Celebrate Your Honeymoon in VH Hotels & Resorts:
Paradise Abodes on Playa Dorada
by Habeeb Salloum

After indulging in its excellent spic and span spa facilities and later examining the enticing suites in Casa Colonial Beach & Spa, a splendid abode on Playa Dorada, I thought to myself, “What a great place to spend a honeymoon amid this luxury.” I could see that the attributes of the hotel in this tourist mecca on the Dominican Republic’s northern coast were tailor-made for those celebrating newly wedded bliss.

The hotel offers honeymooners a truly romantic and intimate ambiance, gracious service and a wealth of amenities. From its windows overlooking the sands of Puerto Plata’s most famous beach, newlyweds can gaze and dream during the best days of their lives - of all that is beautiful in an aura of elegance. Here, couples will find a serene atmosphere but should they seek lively nightlife a stroll away are casinos, discos and other forms of entertainment.

Casa Colonial is a part of the family-owned VH Hotels & Resorts, which also includes two other hotels on Playa Dorada: Victoria Golf Resort & Beach and the Gran Ventana Beach Resort - both exceptional 'all inclusive' resorts. All three properties offer splendid architecture, fine facilities and gracious service. Located along the inviting sands of Playa Dorada, they offer an 18-hole golf course while nearby is excellent shopping, fine dining and numerous recreational activities.

These properties boast the superb designs of the famous architect Sarah Garcia, daughter of owner Don Isidro Garcia. The three VH Hotels & Resorts have become the ultimate vacation spot for honeymooners, families, golfers and anyone seeking fun and relaxation. Their location is ideal for those seeking a fine clean beach of golden sand, warm weather and a serene atmosphere.

Situated along the Dominican Republic's northern coast, Playa Dorada is one of the most important tourist spots in the Dominican Republic’s Puerto Plata region - drawing a good number of the country's visitors, among these a good number of honeymooners. Washed by the Atlantic's turquoise waves, its fine sands and modern facilities are ideal for those seeking sun and relaxation, but yearn for the comforts of the 21st century. From the half dozen well-known beaches to the east and west of Puerto Plata, it is the one most often chosen by North American and European tourists travelling to the Dominican Republic.

To this developed vacation spot, most of the tour operators bring their flocks when the destination is the Puerto Plata area. Couples, newlyweds, singles and families - all have a place in this famous Dominican resort. The many attractions of a southern holiday are all to be found here in this complete vacation complex, appropriately named after the Conquistadors’ ultimate goal - El Dorado (land of gold).

A gem of the country's northern resorts, Playa Dorado's VH Hotels & Resorts, edge the 5 km (3 mi) of tempting sands. Beyond, lush tropical mountains overshadow and seemingly nestle all of the Playa 15 hotels. Easily accessible, it is only a few miles from historic Puerto Plata - so named by Columbus in 1502 due to a silver mist which hovers over the encompassing mountain, caused by a type of tree whose leaves give a silvery glow when seen from a distance.

For newlyweds wishing to indulge in a little golf, the Victoria Resort Golf & Beach, a charming spread out abode caters towards golfers and honeymooners. First and second honeymooners are offered exceptional service, a sense of relaxation and ultra-romantic honeymoon suites with a shower built for two and a jacuzzi on the balcony. Golfers will enjoy reduced rates at the 18-hole, 6,730-yard, par-72 course Robert Trent Jones Sr. Golf Course. It features large sand bunkers, lush terrain, sloping hillsides and wide fairways. Also, signature hole 4 features lush greens bordering the land and sea, and hole 5 borders inland water.

If newlyweds want to just relax and enjoy time together then go for a dip on the beach, Gran Ventana Beach Resort with its gigantic swimming pool is the place to stay. With the sand literally at their doorstep, no effort is needed to enjoy the beach for a while then return to their rooms numerous times during the day. In addition, for couples that enjoy modern Caribbean music lively entertainment is on the agenda every evening.

However, in my view, the top place for honeymooners with some money to spare is Casa Colonial Beach & Spa - the ultimate, world-class seaside resort, especially for people who are accustomed to the good life and enjoy its pleasures. Directly edging the water, it is a classy and intimate abode with an exceptional blend of old-world elegance with contemporary style. Its Bagua world-class spa provides guests with a cross-cultural spa experience, featuring the best of indigenous and European treatments.

A hidden jewel in Playa Dorada, Casa Colonial is the first Small Luxury Hotel of the World in the Dominican Republic. The ultimate in distinguished design and impeccable service, guests feel when they arrive that they are entering another world, and another moment in time. A luxurious boutique hotel affiliated to the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, it was selected in 2005 by ‘Conde Nast Traveler’ as one of the best hotels in the world. An all-suite resort set amidst seaside palms, Casa Colonial is a honeymooners’ dream, according to Hotel literature ‘the closest one can get to paradise’.

IF YOU GO

For further Information, contact:

• VH Hotels & Resorts, P.O. Box 22 Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.
• Tel: Toll Free US: 1-809-320-3232
• Fax: 809-3204017
• E-mail: info@vhhr.com
• Website: http://www.vhhr.com/vhhr-contacts.php
• To speak to the hotel’s wedding and honeymoon specialists - call 1-800-847-0291 or E-mail: weddings@vhhr.com

Tips:

1. For the gala dinner, the newlywed couple is allowed to bring a maximum of 6 in-house guests. If they want to invite somebody who is not staying at the hotel, a night pass has to be paid for.

2. Honeymoon Package Includes: Upgrade to a superior room category, subject to availability; special candlelight dinner for two persons in sister hotel; basket of fruits and a bottle of rum and Turndown service at Casa Colonial Beach & Spa.

3. The conversion rate of the Dominican Republic's currency fluctuates at around 33 pesos to a U.S. dollar - change money in banks - some have branches in the major hotels.

4. Drink bottled water only - never from the tap.

5. Except in tourist oriented shops where goods are excessively priced, always bargain when shopping. In some instances, prices are inflated up to 8 times their true value. Best buys are the semi-precious stones amber and larimar.

6. For transportation, taxis cost $5. from Playa Dorado to the centre of Puerto Plata Renting small autos costs some $65. per day fully insured. Gas costs about $5. a US gallon.

7. A good time to travel to Puerto Plata is in September when the Merengue Festival is held with street parties and handicraft and culinary exhibits.

8. A worthy project while staying at Playa Dorada is to spend a whole day and evening at Ocean World Adventure Park enjoying an exciting time with the creatures of the sea then for $62. dine in a luxury atmosphere and afterwards attend one of the finest shows in the world.

9. Remember always keep $20 for departure tax.

10. All prices are quoted in U.S. dollars.

Photos 1-3 courtesy Dominican Republic Tourist Board; photo 4 copyright Habeeb Salloum