0049: Casa Colonial in the D.R.

The beach in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic (the "D.R.")

Need a visual vacation? or just inspiration for your next one?

My mission was to plan and execute a special weekend getaway... The pressure was on... after all, I AM in the hospitality industry and therefore should know EVERYTHING that is new and cool in this industry. Well, thank God for friends "in the know"!!! 

For years I'd heard that the D.R. was a cool and beautiful place to vacation. So I did my research and this little independent boutique hotel - Casa Colonial... kept coming up. At first I was a little unsure. I was practically raised in hotels, my mom has been with Marriott all of my life and I have worked for some of the best hotel companies - so I can be very picky when the goal is to impress... But I was also excited to finally be going to the D.R. so I took the leap and booked the trip. We got to the island - first time ever - and although the airport was a bit hectic we found our car and were off to the CC (Casa Colonial). Our car ride was scenic; this is one of my first pics...

I love coconuts so thought this was cool...

Then we arrived at the hotel and OMG - I was impressed!!!! I felt light as air the minute I stepped inside.... I had arrived at my hacienda, life was as it should be... :-)

The place felt like a grand home. It was beautiful but more importantly it had a feeling - hard to explain but it was just so calming, nothing else existed in that moment but being there. And the staff was AMAZING!!! As we got there we were escorted to the check-in area, where two cocktails were waiting for us :-) There were no lines, no hustling of bags, it was totally zen - I even wondered if we were the only ones there - I absolutely loved it.

The check-in process was so personalized, so civilized :-) simply pleasant. The staff were engaging and asking the right questions to make our stay that much nicer... 

This was a window looking out to the 'backyard" which was lush and filled with gorgeous flowers and what seemed like tons of orchids. The room was gorgeous and the balcony amazing...

Truly a home away from home!!

The pool was on the rooftop, which I found very odd but then I got there and was stunned by the view!!! I am not typically a morning person but I was up for a sunrise swim almost every day.

Amazing views, and great cocktails! There was a bar to the left of this picture
where all the cocktails were made with fresh fruit...

So beyond the cabanas and the grassy backyard... was the beach.

The beach was my favorite place. Not only could you just relax but you could literally chill as iced towels were delivered to you. And you could also request your meals to be served at the beach. And I'm not talking about a burger delivered in a fast food manner where you eat at your chaise... They would set up your table on the beach - linens, silver and all, anytime of the day - it was something special. And those beaches were miles and miles of gorgeousness - is that even a word?!?!?!

This place was a dream, truly a picture come to life....

So, if you ever need to impress, if you ever need to be pampered (everyone knew our names by the time we reached the room - service was 5 stars) or if you ever simply want to "get away from it all", make your way to that place you've always wanted to go to. 

Ahhh, the CC in the D.R. - I'm so lucky to have experienced it and I'll forever have it in my heart....