As promised last week (and then reminded by a Facebook friend), I’m reporting back with the scoop on our family weekend at Cadaqués Caribe Resort & Villas in Bayahibe, Dominican Republic. With online promises of mediterranean life meeting relaxed island vibes, I was thrilled to check this place out but wary. Was this place too good to be true? Swim the Caribbean and stroll Europe? Sand between my toes and cobblestone streets? Was this place really going to be able to deliver? Well, as you probably guessed, I wouldn’t be writing about it (or mentioning it) if it didn’t. I’m not one for slam-writing so I write about places I love but, more importantly, places I think you’ll love – and Cadaqués Caribe Resort is now one of those places.
FRIDAY AT DUSK: STARTING OUR WEEKEND GETAWAY AT CADAQUÉS CARIBE RESORT
I booked our weekend getaway and studio rental at Cadaqués Caribe Resort last minute through Airbnb. It was a steal! On Friday, the car was packed, we had a full tank of gas, and I had our travel cappuccinos from my favorite cappuccino place in hand: one for me, one for Husband. As soon as school let out, Husband and I were on the road, headed East towards La Romana. In 2 hours, even as slow as I make Husband drive, we had arrived – not in time for one of the kids to pee their pants but in time for a gorgeous dose of sunset.
We were a big crew: about 20 adults and 20 kids, give or take.
We ate the buffet dinner that night and my new friend, Andrew and I stayed up way too late, canoodling with bartenders and other hotel guests, and night swimming with friends. Well, they went night swimming. I’ve seen JAWS.
SATURDAY MORNING: THE STRUGGLE
I went to be way too late (damn you, Andrew) and woke up entirely too early (damn you, young kids). But coffee. And breakfast on the beach is always a reminder of why life in the Caribbean starts at sunrise. The sandía (watermelon) juice was straight guzzled. Mixed with chinola juice, it was crack in a breakfast glass.
And for the kids, the water park at Cadaques Caribe Resort is by far the highlight of the trip. It’s is open from 11-1 and again from 3-5 which means you don’t have to spend all day here. As a parent, I really appreciate this, otherwise we’d never get Rafa out of here. Beach, who? Town, what?
SATURDAY AFTERNOON: LUNCH IN TOWN AT CHIKY BLU
We opted to leave the resort and have lunch in town. Full of beach restaurant shacks, we drove down the narrow roads and ended up at Chiky Blu with another family.
The kids were in awe when they saw the fish guys at work; descaling and slicing. They couldn’t keep their eyes off of the operation.
VIRTUAL HEAVEN
I even managed to get some work done. I know that may not sound exciting but since I’ve started my new business with R+F, I’ve been hearing how flexible a virtual business is – that you could do it from anywhere, at any time, on your own pace – so I was excited to grab my cell, order a cappuccino, and place some orders from my phone with this view to inspire.
SATURDAY EVENING: WIND DOWN AT CADAQUÉS CARIBE RESORT
Close your eyes and imagine a beach night with friends and that’s what we had here. Beach volleyball at dusk, dock jumping at sunset. Each family ordered a couple of pizzas, all shared among each other and we pulled together a handful of beach beds in a circle and drank each others’ beer. The kids played on the playground nearby and danced to the saxophone’s groove until they – literally – fell asleep on top of me. They slept under the stars; the ocean breeze in their hair. Island babies personified. While we laughed and adult-ed. And we lived happily ever after.
SUNDAY MORNING: SLOW ROLLIN’ & PIÑA COLADAS
A slow morning and another beautiful breakfast at the pool followed by a family dip in the aqua green sea. Only nature could make colors like this. And as luck would have it, my Mini-He did not want to go to the waterpark so we hung at the beach and at the main pool sipping on piña coladas – only one made with rum.
THE FINAL WRAP UP ON CADAQUÉS CARIBE RESORT
We’ve had some fantastic weekends in DR and this marks high on our list. Cadaqués was just so chill. Easy for adults and great for kids. I mean, just look ate this face and listen to that squeal.
Take another shot: That dope-ass house we stayed at in La Romana and a quick mini guide to Las Terrenas
Check back next week for a straight review of Cadaqués Caribe Resort in Bayahibe.
