Rest and Recuperation with the help of Richard & Richie, is the best way to describe our stay at Casa Serena.
We were made to feel very welcome from the start and felt right at home in the turret room.

As the only guests, the warm, large (and very, very clean) pool was ours and provided essential respite from the searing midday heat. We dragged ourselves away from this idyllic setting to find lunch and dinner, either in Sosua or Cabarete, where there is a wide range of eateries to suit all tastes and budgets.

We would recommend you rent a car as long as you are a confident driver (the roads and driving are not for the faint hearted) particularly if you intend to explore the North Coast. However, if you are content to stay local in Sosua the moto-conchos would suffice if you have the nerve.

Our excursions were fun and varied and included - Mount Isabel de Torres on the cable car in Puerto Plata, a near deserted Plantation up in the hills, the less touristy town of Rio San Juan and Los Gringos Beach Bar and Grill (offering everything from a refreshing drink or a quick snack to a four course meal). Of course, there were days we just stayed by the pool.

The night life is colourful and varied and while not particularly a family orientated style of entertainment, the Dominican's easy going, sensual and friendly nature make for a lively atmosphere and relatively safe environment.

We can whole heartedly recommend Casa Serena for independent travellers seeking total relaxation, in a charming location with equally charming and helpful hosts. If you are looking for Cable TV, gold taps, water slide for the kids, fish n'chips or wild times - you'd be far better off heading straight to downtown Sosua or one of those yummy all-inclusives at Playa Dorada.

Nigel & Vincent
(UK/USA)

Likes: R&R, pool, garden, fresh fruit for breakfast, proximity to airport, view from turret room.
Dislikes: potholed road, driving, going home

My husband and I totally agree with the previous visitors' descriptions of Casa Serena, It's surroundings, and the hospitality extended to visitors.

Soon after renting a car at the airport, we realized that we were not quite equipped for driving in a foreign country. Our host Richard offered to do the driving for us at that point .He even took us for a daytrip to Santiago, over the lush, green mountains.

We thoroughly enjoyed nutritious breakfasts cooked and served by our hosts. We enjoyed the company of Richie and Richard. They both know the area well, and gave us valuable tips about vacationing in the Dominican Republic. We really appreciated their recommendations about the places to dine and shop.

As an extra bonus, one of the dogs, Sally, befriended us and slept behind our door every night. That gave us an extended feeling of security in unfamiliar surroundings.

Casa Serena was a wonderful, quiet place to hang out and relax. Rich and Richie are caring and spirited hosts, with lots of to-the-point recommendations on what to enjoy and/or avoid during your stay. Their breakfasts are light and fresh. The pool can be enjoyed day or night. Staying in the Turret Room was a treat, as we frequently lolled about on the roof at night, enjoying the breeze and noises of the countryside. It is a little far from town/beach for people w/o transportation. But motos (motorcycles you hop on back of for $1.50) frequently pass driveway and are a safe and fun way to get into town. We rented a moped in town, which was a blast, but only for brave people who are adept at dodging potholes and oncoming traffic.

This place is oh so relaxed and affordable. My husband and I stayed in the turret room which had great views, a private terrace and a large bathroom. The property has lovely plantings and a fantastic pool. A bonus for us were Rich and Richie the friendly owners and their dogs. Casa Serena is a short distance up the hill from town and very peaceful. It is best for independent travellers who are comfortable renting a car and driving themselves where they want to go. In addition to being just outside the town of Sosua, it is a short drive from Cabarete, a great place to go watch the kite surfers. Rich and Richie can also give you directions to a couple secluded beaches where you can spend an afternoon. Just a little farther up the hill is also a good Thai restaurant, Chilis and the town of Sosua has a great Italian restaurant, Bologna.