Hotel Villa Taina

Villa Taina is a small property, and most guest rooms are literally just a few steps from the pool, bar, restaurant, and beach. The compactness, while certainly appealing in terms of convenience, makes the hotel feel crowded. Four people in the pool, two at the bar, and a dozen diners at the restaurant, and suddenly the hotel is packed. The simple lobby is finished with natural elements like carved stumps on the wall and small boulders lining the staircase that leads to the stone reception desk.

The majority of guests are European families with young children and wind sport enthusiasts from all over the world -- which aesthetically speaking, is quite the interesting combo. Just picture California surfer dudes alongside sunscreen-covered Russian toddlers and bikini-clad Italian moms, and you’ll see what we mean. 

Located smack in the middle of  downtown Cabarete, Hotel Villa Taina is within immediate walking distance to several of the area’s most popular shops, restaurants, and bars. It is also located directly on Cabarete Beach -- world-famous for its fantastic wind sport conditions due to howling trade winds. The hotel is about a 30-minute drive from Gregorio Luperon International Airport. There is free parking in a lot in front of the hotel, but only with space for three or four cars at a time. 

The 57 rooms at Hotel Villa Taina range from Standard to a Penthouse on the roof, spread across the hotel’s two buildings. Most are in the beachfront building, but some are across a small street in the reception building. Rooms in the reception building tend to be a bit more spacious, but are subject to more street noise. Rooms in the beachfront building are typically smaller, but closer to the pool, bar, and restaurant. And despite their location, most beachfront rooms lack ocean views. Some are updated with sleek tile floors, green hues, and beach-inspired distressed wood headboards. Others are more modern, with deep teal accents, dark wood wood furniture, and gorgeous tile inlays. Still, others are slightly dated with rattan furniture. Each comes with air-conditioning, a flat-screen TV, DVD player, and a mini-fridge. Bathrooms in all rooms are tiny, with single stall showers and not much lighting. Paper-thin walls in both buildings mean every pitter patter in the hallway is audible inside the rooms, so light sleepers may want to bring earplugs. Neither of the hotel’s buildings has an elevator, but ground-floor rooms are available.  

The pool at Villa Taina is tiny, and any more than 10 people at once would definitely overcrowd it. Fortunately, the hotel’s beach is huge, though some might find the ocean a little rough for swimming. For those who aren’t interested in using the hotel’s wind sport center, the beach is is equipped with a volleyball net and shaded lounge chairs. Kayaks are available for rent. The fitness center offers two measly bikes and a weight bench, but it does have nice ocean views. Yoga classes, available upon request, are probably a better way to get fit. Serenade, the open-air restaurant, has beautiful beach views and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Breakfast is buffet style, with multiple hot and cold options, along with an eggs and omelet station. Breakfast is included in some room rates. Lunch and dinner are a la carte, with mediocre international offerings. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi.