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.

Spent second week of 2 weeks here April 21-28.
confirmed that timeshare is not for us --
we don't want to shop for groceries; cook our own food; find suitable safe restaurants; make drinks.... we basically want somebody else to do those things when we are on vacation.

Property -- all had pool view. But nothing to view really - rectangular pool. Fairly green (due to the fact it rained 5 days that we were there - about 2 feet). Not off and on - constant through day and night. POURED.
DAILY there was at least one power faillure. What is that about? The first week we were about 5 miles away at small hotel and no issue with power.

Room- had 2 rooms joined by hallway. Gas stove, full fridge. TV - with off and on channels. Why watching TV? It was a rainstorm!
Getting hot water (never any pressure) was no guarantee. Last night there we had freezing cold water only. don't leave any food out at all or you will get infested by the little ants.

Beach - you must walk across the busy street and through a little place to get there. Pain when the weather was iffy as we could be stuck over there in the downpour.

Restaurants -- we ended up at Jose O'shays most days. Hit Happy Hour 4-6 pm for cheap beer and snacks. Lots of beach sellers come by and into the restaurants. Not a big deal. BUT - the boys who want to shoe polish made us laugh -- nobody is wearing shoes so they make no $.

Restaurants only take cash - us, cdn, or pesos. NO Credit cards.
There is 16% sales tax plus 10% service tax on prices. Sounds high but comparable to canadian provinces with sales and gst.
Restaurant onsite was fine.

Buy water down street about 5 mins at supermarket. Again - pesos only.

My Husband and I just got back from our honeymoon at the Windsurf. The resort is beautiful! The beach is right across the street. The pool is warm and the waterfall and swim up bar are a nice touch. We stayed in a one bedroom unit, everything was very clean and nice. The housekeeping staff did a wonderful job. Everyone that works at the windsurf is really friendly and willing to help, Fernando and Dani are the best! We had a great time just hanging out by the pool and relaxing. The restaurant at the resort is amazing, we ate most of our meals here because the food was so good and at very reasonable prices... there were a couple drawbacks, the A/C in the room was not as cold as we are used to, but we did adjust as the week went on... and the bed was much firmer than we are used to, we ended up sleeping on the futon in the living room area, it was much more comfortable for us, and we didn't mind... it was cooler out there anyhow because that's where the a/c is...all in all we had a great honeymoon and the resort is really nice! I would recommend it to anyone!

Loved it! Clean, basic, very friendly resort. Fantastic staff, beautiful grounds, great location. Units themselves are very basic but spotlessly clean. We had a two bedroom, with two baths and full kitchen. The one bedroom could be "locked off" from the rest for more privacy, or left open to the rest if you had young kids in there. Furnishings were a bit dated and the sofa bed was not comfortable for our 16 year old son, but the staff quickly brought up a twin bed which fit in nicely and did not crowd the living room area. After that we were all comfortable.

The only negative was the trek across the street to the beach. It got a little interesting at rush hour and I would not have wanted to do it with young kids in tow. If you avoided rush hour, it was fine. The location was otherwise great--everything was in walking distance. Huge beautiful beach with wind surfing area, sailing area, kite boarding area and swimming areas. Walking distance to national park, grocery stores and the most incredible array of cheap, good, restuarants I have seen in one small area. What fun to eat right on the beach under palm trees with colored lights, while strolling musicians serenaded us! The people in this town and at the resort were ultra friendly and we never felt the least bit unsafe!

We can't wait to return!