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Puerto Plata TRAVEL GUIDE AND DEALS

The Dominican Republic’s north shore is nicknamed the Amber Coast, thanks to the abundant deposits found in the surrounding hills. Anchored by the country’s original pleasure capital, Puerto Plata, it is jam-packed with affordable all-inclusives, colonial architecture, sizzling nightlife, scintillating beaches, and opportunities for adventure sports both in the water and in the mountains.

Why Go

Because soaking up some rays on the beach after a night partying in the pleasure capital of the Dominican Republic is that much sweeter when you know you’re benefiting from some of the best deals under the Caribbean sun.

Puerto Plata Travel Guide: Deals to Puerto Plata | Puerto Plata Neighborhoods | Things to do in Puerto Plata | Puerto Plata Beaches | Puerto Plata Hotels | Puerto Plata Restaurants | Puerto Plata Nightlife | Puerto Plata Shopping | Puerto Plata Day Trips | When to go to Puerto Plata | Getting to Puerto Plata | Puerto Plata Tips | Puerto Plata Additional Resources

See Also: Caribbean and Bermuda | Dominican Republic

Puerto Plata Hotels

Outside the sprawling, all-inclusive resort areas that sprout like fungi all over the Dominican Republic, accommodation options are limited. With a few exceptions, the most distinctive and best-value lodgings are in Cabarete and Sosúa.

= Smart Splurge

= Great Value

ALL
LUXURY
BUDGET
MODERATE

Casa Colonial Beach & Spa Resort
The D.R.’s first member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, this 50-suite hideaway, with its impeccable service and a... romantic | smart splurge | all-inclusive | expensive

Natura Cabanas
Ten individual, palm-thatched, wood-bamboo-and-stone bungalows blend harmoniously with royal palm, avocado, almond, and orange... spa | romantic

Villa Taina
Steps from Cabarete’s main drag, this pretty, three-story, ocher Mediterranean Revival inn with feng shui-influenced... sports and adventure | spa | family

Velero Beach Resort
Nestled amid manicured gardens dotted with ceramic artworks, this 29-unit, beachfront compound is just minutes from the...

Victoria Golf & Beach Resort
Duffers flock to this lakeside resort, which straddles several holes of a Trent Jones-designed golf course. Fairly intimate by... golf | family | all-inclusive

Natura Cabanas
Ten individual, palm-thatched, wood-bamboo-and-stone bungalows blend harmoniously with royal palm, avocado, almond, and orange... spa | romantic

Villa Taina
Steps from Cabarete’s main drag, this pretty, three-story, ocher Mediterranean Revival inn with feng shui-influenced... sports and adventure | spa | family

Velero Beach Resort
Nestled amid manicured gardens dotted with ceramic artworks, this 29-unit, beachfront compound is just minutes from the...

Victoria Golf & Beach Resort
Duffers flock to this lakeside resort, which straddles several holes of a Trent Jones-designed golf course. Fairly intimate by... golf | family | all-inclusive

Puerto Plata Restaurants

Unfortunately, the glut of all-inclusives has limited dining opportunities and caused most of the small eateries serving comidas criollas (Dominican creole cuisine) to close. Expats rule the roost outside resorts and, save in Sosúa (and to a lesser extent, Cabarete), gringo-fied food predominates. Luckily, many restaurants offer free transportation to and from resorts.

= Smart Splurge

= Great Value

ALL
BUDGET
EXPENSIVE
MODERATE

Ali’s Surf Camp
Savor family-style, sweet, barbecued ribs and churrasco at wooden tables under a thatched roof restaurant surrounded by a... family | views | great value | seafood

Aquaceros
Merengue, tinkling fountains, and crashing surf serenade diners at this longtime Malecón hotspot. Kickass, tropical... family | music | views | open late | mexican

Vino y Tapas
From the flamenco music to the bullfighting posters, this postage-stamp-size hangout seems transported straight from Madrid.... great value | patio | hidden find | spanish

L’Etoile d’Or
French doors, crisp white napery, and countless candles set a romantic mood, which unobtrusive service, a top-notch wine list,... romantic | notable wine list | prix-fixe

Lucia
At Lucia, nature dominates both inside (orchids bloom everywhere) and out (glass walls overlook a mangrove lagoon). The... romantic | smart splurge

Le Papillon
Eco-centric, expat owner Thomas Ackermann’s open-sided eatery is a virtual jungle (think saltwater aquariums and mounted... off the path | romantic

Wabi Sabi
You’d expect fresh seafood, not Nippon flair, in the DR but this serene hideaway offers both. The Nobu-trained chef... trendy | seafood | bar