I have just returned from Cabarete staying at the Windsurf. This was over Thanksgiving week. I booked this resort through Interval International as an exchange (my home resort is in Cabo). My exchange unit was 1 bedroom 1 bath but II exchanged my depost for a 2 bedroom 2 bath. This afforded me to ask my good travel buddy to join me. The day before we were to arrive, I received an email from the office saying that the unit we were to stay in had plumbing problems that could not be fixed before we arrived. Having read previously about Windsurf's issues, it didn't surprise or upset me. Instead, Windsurf offered me 2 - 1 bedroom units side by side. In addition, for my inconvenience, I was given a dinner for 2 at their restaurant.

We arrived and settled in just before the huge rain storm. We were enjoying the Banana Bar (Yuana is an excellent bartender) and realized that the walk way to our room had flooded. We were shown the "round about way" to go up a different flight of stairs to get to our rooms. We realized then, that our time there was going to be an adventure.

The dinner we had that night was excellent. The happy hour from 5-7 was a daily highlight. We met nice people and shared ideas for restaurants and day trips. So many hotels in DR are all inclusive - Windsurf does not, so it allows you to enjoy the great restaurants in Cabarete.

The housekeepers were great and kept things sparkling clean. We would have to wait for towel deliver later in the day - I think they must do the laundry and then bring them back!

The Windsurf does have it's maitenance issues, as does any property that's been around for a while in the tropics. Each issue that was brought up was tended to as quickly as they could. I understand that they will be closing for repairs in April 2008. We saw men with clip boards walking around the day before we left. We suspect they may be contractors preparing bids.

All in all, the Windsurf is an excellent base to explore cabarete. I would not hesitate to return there.

We just got back from a week at the Windsurf in Cabarete using Interval International. This was one of the best vacations we've had, in part because the people at Windsurf made our stay so fun. To be clear, Windsurf is not a luxury resort - probably comparable to a three-star hotel. We stayed in the off season so there was no live entertainment at the resort. Also, there was no gym within walking distance. The furnishings were clean but a little worn. The housekeeper came by every day and kept our apartment very clean. The restaurant on the premises serves very good food at a reasonable price. You have to cross a busy street to get to the beach and run a gauntlet of aggressive sales people and taxi drivers the entire way. But none of that detracted at all from our experience. Cabarete is really small, so we soon felt that we were part of the neighborhood. The commenter below was right about Dick's Bakery, it definitely is the place to go for breakfast. We also enjoyed Friends Restaurant next door to Dick's and the massage place down the street from Dick's that advertises massages for the whole family (no name of the establishment) gave us each a great massage for $15.00 each. Windsurf works with a tour guide named Rafael Mercedes who took us on three tours, one of which he designed for us specially at a very reasonable cost ($74 each for an all day tour of Santiago and the mountain region, which included a delicious Dominican lunch). Rafael is a very nice man and knowledgeable about the area since he has lived there his entire life. We also enjoyed drinking Cuba Libres in the back of his van (of course, he didn't drink because he was driving). All in all, we had a great time in the Dominican Republic and I wouldn't be surprised if we go back one day. The Dominican people are awesome!

My husband and I stayed at the Windsurf for the second week of our honeymoon. We were expeciting the hotel to be pretty nice, considering it is a part of Interval International, but it was not very well maintained and every time we tried to talk to the front desk about our (many) problems, they were not helpful in the least. They seemed to tell us anything to get us out of their hair.

Our toilet was broken all week, running and making a very loud noise. Every time we told the front desk they said they would send someone to fix it, and it would appear to be fixed, but after the first flush the noise and running came back. Half way through the week (after talking to them every day) we happened to be there when the maintenance man came to look at it so we saw how to take the back off (it is under a countertop and is virtually inaccessable) so we started just leaving the back off so we could fix it ourselves each time.

Our AC went out one night and the maintenance man came to look at it and just shook his head because he had no idea what it was. After he left, my husband looked at it more closely and untwisted a tube so that the water could drain properly. After that the AC worked again.

The wireless internet was only working for an average of 3 hours per day, in the middle of the day. When we tried to tell them that the internet was down, they sent us on a goose chase, telling us to move to this corner or that to get better reception. When my husband still couldn't get on and tried to tell them that they probably just needed to reset the router, they told us that something must be wrong with our wireless.

The maid service was good, they were very quick and friendly, but the hotel must not have enough towels for the rooms. If our room was cleaned in the morning we always had two towels, two wash clothes, and a bath mat. If we slept in and our room was cleaned later, it was hit or miss what we would get. Sometimes no bathmat, or one washcloth, etc.

The restaraunt is the best part of the hotel. It is reasonably priced and we got great service every time we were there. We ate lunch all but one of the days we were there.

We have traveled to the DR a number of times as it continues to deliver quality memories and good value for sun-based vacations. Cabarete is a beach community “down the road” from Puerto Plata well-regarded by windsurfers as a prime location for steady winds and good surf. That said the beach is clean and safe for swimming and there is plenty to due if you do not consider yourself a sailor!

The Windsurf Resort is smaller by “resort” standards and therein lies the charm. The rooms are clean, well appointed and comfortable. Most staff are local and they are professional to the standard of “North Shore Dominican”. This place is relaxed, but everyone recognizes you are the guest. The pool is out your door and the Banana Bar stands at the ready for those days when the heat generates a thirst. Since it is a smaller resort staff get to know you and your preferences; you do feel relaxed and at home when staying there. The best part; because it is not an inclusive resort you venture out into the town for the beach (across the street) and meals (if you choose to not eat at the Windsurf’s restaurant).

One feature we enjoyed at the Windsurf is the fact that these are apartments with kitchens. The town itself, though certainly a touristy town, is also a functional center with small Supermarcados (grocery stores) and many excellent restaurants and bars within one or two blocks. When staying here you can allow the days to take form depending on your mood; eat in, or head out. Sit by the pool or take a stroll to the beach. The Manager was happy to provide excellent recommendations for evening meals.

Apart from Cabarete proper there are numerous day trips to local beaches and sights as provided by local tour operators. –Each time we have ventured out we find a little bit more to like about the place.

Cabarete feels further away from “home” than typical resorts, but in our repeated experience the town is safe for those venturing out of their comfort zone…a perfect mix for those wanting more than all-inclusive within-the-walls holiday-making. This is not Club Med; it is a far more rewarding holiday experience where you may at times need to try out your Spanish or smile and admit you’re “not from around here”.

For those who are prepared to vacation where you choose for yourself and eat when you want to the Windsurf is an excellent choice. The staff are helpful, the town is memorable and our stays have been answered with repeated returns.