Sybaris Suites & Residences

The soft sounds of an acoustic guitar float in the air as couples stroll along a tidy walkway framed by colorful flowers, while others sip white wine around a sparkling pool. The scene is as perfectly tropical as it is romantic, likely the intention of the designers at stylish Sybaris Suites and Residences. The delicately manicured gardens circle the modern open-air bar and restaurant, which also serves as the hotel’s lobby area. The boutique property offers classy apartment-style rooms and a tranquil ambience in a secluded southern corner of the Dominican Republic.

Sybaris Suites is located in the sleepy resort town of Juan Dolio, a former tourist hub that has since been replaced by nearby Bavaro and Punta Cana. To say it’s off the beaten track is an understatement for the remote hotel, which stands at the end of a long and winding road deep within the Guavaberry Golf Course. The 24-hour security, family-friendly amenities (like a children’s club and babysitting services) often attract families, but the romantic, secluded vibe is equally appealing to couples wanting a restful escape from the crowds. 

Sybaris Suites is located in the relaxed resort town of Juan Dolio, the forgotten cousin of Bavaro and Punta Cana. The small village was built up in the late eighties with a ton of all-inclusive resorts, though they later moved south after Hurricane George devastated the coastline. Now that tourism has slowed to a trickle, the vibe has reverted back to a more local one, though a few hotels and resorts here still bring in some business. The hotel is located within the Guavaberry Golf Course, about three minutes from the actual entrance of the Guavaberry Golf and Country Club. It's only car-accessible, and despite the shuttles to nearby destinations, it’s definitely a remote place to vacation and there's nothing within walking distance.

That being said, with a car there's enough to see and do to keep most guests happy. This includes dining options like Ristorante El Sueno, a 10-minute drive away, as well as Sal Marina Restaurant, about 15 minutes away by car. Los Marlins Golf Course is also about 10 minutes away in a car. Estadio Tetelo Vargas is where many of the island’s baseball matches are held, and is about a 21-minute drive. 

The hotel isn't on the ocean, but with a car or the free shuttle, beaches are fairly easy to access. Juan Dolio Beach is just over a 10-minute drive and Guayacanes Beach will take 15 minutes to reach by car. Boca Chica is just under thirty minutes away, with its various shops and popular beach. Reaching the sights of Santo Domingo and the international airport takes at least an hour in a car. Otherwise the Punta Cana International Airport takes an hour and a half or more to reach.  

These 60 apartment-style rooms are all a stylish departure from some other others that we saw during our travels throughout the Dominican Republic. The decor ranges quite a bit from apartment to apartment, though the theme remains modern and cheerful, despite a lack of color. Mostly white and cream tones dominate the sun-drenched spaces, with shiny stainless steel appliances adding extra sparkle. There are wood-laminate floors and low-slung seating (like black-leather couches), white or hardwood furniture, and tasteful wall-art like pencil drawings of sea life. Pops of blue or turquoise frequently make an appearance, livening up the look just enough. Some rooms, like the Senior Suite Premium that we saw, have lots of local-inspired details and beachy accents that make them especially appealing.

Each apartment offers a living room and full kitchen, complete with up-to-date microwaves, full-size refrigerators, dishwashers and stovetops, among a wide range of cookware and dishes. Washer-dryers, adjoining rooms, private yards, and free cribs all up the family-friendly quotient here. All rooms also include 32-inch flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and carefully placed lamps that round out the classy feel. Bathrooms are spacious and feature long vanities with vessel sinks and marble walls and floors. Rooms have either walk-in showers or separate showers and tubs plus bathrobes, slippers, and hairdryers.

Despite its romantic atmosphere, the hotel offers a series of family-friendly perks, like a children’s playground, which is conveniently next to the pool, restaurant, and bar. Otherwise there’s a soccer field and kiddie pool here too. The two pools are a lovely extension of the trendy water theme that pervades other areas of the hotel -- like the stairs, which have steps built into the water, so you’re literally skipping on stones to get to your room. The main pool is quite the centerpiece, curving along the main walkway to the restaurant and entrance. The other one is smaller and seems a bit more private. This is also where free grills are located.

The restaurant doubles as the hotel’s reception area, so guests are greeted at an open-air gazebo, with a circular, lit-up bar surrounded by soft couches, wooden tables, and chairs. It’s pleasant and cozy here -- appropriately so, as it’s also the main gathering place for occasional live music shows. The restaurant has an a la carte menu for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with tasty and reasonably priced international fare. Guests are also offered a simple (but free) buffet in the mornings: expect a range of fruits, pancakes, bacon, and eggs.

The fitness center is housed in a series of small, sunny rooms, each with up-to-date equipment that ranges from medicine balls to cardio machines to free weights. There is no proper spa, but there is a room for massages. Because the hotel is so isolated, it seems only fair to offer free shuttles to nearby places, and thankfully, this property does -- to the casinos, nearby beaches, and local area. The hotel also offers airport pick-up and drop-off at an additional fee, among a list of exclusive services they will grant upon request (like a private chauffeur throughout a stay). Wi-Fi is free and functional everywhere on the property.