Dominican Republic
Where to Stay in Cabarete: 13 Actually Nice Hotels for Your Next Vacation
Cabarete is one of my favorite small beach towns of the Dominican Republic. Renowned for its wellness lifestyle culture, warm community vibes, and abundance of water activities, it is the perfect beach town for a relaxing vacation. But where to stay? Here are the coolest hotels in Cabarete, Dominican Republic, for a lovely getaway.
Don’t miss my round-up of the best things to do in Cabarete here!
Table of Contents
Is Cabarete Safe for Tourists?
Cabarete is one of the safest tourist destinations in the country. It’s a small town where most people know each other and local authorities prioritize tourist safety. I always feel so comfortable walking around, as it’s a very friendly community. You can stroll downtown for restaurants, shops, and even the busier beach area at night. Locals don’t bat an eye about it. I’d say just be careful with the sidewalk in some parts, it gets really narrow, but I saw they were working to expand it. Of course, exercise common-sense safety precautions here, and read my guide to safety in the Dominican Republic for more info on this topic.
II. Getting Around Cabarete
Cabarete is one of the best beach towns in the Dominican Republic for independent travelers. Whether solo or in a group, here are the ways you can get around in Cabarete:
- Walking: Cabarete is a walkable town. However, the sidewalks can be narrow in some parts. You can also walk along the beach.
- Private taxi: Hiring a private taxi driver to take you around is the most convenient way if you have less time and more budget. You just shoot them a Whatsapp text, and they head over. I recommend Rafa! He is one of the most reliable taxistas in Cabarete and I don’t mind paying extra for his quality service. His Whatsapp number is (809)912-5084.
- Concho: You can ride a concho aka a motorcycle taxi, from one part of town to another for about $1-2. The price increases with distance and at night. I hate motorcycles but sometimes this is all we have.
- Carritos: These are tiny carpools with 4-5 other people and the driver. You’ll be squeezed inside. A ride costs about 25 pesos, but it also depends on the driver’s mood/assessment of you. I don’t recommend this unless you’re local/out of options.
- Vans/guaguas: This has the same concept as carritos, but is more spacious. You need to scream when you’re close to your stop.
III. Where to Stay in Cabarete – Which Area?
There are so many amazing places to visit in Cabarete. Here are the most popular areas most people stay:
- Downtown Cabarete: If you’re not renting a car, this is the place to be. You can walk around or hail cabs easily from here. The beach and most restaurants and supermarkets are here, too.
- Encuentro: One of the best beaches in the world for beginner surfers. This is because you can STAND up and the water is hip-high. Yet you can still surf. It’s perfect for a low-key vacation where you don’t want to think or commute much. Stay at the Encuentro Surf Lodge.
- Perla Marina & Sea Horse: Super exclusive experience in gated communities that are home to private beachfront villas and condos rented by different owners.
- Kite Beach: For a more intimate yet welcoming vibe, this family-friendly area is 3 minutes driving (or 30 minutes walking) from downtown Cabarete. While the winds are too strong for swimming, this town offers some of the best kite surfing in the world.
IV. 13 Best Hotels in Cabarete, Dominican Republic
1. Ultravioleta Boutique Residences ★
Ultravioleta Boutique Residences is one of the best hotels to stay in Cabarete. This beachfront apartment hotel offers clean, modern rooms with well-equipped kitchens, a rooftop, and a jacuzzi. Some of these have their own pools, too. In the common area, they offer an infinity pool, an outdoor garden, stunning beach views, and an onsite beach restaurant. It’s an easy launching pad to many nearby small businesses and other attractions in the area as well.
- Location: Carretera Principal, Cabarete
- Ratings: Booking.com (9.1/10) | Expedia (9.6/10)
- Cost: Starting at $200/night
- Distance from Downtown Cabarete: 2-minute drive
2. Green Land Bubble Glamping ★
This Cabarete hotel is home to multiple luxurious, air-conditioned bubble tents, each with a patio and private bath. Aside from an on-site restaurant and picnic area, Green Land Bubble Glamping has gardens that are often visited by friendly animals, such as bunnies, peacocks, ducks, and goats, which kids and adults alike can play with. Guests can also enjoy various rejuvenating wellness packages and activities like massage services and sightseeing tours. If you’re looking for a blend of nature and modernity, this is the place for you! They also offer free private parking and paid airport shuttle service.
- Location: Islabon, Cabarete
- Ratings: Booking.com (9.3/10)
- Cost: Starting at $125/night
- Distance from Downtown Cabarete: 13-minute drive
3. Kibayo Lagoon Villa ★
This idyllic retreat is a little haven in Cabarete. Its spacious garden, outdoor pool, and lagoon (with free kayaks!) makes it an oasis to outdoor lovers who need space for relaxation. While the kitchen and dining space are shared, every room in Kibayo Lagoon Villa is exceptionally spotless and comfortable. Plus, they have an attentive staff. Being walking-distance to the best spots in town, like Kite Beach, yet far enough from the main road makes this serene hotel a slice of quiet paradise.
- Location: Tropical Goleta, Cabarete
- Ratings: Booking.com (9.3/10) | Expedia (9.8/10)
- Cost: Starting at $69/night
- Distance from Downtown Cabarete: 5-minute drive
4. El Encuentro Surf Lodge ★
This Cabarete hotel offers luxury studios and villas maintained by a welcoming staff, making it one of the best hotels in the Dominican Republic. With an outdoor pool, sun terrace, and a restaurant with delicious meals and smoothies, El Encuentro Surf Lodge is one of the loveliest places to relax and recharge in. The El Encuentro Beach and multiple surf schools are only within an 8-minute walk away from here. If surfing or kitesurfing is one of your reasons for visiting Cabarete, this is a very convenient base!
- Location: Encuentro, Cabarete
- Ratings: Booking.com (9.3/10)
- Cost: Starting at $114/night
- Distance from Downtown Cabarete: 9-minute drive
5. Casa Colonial Beach & Spa ★
Located in Puerto Plata, 45 minutes drive from Cabarete, this was worth listing for those seeking a luxurious boutique stay. This artisan-designed beachfront colonial-style mansion offers a rooftop pool and jacuzzi. You can also visit their spa, which offers relaxing massages and facials, and the neighboring golf course. Cap off your days with a romantic dinner at one of Casa Colonial’s onsite restaurants and try out their wine cellar’s collection! Here are all the top things to do in Puerto Plata, should you prefer staying here.
- Location: Playa Dorada, Puerto Plata
- Ratings: Booking.com (9.0/10) | Expedia (9.6/10)
- Cost: Starting at $489/night
- Distance from Downtown Cabarete: 46-minute drive
6. Residencial Mañanero
Residencial Mañanero is condominium complex in the Dominican Republic that flaunts a private beach area away from the hustle and bustle of crowds. Units have large balconies, BBQ grill, and access to a large common swimming pool, a fireplace, and a picnic area. You can also ride bikes in this oceanfront tranquility.
- Location: Cabarete
- Ratings: Booking.com (9.3/10)
- Cost: Starting at $116/night
- Distance from Downtown Cabarete: 7-minute drive
7. Velero Beach Resort
Located 22-minutes away from the Cabarete Beach scene, this property boasts convenience and a pretty beach view. While you can rent a one-bed bedroom here, Velero Beach Resort is nice for longer stays by large groups! With penthouses having fully-equipped kitchens and grocery shopping being within walking distance, this is your home away from home. The resort also offers various activities such as horseback riding, fishing, and cycling.
- Location: Calle La Punta 1, Cabarete
- Ratings: Booking.com (8.5/10) | Expedia (9.0/10)
- Cost: Starting at $84/night
- Distance from Downtown Cabarete: 4-minute drive
8. Sea Horse Ranch
This exclusive 250-acre gated resort is home to luxurious oceanfront villas that can accommodate large families and groups of friends. What makes this place one of the best resorts in the Dominican Republic is that it offers first class getaways for travelers who wish to enjoy a private, quiet stay that’s only a few steps by the ocean. At Sea Horse Ranch, you can ride horses at the beach and play tennis at their club.
- Location: Sosua – Cabarete
- Ratings (Different Properties): VRBO (10/10) | Expedia (10/10)
- Cost: Starting at $1,300/2 nights
- Distance from Downtown Cabarete: 11-minute drive
9. Surfbreak B&B
This enchanting tropical getaway offers rustic accommodations perfect for surfing enthusiasts! Surfbreak B&B is a 17-minute walk from Encuentro Beach and not too close to downtown, which makes it perfect for outdoor lovers who like the quiet. After surfing sessions, you can relax at the outdoor pool or just enjoy the tranquility of the gardens.
- Location: Carretera Cabarete – Sosua, Cabarete
- Ratings: Booking.com (8.7/10)
- Cost: Starting at $61/night
- Distance from Downtown Cabarete: 7-minute drive
11. Kite Beach Ocean Front Condo
This luxury condominium at Palacio Atlantico, a gated property, sits on Kite Beach. It offers a well shaded outdoor swimming pool that’s surrounded by a gorgeous garden for relaxation, or you can walk a few steps to the sea. It also has a fully-equipped kitchen if you want to skip on trying the beachside restaurants! Either way, you get to enjoy the rhythmic song of the ocean, the gorgeous view of the sunrise and sunset, and the bustling energy from kitesurfers!
- Location: Kite Beach, Cabarete
- Ratings: VRBO (9.8/10)
- Distance from Downtown Cabarete: 3-minute drive
12. Villa Mediterranean
This sophisticated villa is a Spanish colonial-style home in the exclusive Sea Horse Ranch sits between Playa Encuentro and Kite Beach. Here, you can chill in luxury as the property boasts a large private swimming pool and garden. If you care for some walk, it is just a three-minute away from the private beach with a breathtaking view of the ocean. Available for big families, the property has two master suites, each with their own terraces!
- Location: Near Kite Beach, Cabarete
- Ratings: VRBO (4.9/5)
13. Seawinds
Sandwiched between Cabarete Beach and Kite Beach, Seawinds offers fully-equipped condominiums overlooking a beautiful private beach area. With its perfectly manicured lawn, large outdoor pool, and relaxing spa, it boasts a calm vibe that will definitely make you feel at ease throughout your stay. The property also offers outdoor and water activities such as windsurfing, fishing, and cycling. Units are up to three bedrooms and the restaurant delivers to your room!
- Location: Cabarete, Puerto Plata Province
- Ratings: VRBO (10/10) | Expedia
- Distance from Downtown Cabarete: 9-minute walk
13. Natura Cabana Boutique Hotel & Spa by Mint
This beachfront property might be the best hotel in Cabarete, Dominican Republic for laid back, eco-conscious nature lovers! Their private, furnished cabanas/bungalows are not air-conditioned rooms, but these are properly constructed and maintained so that you won’t need one! Plus, these have natural stone walls that offer an earthy charm.
If the crashing of waves is music to your ears, you’re in for a treat as you can hear the ocean in the whole premise. Want to do daily yoga classes overlooking the ocean and a full-service spa? No problem! You can also relax at the outdoor pool and enjoy delicious meals at the on-site restaurant.
Kindly note that Natura Cabana is a private beach area. This means not much is within walking distance, making it the best choice if you seek a real, secluded retreat!
- Location: Perla Marina, Cabarete
- Ratings: Booking.com (9.2/10) | Expedia (9.4/10)
- Cost: Starting at $191/night
- Distance from Downtown Cabarete: 11-minute drive
V. Hotels in Cabarete: Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Are there any locally-owned hotels in Cabarete to support?
Sadly, almost all of the nicest Cabarete, Dominican Republic hotels are foreign-owned. Plus, there is a lot of displacement of locals. Hopefully, in time, more Dominicans can enter the market. To support the local community, you can rent Airbnb accommodations, stay with locals, and buy from local shops.
Q2: Is Cabarete family-friendly?
Yes, Cabarete is a family-friendly town that offers opportunities for guided tours, farm visits, and cute outdoor restaurants. Cabarete also has shops where you can conveniently get the stuff you need, in addition to kid-friendly accommodations,
Q3: Is Cabarete safe at night?
Yes, Cabarete is safe at night. I have experienced walking around to restaurants and the beach at night time and felt safe. Obviously, don’t do anything dumb though!
Q4: Do you need a car in Cabarete?
While renting and driving a car is a convenient way to get around in Cabarete, you can take taxis, conchos, and vans in the area. Plus, you can walk around!
Q5: Which airport would you fly to in order to stay in the city of Cabarete?
The nearest airport to Cabarete is the Gregorio Luperon International Airport in Puerto Plata. Then it’s a 20 minute taxi ride from there.
VI. Related Blog Posts
- 31 Luxury and Best All-Inclusive Resorts in the Dominican Republic
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- 48 Fun and Beautiful Things to Do in the Dominican Republic
- 38 Incredible Places to Visit in the Dominican Republic From East to West
- 14 Interesting Islands of the Dominican Republic to Explore
- 23 Beautiful Waterfalls in the Dominican Republic
- 23 Things to Know Before Traveling to the Dominican Republic
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