Coco Cabanas Beach Club - Guest ReviewsWhere the only music you hear is the sound of the ocean.... The hardest work you do is trying to get out of the hammock.... The only decision you have to make is which way to walk on the beach And the only sad moment is having to return to reality.... A vacation is all about getting away from what is considered common ground to you. For me, working in the upscale resorts of Punta Cana, the last thing I really want to do is go to another resort of similar fashion. Last week I set out on a 4 day run around the country from south to north...west to east and south again. I was reminded of what this country is....a dynamic island of mountains, valleys, beaches and cities. I did my best to stay a wee bit off the beaten path when it came to nightly accommodations. Most places were comfortable, but in the grand scheme of things, nothing more than a place to lay my head at night. But one place...well...read on! Day three of my "BIG CIRCLE ADVENTURE". I needed to figure out in advance, where to stay for the night. Caberete and Sosua had many choices, but being in the business as I am, the last thing I really wanted was the hustle and bustle of a resort town. While cruising the web, I came across this small website, offering basic information, but not much more about an oceanfront cabana located in the area east of Caberete. Having worked in the area a few years ago, I had a vague idea of where it was located, but based on the website, I went looking…not expecting to find much. A few miles east of Gaspar Hernandez, along a worsening road, the forest opens up to an absolutely stunning vista of turquoise ocean. Continuing past this photo opportunity lay the entrance to Coco Cabanas Beach Club, marked by a simple baby blue sign and an arrow pointed into…well….an old laneway. For most, this would be the end of the search. Not too many feel comfortable leaving the security of a main road, especially while in another country. But then again, I am not “that type of people”! The laneway leads you through meadows, across a stream canopied by tropical lushness and eventually a few minutes later, to the beach where you will find Coco Cabanas. This is like visiting the set of Gilligan’s Island. You half expect to find Gilligan fixing a roof, or Marianne doing palm weaving. In fact, the first person we met as we investigated the place, was a Frenchman who lived in his rustic bar, something best described as being “Buffetesque”, alluding to its bright colours, eccentric decoration and carefree atmosphere. I...speaking not a word of Spanish or French, and he not a word of English, communication was done the old fashioned way….sign language and a lot of puzzled looks, followed by laughter! Eventually we understood that the Cabanas were closed for a few days, but our lighthearted bartender/cook/dishwasher and fence mender would call the owner to see if we could stay. Luck being in our favour, a girl wandered down the beach with a handful of keys in her hand. We were offered to inspect a few of the cabanas, all of which follow that traditional theme of palm roofs, ocean front porches with hammocks and something we did not expect….modern bathrooms with hot water! Each cabana is unique in its design, with a blend of natural wood and vibrant colors. The rooms are simply furnished with a comfortable bed, mosquito net (although we found no need for it), refrigerator and a tasteful ceiling fan. No TV, no radio….perfect! It was a no brainer…we had to stay! In this country of rapid concrete development and predictability, I had found a place that most dream vacations are made of…solitude, natural surroundings and absolutely no stress! Entertainment programs? Lavish dining? 89 channels of TV? Not here. If that is what I was looking for I could have found that anywhere. Dinner menu? Hmmm….just ask what they have and choose! We enjoyed excellent pork chops and white rice, all delivered to our porch overlooking the ocean. You want something? Either stroll down the beach to the beach shack, of just shout…but shouting kind of ruins the tranquility of the place! The beach is natural. A mix of gray sand and beautifully polished stones and an abundance of white seashells. You can walk a good distance either way on the beach and if you are lucky enough, one of the resident dogs will keep you company! This area is not known for rough waters and we were not disappointed, walking comfortably into the gentle slopping beach and floating effortlessly staring skyward. The grounds…raked and immaculate! I could go on and on about this place. Is it for everyone? Most certainly not. If your idea of a vacation is all about gourmet dining, being isolated behind a wall, lavish nightly shows and simply living a life like home…but 2000 miles away, then this is definitely not for you. If you dream of uncrowded beaches, a hammock and a tropical drink….the sound of the ocean only feet away....letting the sounds of nature be the only music and counting past a billion stars at night, then you should strongly consider Coco Cabanas Beach Club for your future vacation experiences! From Lone Palm by Jimmy Buffett
“…while out on the beach there are two empty chairs You can email me for further information and photos. Cheers!
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