, yet decidedly Bermudian. It’s an unforgettable seaside destination where art and luxury meet.

Featuring panoramic views of Bermuda’s famous pink-hued shores from spacious outdoor balconies and floor-to-ceiling windows, guests experience the elegance and sophistication of a luxury resort with the ease and serenity of a private retreat. 

Some of the Best Guest Rooms in Bermuda

Accommodations at the resort are made up of suites, villas, and residences.  The Loren is the first hotel built in decades in Bermuda and has raised the bar among island resorts. With clean modern aesthetics, this boutique hotel offers stunning views with a Bermudian decor spirit. With private terraces and floor-to-ceiling windows, guests can enjoy their visit without ever having to leave their rooms! 

Villas and a Residence

If staying in a villa is more your style, choose one of the three luxury seaside villas. Each has 3 bedrooms with luxury amenities in the 3,600 square foot space.  If traveling with a large family or group requiring privacy, understated elegance, and glam, The Loren Residence will exceed your expectations. This new “mansion” is on 5.5 acres of waterfront land, and includes 6 bedrooms and 8 ensuite bathrooms. Pure luxury!

Other Recommended Destinations

• Belmond Charleston Place
• Nobu Hotel – Los Cabos
• Hotel Bennett
• The Jacquard Hotel
• Marriott International Homes & Villas

Dining in Bermuda

Dining at The Loren is an experience. Chef Lourence Godinho and his team pride themselves on sea-to-table cuisine. The culinary team works with local fishermen and farmers to source ingredients used at the resort’s dining establishments.  

Activities at The Loren

Although guests typically stay on-premises to enjoy the pool, beach, or spa (the Loren has a stunning full-service spa). There’s no shortage of activities in Bermuda. From snorkeling, boating, horseback riding, and shopping, this one-of-a-kind pink sand island has it all. 

For an unforgettable experience…

Journey Beyond Aspen to The Loren at Pink Beach in Bermuda.

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Sandy Lane – Barbados has it all: a perfect location overlooking the Caribbean Sea on a tranquil coral sand beach shaded by mature mahogany trees.  

The timeless and classic elegance of the Palladian buildings is mirrored in the spacious comfort of the 113 hotel rooms and suites. You’ll find exceptional golf (three golf courses!), gourmet dining, an outstanding spa, and an exceptional level of  Barbadian hospitality that make for a five-star stay.

Sandy Lane has long been regarded as the premier address in the Caribbean. It’s the preferred resort for discerning travelers worldwide. Its dedication to excellence has won the resort numerous accolades.

Golfing in Barbados at Sandy Lane

The resort offers some of the best golf in the world, with three golf courses. The Old Nine and The Country Club are two. Plus, there’s the world-renowned Green Monkey: a Tom Fazio creation carved from an old stone quarry that is exclusive to Sandy Lane guests. Wherever you play, you will be enchanted by the spectacular natural beauty of the terrain. You’ll particularly enjoy the stunning views of Barbados’ platinum coastline.

Adjacent to the resort reception, these airy rooms overlook the beautiful crescent beach. It’s so close that you can step out of your room and stroll across the perfect sands to the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea. The elegant soft furnishings of these hotel rooms make for a supremely comfortable and relaxing stay.

For many, one of the most lavish luxuries is privacy.  The villas at Sandy Lane evoke the sense of being in a private  Caribbean retreat.

Wherever you dine at the Barbados resort, you will enjoy the perfect match of exceptional cuisine within exquisite surroundings. Four Barbados restaurants celebrate flavors from around the world, each meal a delight. Convivial bars, from beachside to overlooking the glorious platinum coast of St. James, are styled for a joyful dining experience.

Journey Beyond Aspen to Sandy Lane!

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Anse Chastanet, a 600-acre St Lucian resort, is nestled right below its sister property Jade Mountain. The sensuous seclusion of the rooms provides guests with the perfect excuse for lolling away the day on their balconies. However, the temptation of the Caribbean waters is too alluring to ignore.

Local Decor Inspiration

The resort emphasizes the use of local woods in its furnishings. While cushions, bedspreads, and resort robes are made from colorful cotton fabrics called madras, the island’s “national cloth”.

The door to your sanctuary is an oversized rough-hewn slab of exotic tropical hardwood that opens into magical surroundings. The fourth wall is entirely absent. So, Jade Mountain’s sanctuaries are stage-like settings from which to embrace the full glory of St. Lucia’s Pitons World Heritage Site and, of course, the sparkle of the Caribbean Sea.

Anse Chastanet Accommodations

To make the most of the panoramic views and the refreshing trade winds, octagonal whitewashed cottages come with wraparound flower-draped balconies and louvered windows.

Treehouse Dining

An enticing selection of dining options is available at Anse Chastanet. One of the most exciting is an open-air treehouse carved into the intimate hillside. It overlooks lush tropical foliage and the vast Caribbean Sea below.

Menus at the property’s restaurants feature tropical Caribbean cuisine. You’ll find exotic fusions of East India and Creole flavors, as well as a full vegetarian option. Music performed by local entertainers provides a relaxing backdrop to the entire dining experience.

Journey Beyond Aspen to Anse Chastanet!

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Escape to one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful, untouched, and bio-diverse destinations – Caerula Mar Resort. The resort covers 10 secluded acres of oceanfront property along the eastern shore of South Andros in the Bahamas.  

With a natural oceanfront setting and luxe amenities, this resort offers the ultimate indulgence and relaxation. 

Oceanside Accommodations at Caerula Mar

The private villas rest beneath the shade of lush palm trees just steps away from a stunning beach. They’re made with sustainable, natural materials that feature breezy outdoor living spaces. 

A Trio of Dining Options

The property features three dining concepts:

• Switcha – a whimsical café and smoothie bar
• Driffs – a poolside/ oceanfront bar and lunch location
• Lusca – a Caribbean-inspired fine dining restaurant

Featuring international cuisine and authentic Caribbean influences, fresh seafood is locally harvested and committed to a sea-to-table culinary experience.

Lush vegetation surrounds this property, enveloping it in the stunning natural beauty that only The Bahamas can offer. 

The ethereal design, combined with its environmentally-conscious practices, make this resort the epitome of barefoot luxury.

Caerula Mar offers a pristine beach, pool, impeccable service, and gourmet meals. If your vacation is relaxation-focused, you are in for a treat. There is beauty to enjoy at every turn. 

Journey Beyond Aspen to Caerula Mar! 

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Luxury Beyond Aspen on a Private Island in the Caribbean

There are some special places and experiences that exude the term “paradise”…for the location, the impeccable service, the adventure found and the ultimate in comfort and food. With so many fabulous destinations, worldwide, you might think there are more paradises found than initially thought! But, when you happen upon the quintessential place that deserves the term, you succumb completely and excuse those who had formerly acquired the overused expression.

Nestled in the Caribbean archipelago nation of St. Vincent and the Grenadines lies the small island of Canouan. The island is known for its white powder stretches of fine beaches, calm turquoise waters, and panoramic views. And, as the cherry-on-top of this little island, is found the Mandarin Oriental’s luxury hideaway. Situated along Godahl Beach, the opulent resort promises impeccable attention to detail. The resort is home to a collection of atmospheric restaurants offering a variety of culinary delights accompanied by stunning ocean views.

This Canouan paradise reopened in 2018 and offers just 26 suites and 13 villas, an all-ocean view luxury hideaway perfect for families and friends. Boasting a dreamy Caribbean setting of glass-clear seas, powdery sand beaches and vibrant greenery, Mandarin Oriental, Canouan is surrounded by the Caribbean’s largest living coral reef. This secluded island hideaway offers plenty of activities including golf, water sports and the finest spa in the Grenadines archipelago.

“On the five-square-mile island, there’s not much to do beyond snorkeling the coral reef, relaxing in the sun loungers on Godahl Beach, or paddleboarding at Shell Beach.” – AFAR

For those worldly beach aficionados, the Mandarin Oriental was said to have been inspired by Barbados’s Sandy Lane. Beachfront suites, designed by a team of Italian architects, offer opulent and spacious accommodations including private dining rooms and infinity pools. The villas have uninterrupted views of the vast Caribbean Sea and have the perfect mix of indoor/outdoor living space.

“Avoid the hottest months of the year: August through October.” – AFAR

Dining could be restricted to a private villa…for the entirety of a stay. However, five superb restaurants and bars are located within the resort and tempt the palate. In addition, Canouan is part of a 1200-acre estate community: Grenadines Estate. Four additional restaurants are just a short golf cart drive away. All restaurants and bars within Grenadines Estate offer guests the ability to charge to their suite or villa.

Outside of tried and true island play, the spa will surely be a place to visit over and over again during your stay. Canouan is a retreat for body and soul. At the decadent Caribbean spa, a wide choice of treatments and therapies, in suites that are looking at the sea, are adapted for each individual guest. Seven hillside treatment suites are available complete with the sound of rolling waves. Delight in a Royale Journey, a three-hour treat noted as a ‘pure island experience’. End your journey with meditation and calming movements in a private yoga class.

  *A fully-equipped fitness center is onsite for the more active fanatic.

Traveling to Canouan should be just as tailored as your stay. Flight options to the island’s seaside airstrip include inter-island charter flights from St. Vincent or Barbados, a resort private jet or a personal private jet. A three-hour ferry ride from St. Vincent on the MV Barracuda provides hours of anticipation as well. For the yachties, the recently opened superyacht marina – Sandy Lane Yacht Club – has 120 berths able to accommodate superyachts up to 100 meters in length, and has now made Canouan even more accessible for those arriving by boat.

Here, children are as celebrated as couples seeking refuge from the family routine. With that in mind, a few unique adventures abound. Travelers can take a catamaran tour to Tobago Cays, where scenes from the Pirates of the Caribbean films were shot. Kids and adults, alike, are sure to enjoy the recollection of such exciting footage!

For the more peaceful outing, there’s playing golf – and there’s playing golf in the Caribbean, with friendly tortoises for an audience and a Technicolor sunset over the ocean as a reward. Whether you’re a beginner or pro, take your golf buggy for a tour of the 18-hole golf course to take in the spectacular setting. Canouan has the only championship 18-hole golf course in the Grenadines. It also has one of the world’s longest par-3s at 305 yards. A sundowner at the 13th hole is an unmissable treat.

So, go seek out this paradise! Canouan, in the heart of the Grenadines, is small – just five square miles in size – yet expansive and not to be missed. The Mandarin Oriental provides the seclusion and serenity that complements such a piece of paradise…and makes for an experience unmatchable by most. Perfection. Paradise.

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The Beach Vacation. For most, the most coveted escape for families, couples and extended girl’s weekends is the beach. It can guarantee relaxation and provide rejuvenation for months to come. And, fortunately for us travelers, there are so many options in finding that idyllic beach experience boasting the bluest waters, the whitest sands and the most peaceful landscapes at which to spend our time and dollars.

After having spent a few days in the romantic city of Santo Domingo, Risa and I set out for the northeastern coast of the Dominican Republic, specifically a renowned beach territory called Las Terrenas. It’s a resort town on the Samaná Peninsula and is quite popular with tourists and locals of the city of Santo Domingo. A highway was constructed (~8 years ago) which provides a smooth and direct route from the city to the beach, taking a mere 2 hours. Farming is predominantly seen along the roadside and includes sugarcane – the nation’s most important commercial crop, rice and cocoa. Small pop-up towns scatter the vast and lush scenery and make the trip quite interesting…and provide for some good questions and talk-time with a driver.

When the highway starts to head north, like, towards the clouds, and begins to climb and sweep left and right around steep mountain passes, you know you’re not in farmland anymore. The tropical forests are thick and hide miles of trails for horseback riding and hiking. There are hidden waterfalls and caves that can be accessed from the sides of the twisty highway as you approach the beach town. What a diverse terrain! The fields of farming are quickly left behind and the quintessential beach views are overwhelming. Turquoise waters are a stone’s throw away and beckon to the warm and weary traveler.

Sublime Samana is a boutique resort, including both a hotel and individual residences, that sits just east of lively Playa Coson and resides on a private stretch of white sand that extends out to Punta Bonita, a palm-fringed point/beach on Playa Bonita. If the tide is low, you can walk for MILES, enjoying the peaceful waters and rippling waves and warm, warm sun. On either side of the resort, nestled in the palms, are a mix of private residences and neighboring resorts. But, this is not a resort district. The quiet hum of music and warm winds permeate the air, despite a meager distribution of tourists amongst the varied accommodations. It makes for quite a nice “neighborhood” appeal.

The tranquil resort has a variety of accommodations making it easy for anyone to plan their escape here. The minimalist, modern style carries from the hotel single and double bedroom suites to the 2-3 bedroom, multi-floor casitas that form a runway from the landmark hotel to the beachside restaurant and sandy shore. Rooftop terraces and private jacuzzis are a few of the many amenities that can be thoroughly enjoyed while lounging the day away in Samana. 

An ample fitness center and Bistro are located in the main hotel. Bistro has seating outside on a terrace beautifully amplified by the outdoor scenery and lit, dimly, at night for a romantic and, cooler, dining experience. The restaurant’s menu changes on a regular basis and is based on the availability of fresh and seasonal local ingredients. Inside, the white-washed walls and furniture are complemented by dark wood accents and bring a more English style to light. However, due to the fact that there is a large community of French and Italian expats in the area, perhaps the style is more European…but, certainly more formal than the island accents outside. Romantic and intimate, peaceful and alluring.

A short stroll through the runway of casitas brings you to the second restaurant onsite: Beachside Grill Palapa. This breathtaking location serves seafood delicacies from morning to early evening on the patio or by waiter, straight to the comfort of your own shaded lounger. The ceviche is amazing and the octopus, scrumptious. For guests looking to cool off and grab a drink without having to leave the comforts of the sand, the grill’s beachside bar offers “cocos fríos,” a local favorite, as well as frozen tropical concoctions perfect for a day in the sun.

And, after a long day in the sun, there is a spa that will cool your body, and relax those overused muscles. Coconut Whispers Spa is found, discreetly, just off the beaten path in a patch of palms that provide solitude and stillness. There is a couples cabin (try the Vichy shower!!) and a “Mangrove” cabin built from lianas and coconut hair woven by local artisans. The Temazcal, a third cabin or vapor house, expresses steam and herbal medicines that help purify the mind, body, and spirit.

If you have the energy and desire to escape Sublime Samana’s paradise, there are options for adventure on the Samaná peninsula: wild beaches, coconut plantations, and rainforests. The Dominican Republic has some of the calmest, virginous beaches in the Caribbean. Sail along the Cabo Samana cliffs for a day of snorkeling and relaxing on the sandy shores of Playa Fronton followed by an exploration through the secluded area of the coconut-rimmed Playa Madama. Hike or horseback to the 170 foot high El Limon Waterfall. Or, enjoy the whales frolicking performances in the middle of the vast, blue sea between the months of January and March.

The town of Las Terrenas has its own call, as well. The combination of boutique shops and fruit stands creates an incomparable, but unique and vibrant community. Recommended places to eat while in town include Boulangerie Française for breakfast and El Lugar for dinner. Another option for dining off-site, and our favorite lunch spot, can be found at The Beach Restaurant…a few steps off the beach and about a 30 minute walk (seaside) from Sublime Samana. It’s part of The Peninsula House residence…but, built completely separate from the main house. Nice little getaway from your getaway.

The Dominican beaches did not disappoint. The warm sun and comforting breezes took our minds well away from any daily stress. And, the people of the Dominican – and, namely, Las Terrenas – were a delight. They make the experience extra special with their warmth and acceptance. “Dominicans have a reputation for being among the friendliest people you’ll meet. They exude passion–in the way they speak a mile a minute, the way they dress, and dance, and in their embrace of their fellow human beings, be it neighbor or visitor.” – Our People

So, next time you’re in planning mode for ‘The Beach Vacation’, consider the DR. It’s calling!

Credits:

Hospitality by Sublime Samana

ADDITIONAL NOTES: Prohotel, the owner of Casas del XVI, also operates Sublime Samana. The group is a three-dimensional hospitality company that conceptualizes, develops, and markets hotels across the globe. With headquarters in Houston and a global network of industry experts, Prohotel has achieved a strong international presence with a portfolio of premium properties that are now ultimately unique and highly in demand.

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Luxury Beyond Aspen at Casas del XVI

Over the years, my vacation prep habits have changed. In the past, I allowed myself WEEKS to completely digest the expected adventuring: mode of travel, facilities and accommodations, spa offerings and availability, varied excursions, dining options, wardrobe (always extensive and complex!). I allowed myself to pack and repack…opting for the best change in clothing and footwear throughout each day. I may have even planned a few extra gym days to prepare for the glutinous eating that vacation tends to dictate. It always seemed like a detailed ritual and always built excitement to finally take-off on the adventure at hand!

But, recently, with children on-board, work schedules to balance, social agendas for all family members, I have found that the vacation prep time has dwindled. My weeks have become hours – at the extreme – and my packing and planning has been challenged. The excitement, however, remains! When I had the opportunity to say “YES!” to the invite to visit the Dominican Republic (thanks, hubby!) on a girl’s-getaway, my heart leapt. Ever since I was a young girl traveling to Club Med destinations with my family, I had asked to visit Punta Cana. Why? Not sure…but, what appealed to me, then, had my attention whole-heartedly and got my heart racing for an adventure years in the making.

My business partner in Journey Beyond Aspen and I were on our way to the island to visit the historic city of Santo Domingo and enjoy the beach paradise of Las Terrenas, located on the north shore of the Dominican Republic. We had almost touched down in Punta Cana when we realized that neither one of us had done ANY research on our destination except that we were headed to two vastly different areas of the country and staying in beautiful accommodations managed by Prohotel International Inc. Beyond that knowledge, we were clueless.

The taxi ride was a long one; we had originally planned on flying into Santo Domingo, but our late booking didn’t allow for it. Hotel Casas del XVI had arranged for transportation from Punta Cana to Santo Domingo (approximately 2.5 hours). We were so thankful to have a representative awaiting our arrival; we dragged our bags through a sea of vacationers and, with broken Spanish, got to our vehicle and thanked our driver for the cool, air-conditioned atmosphere and peaceful space. And, we were off!

Fortunately, Risa speaks enough Spanish to “get by” and travel respectfully. On our drive to the  property, we were able to ask a few questions about the development and vitality of Punta Cana, the change in landscape once out of the hotel district and what we might expect in Santo Domingo (people, food, history). The language barrier was a bit more than we had expected…but, also appreciated. We couldn’t understand our driver speaking Dominican Spanish (a language with African influences); why should he be expected to know English? Despite our limited Spanish, we were able to grab dos cervezas and snacks for the ride.

After a fairly sparse drive, we arrived at the border of Santo Domingo. The azure sea has been approaching on our left; the historical city covers a landscape on our right. Santo Domingo was founded in 1496 by Bartholomew Columbus, brother of Christopher Columbus, as the capital of the first Spanish colony in the New World…and is the oldest European settlement in the Americas. Santo Domingo is the industrial, commercial, and financial centre of the country. Its industrial development has been greatly influenced by the construction of hydroelectric dams, which furnish its industries with inexpensive electrical power. – www.britannica.com

The city has been a shipping port for years and traces of watch towers and security walls can still be seen. Santo Domingo is the chief seaport of the Dominican Republic. Its harbour, at the mouth of the Ozama River, was greatly improved in the 1930s to accommodate the largest vessels, and the port handles both heavy passenger and freight traffic. – www.britannica.com

It becomes more apparent that we’ve reached somewhere special after turning into the Colonial zone: Ciudad Colonial is the historic central neighborhood of Santo Domingo. It has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It is also known as Zona Colonial or more colloquially as “La Zona”. – wikipedia.com

White-washed buildings line the central district’s brick-layered streets; these historical, many newly renovated, homes marry the old and the new in delicate and thoughtful design elements: stonework, brick columns and archways, accompanying sunken curbs. Flowering plants push their way thru tight crevices and corridors that speak of hundreds of years gone by. It’s breathtaking!

We pull up to an unassuming, single story whitewashed corner: home to Casas del XVI. Dark heavy wood doors and wrought-iron window coverings contrast with the bright exterior walls. It’s like entering a secret garden in a weathered, yet romantic city of old. The heat has started to permeate our brains; upon a brisk welcome, we leave the outside buzz quiet, and enter the inside serenity of Casas which is bursting with color and coolness! We are warmly greeted by the staff and introduced to our personal butler. Without completely understanding the layout of the 6 houses that make up the whole of the hotel, we enter into the dining room of our Santo Domingo home…Casa del Diseñador. It’s a tribute to the great fashion designers of this beautiful Caribbean island (namely, Oscar de la Renta). Upon opening its doors you are transported to the 16th century, where elegance, comfort and privacy converge. This casa houses 2 bedrooms with accompanying baths (quite sizable for a historic abode), a living room/library and an outdoor patio complete with a lounge area, a perfect breakfast spot and a small dipping pool. Outstanding.

Our concierge offered suggestions on external dining options and popular shopping areas; we were given a detailed map of the Colonial district which is designated as the safest place to explore…and offers the most historical representation of Santo Domingo, as a whole. We are also given a cell phone to specifically connect with our butler for any reason. He is available to walk us around town, take suggestions for dinner at the Casas, anything. It feels reassuring that our safety and care is of the utmost importance.

There is simply nothing like a stroll through the Colonial City! In the midst of fast-paced, 21st century Santo Domingo, you will find that the Colonial City moves at its own pace. It is a very walkable grid of 16 short streets with jewels of 16th to early 20th century architecture. Cobblestone lanes and iron street lamps lead to the many small museums, shops, restaurants and bars that are tucked away on every street. You can walk thru the oldest cathedral in the Americas and experience some antique shopping by day, then enjoy the local and contemporary nightlife, with fine food and drink, as well as exciting entertainment.

So as the afternoon brings a different, more romantic flair, we decide to head out on the town in search of a little culture and fantastic food…and, perhaps a splash of wine. Sauntering down the cobblestone streets, we see locals crafting the art of relaxation; the community notably lacks tourists, perhaps due to the peaceful setting following the Holy Week craze. Holy Week is very felt throughout the country. Streets of the city are packed with parties, where the Dominican citizens gather to eat and drink together.

We also notice the abundance of wild animals, mostly dogs, that roam both the exterior and interior of the city. The poverty that lies just outside of the Colonial district consumes the animals as well. They quietly wander the streets looking for some food and shade. For the most part, they are quiet and peaceful. We had a little guy start to follow us into the courtyard of a church and stopped to enjoy some water that had pooled between some road bricks. We left him with a little extra water and a few love pats. Both of us wish we could have taken them all home with us. But, they’re part of the story of Santo Domingo and add to the special touch that you experience while there.

After some local shopping and food sampling (fabulous linen attire, tasty meat/cheese/wine locale called Lulus, jewelry stores filled with the local stone, Larimar), we made our way back to our casa. It’s 7:45pm and we are completely wiped out. We inquire about a small snack versus an extensive dinner and a few delicacies are delivered, immediately. And, then, we collapse. As the city slows down, we follow.

In the morning, we wake for breakfast. A typical Dominican option is suggested: fried eggs, fried salami, fried/mashed plantain. We chose to sample the heavier breakfast and pair it with a warmed coconut quinoa bowl with dried fruit. And, delicious coffee. Perfection. This is the start of a GIANT day. We are scheduled to tour the city with one of Casas del XVI’s tour representatives…a local by the name of Rudy who knows the history of the DR like the back of his hand. With tummies full, we venture out for HOURS and learn about the past and the present, the seasonality*, the current revitalization of the Colonial Center and the people that make the DR so very unique.

*Note: Off-season has set-in for Santo Domingo (post-Easter thru October) and we feel so very fortunate to be a part of the local vibe. The temps through the summer are extreme; the heat is coupled with the occurrence of hurricanes making the island challenging for most tourists.

After the heat starts to hit, again, we venture home to Casas for a late lunch and a rest. We are welcomed with a beautiful shrimp appetizer and a decadent lobster risotto and a  sweet glass of white wine…and some lovely air condition. Following lunch, we are treated to a tour of the five other Casas homes and the newest project for the development group: HOTEL DEL XVI, a perfectly positioned, stand-alone, traditional hotel that will house room for significant entertaining, a spa and a sizable interior courtyard…transforming a former residence into a majestic piece of, livable, art. It will be an expansion of what Casas has come to embody in service and style, but on a larger scale.

Patricia Reid is the MASTER behind the interior design and artwork; she creates large-scale collages out of fine, detailed pieces of colorful papers and printed images. It’s absolutely incredible. The interiors are each completely unique and dance with color. The magic that is Casas del XVI is really attributed to Reid’s touch. As a close friend of the former fashion designer, Oscar de la Renta, she brings a sophisticated touch to island flare and makes it work, beautifully. The Colonial zone is certainly seeing a renewal as money is starting to pour in to fund projects such as Casas del XVI, more today than years past. It will be fantastic to follow the development of the city center and see more local artists thrive in their home.

For our last evening at Casas, we embark on a special gastronomic experience. Gastronomic events at Casas del XVI are usually exclusive to hotel guests, but for special occasions throughout the year external visitors may come and enjoy flawless themed gastronomic experiences in an elegant and intimate atmosphere. We meet the chef and his team at the Casa de los Mapas. Located on the grounds of the former Dominican Monastery, successive uses and restorations have transformed this house, surpassing its original state. Vintage maps, plantation-style furniture and richly patterned floor tiles create a colonial-tropical ambience. And, this home serves as the backdrop for our “dinner show”: a private cooking class with Chef Jose Miguel. We prepare a tomato bruschetta, create a tower of a tomato stack (featuring soft cheese and mango), toss and cook garlic shrimp, fry plantain and crab nuggets and delight in sampling chocolate cake and ice cream.

Too much fun (i.e. too much wine) force the newly minted “chefs” to bed a bit too early. But, it’s necessary as our plans to wake, early, for another beautiful Dominican day are set in stone and include a lengthy trek to the northern region of the island: the beach community of Las Terrenas. We sleep soundly and dream of pairing the warm air with the blue Caribbean waters. We’ve experienced more than we had anticipated in Santo Domingo; we were stunned by the beauty of the Colonial zone and the warmth of the people. We valued each story told, each piece of art presented and every morsel devoured. Santo Domingo – you beautiful beast – we’ll return!

Credits:

Hospitality by Casas del XVI

ADDITIONAL NOTES: Prohotel is a three-dimensional hospitality company that conceptualizes, develops, and markets hotels across the globe. With headquarters in Houston and a global network of industry experts, Prohotel has achieved a strong international presence with a portfolio of premium properties that are now ultimately unique and highly in demand.

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