A Weekend in Barahona, Domican Republic

 

Welcome to Casa Bonita, Barahona, DR

 

What a wonderful weekend away from Haiti. A group of seven of us in two vehicles drove to the Domican Republic for a long weekend. Leaving Port-au-Prince after work on a Thursday afternoon, this part of the drive was the most difficult. Traffic is apparently always hideous so it took us nearly 2 1/2 hours to drive the 30 or so miles to the border. A really harrowing and treacherous drive on mostly unpaved roads. The “highway” between the two countries was the most aweful being unpaved, narrow, along a lake (with some parts of the road falling into said lake), with cars and trucks going every which way. The border closed at 6pm and we arrived around 5:45 with masses of others trying to make the deadline. It was quite an experience and likely typical of 3rd-world crossings with truckloads of people and goods piled picariously high on rickety tap-taps and various vehicles which did not appear particularly road-worthy.

Once inside the DR, things changed quickly. First and foremost, the roads were paved. They did have random speed bumps which threw our poor car a couple of times. The bumps were not marked or warned and were especially difficult to see once it got dark.

Our Room - 112

All in all, it took us around 4 hours and 40 minutes and just about 100 miles to reach our destination. Finally we drove up a hill to Casa Bonita just outside Barahona. Even though it was dark when we arrived, we loved it instantly. The reception area as well as the bar and restaurant were outside, lanai style, beside a beautiful pool. Our rooms were gorgeous, especially Room 114, which another couple chose. That one was exceptionally huge and had its own private infinity pool. But all of our rooms were quite nice: lovely decor, quiet, comfortable. And when the sun came up, we saw that all the rooms had beautiful views of the sea.

The Outdoor Spa

 

 

 

Some in our group went horseback riding, zip lining, biking, and running, though Baboo and I stuck mostly to the pool and restaurant area. We did enjoy wonderful massages outdoors beside a babbling brook. Honestly it was, I think, the best massage I have ever had. 

 

 

  

Relaxing in the Lounge

 

 

 

Poolside Dining

Organic Gardens

 

Each night we dined al fresco by the pool. The food was wonderful and the staff very attentive and friendly. The hotel maintains its own organic gardens for the kitchen.

 

 

We loved it and look forward to returning. Even the horrible drive was worth it. The ride home was not quite so harrowing, maybe because we knew what to expect, maybe because it was Sunday midday. That took us about 4 hours.  (I tried unsuccessfully to upload the video I took of the border crossing.)