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Dominican Republic
(Formally Eden
Bay Resort) |
| October 2010 - SA |
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My wife and I just returned from our second trip to
Caliente Caribe this year. It was my fourth visit, dating back to 1995 and my
wife's second. We are going back in January or February. Needless to say, we
love the place.
The grounds of the resort are among the most
picturesque I have even seen. We could hear the ocean all night and see the
breakers from our patio. We like to stay in the cottages rather than in the
hotel. Both types of accomodations are fantastic but we enjoy being close to
the Tiki bar and pools in the lower level. That is where most guests congregate
during the day. The food is good. The drinks are made from call liquor and
Presidente beer. They are generous with both the food and beverages.
Perhaps the most pleasant part of staying here is the wonderful and caring
attitude of the staff. From the manager down, everyone is constantly trying to
make your stay as pleasant as possible. Unlike many Carribean or Mexican
resorts there is no 'man ana' attitude from the staff. There is no signing for
towels. There are no limits to what you want or consume.
The best part
of our stay there is the complete relaxation we enjoy. You literally leave your
troubles at the gate. If you have a problem leaving them there, the staff will
do all they can to help you with whatever concern you have. We encourage anyone
who is thinking about a trip to Caliente Caribe to go. We are sure you will be
as pleased as we are and before you leave will be planning your next trip
there. |
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| Spring 2010 - DC |
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The grounds and the set up of the resort were wonderful.
However, while some of the staff seemed to go above and beyond what would be
expected, some appeared to not want to be there. They rarely smiled. In
addition, many areas of the resort were nice, like the disco and the pool bar;
however, there were no workers, entertainment staff, or other personnel
available in order to take advantage of them. We had to beg to go to the disco
one evening. As an alert to others who are planning on going to Caliente, is
that the age of the crowd was older than we expected. Most people were going
back to their room by 11:00 or 11:30p. When we are on vacation we like to stay
up later than we doing during our normal work week schedule allows. The food
was okay, not great. Room service would have been nice. (Castaways note: During
certain periods of the year and when groups or "couples only" weeks are
sponsored, guest's are typically younger adults). |
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| April 2009 - G & M |
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Resort very nice, food we thought was very good, service
excellent. They could improve on the 'activity directors' and the daily
activities were lacking in every way. They just were not activity directors and
was somewhat boring. We took it upon ourselves to be the activity directors and
the daily entertainment with the visitors there. Little older of a crowd than
what we are used to but EVERYONE was very nice and fun. Did have a good time.
It takes time to get there from Texas and of course Mexico is so much easier to
travel to but it was great for a change of pace. |
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| December 2008 - Eugene |
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We just returned from vacation at Caliente Caribe and we
had a great time, highly recommend it. It could be as wild or kicked back as
you wish, at least with the group that was there while we were. The food was
not as elabrate or extensive as some larger resorts, but it was very good and
plenty of it. I would definatly go back again ( and hope to).
A word of
praise to you from the airline also, we were traveling during several winter
storms and you had listed our phone number as the contact so the airline was
able to advise us of flight info, they said most travel agencies list the
agency phone as contact, and they can't contact the pasengers directly. So
thumbs up from Contiental air to Castaways. Cheers Gene |
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| November 2008 - Sue & Jim |
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My wife and I (in late 30's, have visited Club Orient,
Grand Lido Braco and Caliente Tampa among other resorts), along with her mother
Jean and stepfather Bill (one previous stay at Club Orient), stayed at Caliente
Caribe over Thanksgiving week (specifically Nov 21 - 28). We had a great time -
how could one not! .....
...read the rest of this very detailed trip report in Word
.doc format. |
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| February 2008 - R.K. |
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My wife & I visited Caliente Caribe in late February,
2008. We were a bit leery because of the horror stories we had heard about the
old Eden Bay, but were pleasantly surprised by what we found.
In a nut
shell the place is fantastic! I would match the resort layout, grounds and
scenery among the finest places we have ever visited. Everywhere you look is
another postcard scene. Breathtaking views in every direction. The staff was
very friendly and attentive. Bar staff was a hoot. Wait staff were perhaps the
weakest link. Always pleasant enough, but would occasionally forget to bring
someone's food or would bring a wrong drink. Not complaining though, overall,
they really are great.
The rooms and casitas are huge! We were kidding
that we thought ours used to be a bowling alley. The maid was always nearby and
would go in and straighten up almost every time we left the room. We had a
maintenance issue early one morning, but by the time we returned from breakfast
the problem had already been resolved. Try that in Mexico! Hot water for the
shower was limited, that was a drag. Lasted maybe 5 minutes, max!
The
pool & the beach are perfect for a sunny afternoon buzz with 20 - 30 nude
friends, and the long walk was enough to keep us physically fit for the week.
The food was good... not great, but not bad. Limited menu choices, but for the
price it is quite adequate. They need to improve their liquor choices. Very few
premium brands, and no blended whisky or bourbons. Mostly rums and a sweet
stuff. I did see some Jim Beam once and I think the "premium" vodka was Stoli.
One suggestion; when ordering a mixed drink with vodka, for example, they will
always use their local bar brand unless you specify the "premium" alternative
(if they have one). So always mention the brand you want, if they have it.
The only other minor disappointment was the ocean access. The beach
itself is stunning. But if you want to go into the water, there are a ton of
rocks & obstacles that prevent you from doing any body surfing or just
leisurly swimming (until you get past that part of the ocean bottom). But then
again, that's what the pool is for.
Over overall rating is an 8.2 out
of 10, and we will most definitely go back! |
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| January 2008 |
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What fun! January, 2008 thirty travelers from clubs and
nudist resorts all over the USA joined James & Champagne for a resort
inspection trip to Caliente Caribe in the Dominican Republic. This terrific
adventure was designed to see what improvements have been made since new
management and financial backers from Caliente Tampa launched an upgrade
program about 18 months ago.
Without a doubt, they have succeeded.
The resort labels itself as "3 star deluxe." Caliente Caribe has the
service, look and feel of a more upscale property although you won't find fancy
dining and specialty restaurants there. Considering the price they charge, it's
a bargain. Spacious, air conditioned hotel rooms and villas total 126 on 120+
acres right on the beach and it's adults only, all inclusive,for couples and
singles. And, all rooms and villas are really huge. Most guests elect to be
nude during the day but choose to wear clothing for dining, for theme nights
and for evening entertainment.
Although there's plenty to do, the
resort is so big, it feels more laid back instead of expecting guests to meet
an hourly schedule to have fun. Water volleyball, games, language lessons,
sunning, "adult beverages" and visiting seem to fill the day for most guests.
Two swimming pools, two hot tubs and a water volleyball pool offer guests lots
of choices. It's really a perfect place to do as much as you want or get away
from it all. With so much acreage, you can choose a secluded palm tree to lay
back and enjoy the scenery or take a nap. Themes every evening, surprisingly
high quality entertainment and a night club/disco fill the "after dark" hours
for guests who are night owls. A neat treat: Free WiFi in the rooms and main
hotel building...but try to leave your lap top at home. And there's plenty to
do off site including scuba, golf, casinos, adventure tours, whale watching,
white water rafting, mountain biking, sail boarding and kite sailing, tennis
and bar hopping at beach towns close by such as Rio San Juan, Cabrera, Sosua
and Cabarete, arguably the sail board capital of the Caribbean.
Dining, bar drinks, day time meals and mid night snacks satisfied most
palettes. The main restaurant serves breakfast and dinner while the beach bar
and grill offers mid day lunch, snacks and great drinks.
The resort
includes a luscious 3-bedroom Grande Villa atop a bluff that overlooks the rest
of the resort. The private Grande Villa is absolutely perfect as headquarters
for a group trip. With huge bedrooms and full amenities, hot tub, kitchen and a
bathroom big enough for a sports team's locker room, three couples can rent the
facility for less than the cost of three separate villas.
The resort
is on the mild side instead of wild. It should satisfy most guests and is
especially suited for a group trip. A resort "takeover" can be created with
only 60 rooms minimum.
The service was impeccable. The employees,
management and staff will rival any other resort you're used to visiting.
Everyone loved it and many plan to go back individually or with a group of
friends. It's a secret you have to know about. And airline service has recently
increased: Choose between Puerto Plata or El Catey Samana airports. Samana is a
brand new airport, only about 45 minutes away. Jet Blue, American, Delta and
charters have frequent or daily service to one or both airports.
If
you love to drink, dance on the table and be wild and crazy, this may not be
your place. If you enjoy a relaxed pace, intelligent and fun conversation with
other guests who are as friendly as you, try it. Frequent specials such as 7th
night free, early booking discounts and relatively low cost per diem rates for
all inclusive features produce a very affordable adult, clothing optional
holiday.
In our opinion, Caliente Caribe is now the biggest and best
bang for your buck in the Caribbean. |
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| December 2007 - John + Barbara |
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The resort was not crowded,the staff were friendly and
helpful.The people of the DR in that area seem frendlier than the Jamaican's
and the resort is very relaxing because of the size compared to the number of
occupants. The resort may not appeal to those that have a problem with stairs
due to medical conditions as they may have to wait for a golf cart to take them
to the upper or lower level. The beach is small and rocky and has many black
urchins. Even if wearing shoes you can get banged up by the rock being pulled
in and out by the surf.
If you are one who can get seasick,I would not
recommend going snorkeling with Collin off site. He took out a load of us and
dropped the sick ones at a beach to wait until we got done at the other two
dive sites. I felt he should have called a cab to take the sick ones back to
the resort since there was a parking lot behind the beach,but he refused to
call for them. They ended up borrowing a cell off of a local and called their
own cab. They got back ok, but I thought he would have known better which cab
was safe to call.
The food and entertainment were fantastic and the
hot tub location on a starry ,moonlit night is just the best we've ever seen.
The beach activities were well organised and well conducted. The crowd was
mostly over 40 and the disco was cozy and fun. The on site gift shop has some
great bargains and all prices are very comparable to those off the resort. If
you don't see it, ask, they will get it for you. Van is also very friendly and
helpful with anything you need. |
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| November 2007 - TR |
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First of all, we were very pleased in our dealings with
your agent Tammy. We also have a trip booked through her to Hedo II over
Easter.
The resort – Caliente Caribe - - was perhaps one of the
best surprises ever. It is its own little town. The main room, dining room and
cliff side rooms are on top of the cliffs, the ocean villas, one pool, hot tub
and beach bar, duh, are on the beach. There is about a 57 step climb from the
beach to the top of the cliffs, but there are golf carts running. It is a
great, expansive place. Our room was a mini house!!
The staff here was
outstanding. This was our first trip to the DR and we were amazed at how
helpful the people were. They are beautiful and very friendly. It is a
compliment to Van and Sinclair how happy the resort people were and how much
they went out of their way for everyone.
The resort was dazzling, very
mature and eloquent. The entertainment staff at the beach kept things lively
with many of the games we’ve experienced at Hedo II and Desire, of course
with daily prizes of coffee or rum. It really was the best of all worlds, very
fancy, and had opportunities for lots of fun. The guests were real naturalists,
very mature, kind and comfortable to be around. I did not feel unsecure at any
time.
The only downside was being on the Atlantic, perhaps it was the
time we were there, but it was not a good swimming or snorkeling experience for
me (I’m a real land lover, but like to get in the water).
First
of all, we were very pleased in our dealings with your agent Tammy. We also
have a trip booked through her to Hedo II over Easter.
We are going to
plan a return trip here next February, 2009!!! |
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| December 2007 - Beverly |
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This resort is outstanding. They cater to your every whim.
Dinner is served very eloquently, exact portions and a good variety. If you
want something else, they will stand on their heads for you!!! Excellent staff
and the grounds are fantastic!! |
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| February 2006 - F & L |
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The most beautiful place we have been. Staff was cheerful
and helpful. Activities director, Peggy, made a big difference - she is superb.
We made the suggestion that the resort put in a giant chess board like the one
at Grand Ledo Negril. The clientele was a bit more professional than what we
have experienced at Jamaica on our visits to Negril, Braco, and Sans Souci, and
I think the chess board would be a big hit.
The accomodations (villa)
near the pool were very nice, but without A/C in the summer, sleeping would
probably be brutal. (NOTE: Air conditioners are being installed in all units).
The facilities were excellent and laid out very well. The pool/beach area is
configured to make for intimate contact with other guests and promotes getting
to know people and encourages participation in fun activities. I liked the pool
volleyball and the bocce ball play, as well as the Texas Hold em tournament.
The food was very good, and it was nice to be served at table. It was a very
romantic place, which is nice because my wife and I still have a great romance
going.
Downside - the bartenders are poorly trained and miserably
equipped. I asked for a dry martini, and the girl made it with about a half a
cup of red vermouth. Wife asked for a marguerita, and the result was something
that tasted like soap. Nobody knows how to make a BLOODY MARY! One bartender
knew how, but did not have the fixings. He tried with the DR version of tomato
juice, but it was a bust. If you wanted a drink that most bartenders can fix,
but was not on the specialty list, they either did not have what was needed, or
did not know how, or you just couldn't get through to them because they speak
absolutely no english. There was no shortage of desire, though. They were very
friendly and tried their best to please. All in all, it did not matter that
much, because the whole experience was wonderful, but it is definitely an area
in need of major improvement. The only other thing was that you can't walk into
the water from the beach because you immediately encounter rocks and coral. It
looks like a perfect place to cultivate like the artificial lagoons that were
done at Grand Lido Braco.
We have taken many naturist vacations in the
Caribbean and Mexico. They have all been very nice, but this was one of the
nicest. We are already planning to go back, and were disappointed to see that
when we went on line, the rates have already gone up over $100/day, but we will
go again anyway. Once again, it was the most beautiful and romantic place we
have been to.
The wife said it was healing, and I agree. The ride from
the airport, with the pot holes, was not pleasant for 1 1/2 hours, but that was
balanced by the countryside, the populace, and the towns we went through. We
really enjoyed seeing that. We could not learn anything from the driver either
getting there or getting back at the end, because they have no english skill,
and my spanish is rudimentary. I would say that if drinking is high on your
list for having a good time, you will be disappointed. Otherwise, it was all
that we hoped for and more. We found out that most of the staff work for $6.50
per day. Theye were all so nice that we left a $50 tip as our share of saying
thanks and trying to help out. We understood that the tips that are collected
from departing guests are divided among the workers. It was nice to be able to
leave them something from us, because they gave so much of themselves for us. I
think that about sums it up. F & L |
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