Best Lodging Options in PR or DR?

MW · Since 09 Jan 2006 186 Posts Hood River, Oregon Stoked

We're looking at going to Puerto Rico or DR in April, and wanted any beta on the best beachfront lodging by a SUP break, preferably a left. Also, close to a kitesurf spot would be a bonus Oh and I shouldn't forget any beta on yoga studios or lodging with yoga, as I'm taking the gf. I know that's asking for it all, but I'm sure there's options. Also, is it necessary to rent a car? Priority #1 is a place where I can literally step out of our accommodations and onto a SUP wave, again, a left.

Thanks for any information

BigR · Since 05 Jul 2005 372 Posts White Salmon Obsessed

Isabella, PR?

lubomm · Since 15 Aug 2007 248 Posts Hood Stoked

DR has that surf spot Encuentro close to Cabarete. One place is swellsurfcamp.com.

Marcp · Since 24 May 2010 32 Posts

I kited PR in December 2011 right in San Juan. Windy every day. Any hotel in San Juan will work. We stayed at the Marriot, but I walked each morning about a mile up the beach to Ocean Park. Wind was better there.

The wind was great. No one around. The water has killer shore breaks, but right after the shore break, the water is very choppy and bumpy. You need to either ride the shore break or kite out 2 miles to the reef.

Also, the other side of the island has flat water spots.

jahmbi · Sun Jan 20, 13 8:43 pm

RINCON....................................PR............... Twisted Evil

EdG · Since 19 Dec 2005 425 Posts Just a Kook that's Obsessed

I was at San Juan years ago. Everyone hot launched then goes out to the break for the waves. The wind is very gusty close to the shore. Great people and Ocean Park was where I was launching from.

Jackal · Since 17 Dec 2005 147 Posts WS Stoked

I've stayed at Nanny Estates in Cabarete on two trips- great condos on the beach with a grassy yard for kites. You can SUP out to the main reef. If you can, reserve either condo that's closest to the beach- both are super styling and worth the extra $100 for the week!

Great spot to launch from- away from the crowds at kite beach. As for yoga, you can do classes in town or the various places that offer it.

I like having a car in the DR- great for exploring all the cool areas and safer than riding the motor bikes- no insurance scams like in Mexico either

http://cabaretebeachhouses.com/

melokitegirl · Since 28 Oct 2008 396 Posts Where the wind blows Obsessed

DR: The Nanny is nice. We stayed at the Wyndam Tangerine all-inclusive. Great price. Great location. Kite out front. You can walk everywhere. You don't need a car and you don't want to drive. Cray cray drivers. Take a taxi to your hotel. I think there is Yoga at the Millenium condo hotel. Pretty swanky place.

Kiting...I wouldn't recommend for beginners. Choppy, Euros who tomahawk the beach so much that I grew use to it. Lots of Honey Badgers looping on the edge of the beach also. Not my favorite place to kite.

If you do the 27 waterfalls..know that is an all day event, tipping tipping tipping and bring american candy to throw to the kids from the bus because they run up to the bus from the villages and if you don't have any, you feel like a jerk. Also..if you do all 27, you hike up the "mountain" early, then you go down. If you only do 8..they take you from the bottom and you climb up through the waterfall, then go down. Big difference. If you are out of shape or have older folks with you - don't go. Not kid friendly either.

http://www.wyndham.com/hotels/dominican-republic/cabarete/viva-wyndham-tangerine-an-all-inclusive-resort/hotel-overview

http://www.cabaretemillennium.com

(Honey badger definition - don't give a $h!t)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4r7wHMg5Yjg

A.K. · Since 01 Jul 2006 190 Posts Stoked

Just got back from DR and yes that is a lot to ask for from one location... I recommend being on kite beach and making the commute for night life and surfing vs the other way around...... I stayed at Kite Beach Hotel and it was excellent. Of all the kite oriented hotel on kite beach this one has the best beach front lounge area that is conducive to meeting others and allows a bit of shelter for your partner...

All of the schools and hotels on kite beach in DR are good. But each has its own quirks. For the best of all things STAY at Kite Beach Hotel, EAT at Extreme Hotel, and rent your gear from Dare to Fly. All three are adjacent to each other.......

I think I paid $10 US dollars for a Gatoraid at Millenium..so I avoid that place- Oh - except when all the ATMs in Cabarete are out of cash there is always the one inside Millenium that still works....

-A.K.