Dominican Republic

I stayed here over the week of Thanksgiving 08 and had a wonderful time, despite catching the tail end of a tropical storm (!). Despite the fact that it's so close to the Puerto Plata airport (only 20 mins. - very handy) and inside a gated community, it feels very secluded and rustic. The cabanas are well designed, with a real eye for detail; the food is significantly better than what you would expect; and the staff are uniformly helpful and friendly. There is wi-fi in the restaurant (a big pro, since cell reception is dodgy all along the coast) and a clean, attractive spa/massage place. The beach is a little scrubby - you are *not* in Tulum - and the surf often makes it not great for swimming, but otherwise this place is pretty heavenly. (Another good sign - many of the other guests we met come here on a regular basis, some several times a year - it's that kind of place.)