Where to eat in Cabarete: Best Restaurants in Cabarete
Top 10 Restaurants In Cabarete Updated 19. May 2023 If you’re looking for a delightful culinary experience in Cabarete, you’re in luck! This vibrant Dominican Republic destination offers a diverse range of restaurants that cater to various tastes and preferences. Whether you’re a coffee lover, a fan of international cuisine, or simply seeking a cozy spot to enjoy a satisfying meal, Cabarete has something for everyone. Let’s explore the top 10 restaurants in Cabarete, according to Tripadvisor. 1. Cabarete Coffee Company This cozy cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, making it an ideal spot to start your day or relax in the evening. The menu features a delightful variety of coffee drinks, smoothies, sandwiches, and salads to satisfy your cravings. Cabarete Coffee Company has gained popularity among digital nomads and travelers due to its inviting atmosphere. 2. Bliss Restaurant Lounge Bar Pool If you seek a romantic setting with breathtaking ocean views, look no further than Bliss Restaurant Lounge Bar Pool. Indulge in their menu offerings of fresh seafood, grilled meats, and vegetarian options while enjoying a cocktail or two. Enhance your experience by unwinding in the pool and lounge area, adding an extra touch of relaxation to your meal. 3. Yalla Yalla is a Middle Eastern restaurant renowned for its mouthwatering falafel, shawarma, and hummus. With a variety of vegetarian and vegan options available, it’s an excellent choice for those with specific dietary preferences. The casual atmosphere of Yalla makes it an ideal spot for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner. 4. Gordito’s Fresh Mex For an authentic Mexican food experience, Gordito’s Fresh Mex is a must-visit in Cabarete. Indulge in their tantalizing burritos, tacos, and an array of vegetarian and gluten-free options. With its laid-back ambiance, Gordito’s is a popular choice among surfers and travelers seeking flavorful Mexican cuisine. 5. Ceiba Cafe and Pizzeria Ceiba Cafe and Pizzeria is a cozy restaurant that specializes in wood-fired pizzas, salads, and sandwiches. Vegetarian and vegan options are available, ensuring that everyone can find something delicious to enjoy. Relax and savor a casual dinner in the warm and inviting atmosphere of Ceiba Cafe and Pizzeria. 6. Restaurant Le Bistro If you’re in the mood for a fine dining experience, Restaurant Le Bistro is the place to be. This exquisite restaurant offers a French-inspired menu with a wide selection of fresh seafood, grilled meats, and vegetarian options. With its romantic ambiance, Restaurant Le Bistro is perfect for couples and special occasions. 7. Fresh Fresh Cafe Cabarete For health-conscious travelers, Fresh Fresh Cafe Cabarete is a go-to destination. Start your day with refreshing smoothie bowls, and enjoy a variety of salads, sandwiches, and wraps throughout the day. This health food restaurant caters to those seeking nourishing and delicious options in a relaxed atmosphere. 8. Belgium Bakery If you’re craving fresh bread, pastries, and a delightful cup of coffee, the cozy Belgium Bakery won’t disappoint. They also serve sandwiches and salads, making it an excellent spot for a quick and satisfying breakfast or lunch. Enjoy the cozy atmosphere and savor the delectable treats offered at Belgium Bakery. 9. Vagamundo Coffee & Waffles Vagamundo Coffee & Waffles is a cozy cafe specializing in coffee, waffles, and sandwiches. Vegetarian and vegan options are available, ensuring that all guests can find something to suit their preferences. The welcoming atmosphere of Vagamundo Coffee & Waffles attracts digital nomads and travelers alike, providing a comfortable space to relax and enjoy a delightful meal. 10. Mojito Bar Located right on the beach, Mojito Bar offers a laid-back atmosphere where you can unwind and enjoy the ocean breeze. Indulge in their refreshing mojitos and savor their grilled meats, alongside a selection of vegetarian and gluten-free options. Mojito Bar is the perfect spot for a relaxing sunset drink or a casual dinner by the beach. Definitely worth a visit. Tips for Dining in Cabarete Here are some helpful tips to enhance your dining experience in Cabarete: Dress Code: While most restaurants in Cabarete have a casual dress code, it’s advisable to check if any establishments require more formal attire for dinner service. Reservations: Making a reservation, especially during peak seasons, is recommended to secure your spot and avoid any potential waiting times. Tipping: Tipping is customary in the Dominican Republic, and a standard tip of 10-15% for good service is appreciated by the staff. Cultural Customs: Keep in mind that dining customs may differ from those in your home country. In the Dominican Republic, it’s common to share dishes family-style, so embrace the communal dining experience if offered. Summary Cabarete boasts a vibrant culinary scene with a plethora of dining options to satisfy every palate. Whether you’re seeking a cozy cafe, a romantic beachfront restaurant, or a taste of international cuisine, the top 10 restaurants in Cabarete—Cabarete Coffee Company, Bliss Restaurant Lounge Bar Pool, Yalla, Gordito’s Fresh Mex, Ceiba Cafe and Pizzeria, Restaurant Le Bistro, Fresh Fresh Cafe Cabarete, Belgium Bakery, Vagamundo Coffee & Waffles, and Mojito Bar—offer an array of delectable choices. Soak in the relaxed atmosphere, savor the flavors, and enjoy the unique dining experiences Cabarete has to offer. Plan your visit, make reservations, and embark on a culinary journey in this charming Dominican paradise!
Discovering Cabarete
Discovering Cabarete: A Playground for Action Sports Enthusiasts, Nature Lovers, Art Connoisseurs and yoga practitioners Cabarete is a hidden gem located in the Dominican Republic. This small coastal town is perfect for adrenaline junkies, nature enthusiasts, art lovers, and anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of their daily routine. From world-class water sports to serene yoga retreats, Cabarete has something for everyone. In this blog post, we will explore the many activities and attractions that make Cabarete a must-visit destination. World-class Water Sports: Cabarete is a paradise for thrill-seekers who are seeking an adrenaline rush. The town offers a plethora of water sports that will get your heart pumping. Here are some of the most popular water sports that Cabarete has to offer: Surfing: With its consistent waves and perfect conditions, Cabarete is a top destination for surfers of all levels. Windsurfing: Cabarete’s consistent trade winds make it one of the best destinations for windsurfing in the world. Wakeboarding: If you’re looking for a high-flying adventure, Cabarete offers wakeboarding opportunities that will leave you breathless. Kitesurfing: Cabarete is known as the kitesurfing capital of the world, with perfect conditions for this thrilling sport. Wing Foiling: This is the latest craze in water sports, and Cabarete is the perfect destination to try it out. Annually, the Master of the Ocean competition brings together top-tier athletes from various disciplines, making Cabarete a hub for the water sports community. Exploring the Surroundings: For those who prefer to explore the surroundings, Cabarete offers a variety of options. Here are some of the activities that you can enjoy: Mountain Biking: Cabarete’s rugged terrain is perfect for mountain biking enthusiasts, with trails that will challenge even the most experienced riders. Motocross: If you’re an adrenaline junkie looking for a high-octane adventure, motocross in Cabarete is an experience you won’t forget. Dune Buggy Riding: Experience the thrill of off-road driving with a dune buggy ride through the beautiful landscape of Cabarete. Hiking: Cabarete’s surrounding hills offer a range of hiking trails that will take you through lush forests and scenic vistas. Horseback Riding: Enjoy a leisurely ride on horseback through Cabarete’s countryside and beaches. Moreover, white water rafting down the many rivers in the area is an experience that you won’t forget. Nature enthusiasts will love the famous waterfall tours, where they can explore 27 cascading waterfalls. El Choco national park and its mesmerising caves are also nearby. Artisanal and handicraft vendors: For art enthusiasts, a walk through the Haitian and Dominican art and handicraft marketplaces in town is a must. The vibrant culture and artistic heritage of the Dominican Republic are on full display, and you can witness the craftsmanship firsthand by taking a short trip over to Puerto Plata. Water Activities: Unpopulated beaches are only ten minutes away, and water activities in Cabarete include: Cave and Reef Diving: Explore the stunning underwater world of Cabarete’s reefs and caves. Kayaking on the Reef: Paddle through crystal-clear waters and explore the beauty of Cabarete’s coral reefs. Deep-sea or River Fishing: Enjoy a day of fishing in the deep sea or river and catch some local fish. Or simply go to a beach and bask in the sun. Yoga Retreats: For those looking for a different kind of adventure, a yoga retreat in Cabarete may be just what the doctor ordered. With its tranquil and picturesque surroundings, Cabarete is the perfect location to unwind and reconnect with oneself through yoga practice. Many yoga retreats in the area offer a variety of yoga classes and workshops, including: Vinyasa: A flowing and dynamic yoga style that synchronizes breath with movement to create a moving meditation. Hatha: A classic yoga style that focuses on the foundational postures and breathwork to balance the body and mind. Yin: A slow-paced yoga style that targets the connective tissues through deep stretching and holding poses for longer periods of time. Imagine practicing yoga in a serene setting surrounded by lush greenery, with the sound of the ocean in the background. Many yoga retreats in Cabarete offer beachfront locations, where you can take your yoga practice to the next level with the fresh sea breeze and the calming sound of waves. Cabarete truly has something for everyone, and the only challenge is getting enough sleep in between all the excitement!
Hurricane Season: What You Need To Know
Hurricane season is a phrase that can stir dread in visitors to the Caribbean. In Cabarete, we are shielded by our natural surroundings, meaning storms usually bounce away from our shores. The best way forward is to be informed. Here’s what you need to know about hurricanes to keep your cool this autumn. What is a Hurricane? A hurricane is a big tropical storm that forms over the Atlantic Ocean or the Northeastern Pacific Ocean. Storm systems are categorised by wind strength and where they occur in the world. Tropical cyclone is the most generic term for a storm system that forms over tropical waters. Tropical depressions are the mildest sort. Once a depression intensifies to sustained winds of over 39mph, it becomes a tropical storm. After a tropical storm reaches 74mph winds, it graduates to become either a hurricane, cyclone or typhoon, depending on where it forms. The only difference between hurricanes, cyclones and typhoons is where in the world they form. They describe the same weather phenomenon: a rotating structure of thunderstorms and strong winds. Storms with winds reaching over 74mph that form in the Atlantic or Northeastern Pacific Ocean are called hurricanes. The same weather disturbance over the Northwestern Pacific is called a typhoon. Strong storms that originate in the Southern Pacific or Indian Ocean are called cyclones. Storms: What are they good for? Storms get a bad rep for obvious reasons, but they actually play a really important role in balancing the natural world. We see this up close at eXtreme hotel, as we watch the beach bank erode over the Spring months. Tropical storms carry sand back to Kite Beach and help to maintain the island’s coastline. Tropical storms also carry rainfall to areas that need it, disperse seeds, mix up bacteria in the ocean, and help balance out the temperature over the Earth’s surface. They are part of our planet’s natural rhythm, albeit a scary part. Of course, tropical storms have devastated communities in the past, and as such they are feared and respected. In Cabarete, we are in a very fortunate position where we are shielded and protected from the force of most tropical storms and hurricanes. This is thanks to a combination of our island’s size and position in the Caribbean, our hurricane-repelling mountain ranges, and our shallow reef. All these factors make the North Coast unattractive to a passing storm, so the bad weather tends to steer clear of our shores. Hurricane Irma 2017 You may well have followed the progress of Hurricane Irma in early September 2017, and the damage she caused across the Caribbean and the US. With winds of 180mph and pressure of 921mb, she was the strongest Atlantic storm on record. The Dominican Republic was lucky to escape Irma with minimal damage and no loss of life. In Cabarete, we boarded up the beachfront resorts in preparation, but everything was back to normal after just a couple of days. Storms don’t usually come close to us, and we have the highest peak in the Caribbean Pico Duarte to deflect any that do. This is one of the reasons why they call the DR the Garden of Eden, and we are so grateful for our island’s natural defences. Naming Storms Tropical storms are named from a list of names selected for the season, and assigned in alphabetical order. That way, it’s easy to tell when a storm happened at a glance. For instance, Florence is the sixth major tropical storm of the season. The next one will be called Gordon, then Helene, then Isaac, and so on. Names can be recycled after a period of six years. If a country is badly affected by a storm, the name can be retired from the list to avoid confusion in the future. So, there will never be another hurricane Katrina or Ivan. Often, several storms can be building at the same time, so it’s super important for them to be clearly named and distinguished. It’s very serious, as a mix-up could easily spell disaster. Naming storms is helpful for all kinds of people: meteorologists and researchers, but also emergency response teams and ship captains, and of course ordinary people. It’s essential to know exactly which storm you are talking about. Stay Informed You can check out much more information about tropical cyclones on the US National Hurricane Center site. Here, you can keep track of any new disturbances and check for weather warnings. Using reports like the one above, you can stay informed. This is the best way to keep unnecessary panic at bay. Just to reiterate, Cabarete is a reasonably safe place to visit in the Caribbean during hurricane season. The storms usually steer clear of our shores, and we have mountains that help keep us safe from dangerous weather. The Atlantic storms bring awesome swells to our coastline, meaning there are some epic waves to be surfed in Playa Encuentro during the winter months!
6 Things Every Eco Hotel Should Have
At eXtreme Hotel, our focus is on providing the best accommodations for our guests whilst maintaining a healthy and sustainable lifestyle. We think every eco hotel should have these 6 key tools in order to be part of the sustainable tourism industry. 6 Things Every Eco Hotel Should Have: A sustainable food source. Every eco hotel should have a way to provide healthy, sustainable food options for their guests and staff. Whether that means growing food on-site (check out our aquaponics system!), running a restaurant that gets food from local sources or simply providing directions to the nearest farmers market, food is essential to a sustainable lifestyle. At eXtreme hotel, our very own farm in Los Brazos provides us with year round fresh produce for our staff. Guests also have the opportunity to go on a tour of Taino farm and learn about sustainability and permaculture practice. You can read more about the benefits of growing and buying local and organic food in my article on eXtreme Hotel’s farm’s website. Solar panels. Hotels are infamous for being some of the most energy consuming buildings. In John Laumer’s article on buildings and CO2 emissions, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) National Government Advocacy Team estimates that buildings account for an estimated 48% of all green house emissions. In non-solar powered hotels, things like lights being left on, excessive amounts of laundry and keeping water hot in every room takes a constant output of non-sustainable energy. Luckily, solar panels are an energy efficient alternative that also saves money for the hotel and its guests. At eXtreme, all of our energy comes from our solar panels. They give us light, heat our water, power fans to keep us cool and save us money so we can invest in other cool, sustainable projects like our aquaponics system! Green cleaning. Every eco hotel should have a solar dryer, also known as a clothing line. The sun’s energy can be harnessed without any fancy gadgets and it saves an incredible amount of energy. At the eXtreme hotel, we line dry all of our sheet and towels, saving our electricity and providing our guests with the freshest smelling linens ever. A recycling system. In with the old, out comes the new. Every eco hotel should implement recycling and reuse techniques. At eXtreme hotel we not only recycle glass and plastic bottles, we also compost our organic materials including paper products & food waste. In time, our compost breaks down and becomes fertile soil that we use to grow nutrient rich food in our on-site gardens. Hands on learning opportunities. Though you may be spending a comparable amount of money on a small eco hotel as you would for a room in a large commercial hotel, many times this means paying for opportunities like discount kite surfing and yoga retreats instead of a carbon dioxide producing air conditioning system. At eXtreme hotel, we offer kite lesson packages as well as connections to other eco-tourism activities. Access to green transportation. Though tourism is a vital source of income for many developing countries, it can also be a major detriment to the environment. Rather than renting a gas guzzling car for your stay, eco hotels should have recommendations for greener options of getting around such as bicycles, buses and in our case, a local moto taxi! Post and photos by Lynsey Wyatt.
How We Handle Mosquitos in Cabarete
Extreme Hotel Cabarete, on the north coast of the Dominican Republic, caters to an eco friendly environment. One of the realities of living next to El Choco National Park is that there are mosquitoes during the rainy season. Dealing with mosquitoes is a fact of life in the tropics. Chikungunya, malaria, and dengue are a few mosquito transmitted diseases that have been contracted in the Dominican Republic, but there are things that can be done to help manage the mosquitoes without having to poison ourselves with chemicals. All it takes is some creative thinking to ensure that we have a mosquito tolerable environment. One effective measure that works for us is spraying an organic insecticide around the property as needed. Here’s a glance at our handy man, Oscar, spraying for us (I know you’re singing “Ghostbusters!” right now): The harmless spray contains a mixture of organic neem oil, water, and a natural detergent. Neem oil is an incredible moisturizer and is widely used today in popular products such as shampoos, toothpaste, soaps, cosmetics, and creams. It also contains vitamin E, essential amino acids, fatty acids, and compounds that offer natural medicinal and insecticidal properties. In addition to our checmical free mosquito management technique , we offer our eXtreme guests a personal mosquito swat-racket. There is a technique to using a mosquito racket. Basically the procedure is to close all your doors and windows in your room, checking to ensure that all the seals are closed so no more can get in. Next, use your racket in a gentle swinging manner to clear the room and all the corners of the mosquitoes that have managed to get inside. These are no ordinary mosquito rackets – our staff ran a trial period of testing out various rackets to see which ones were most effective in zapping away the mosquitoes. We unanimously agreed upon a mosquito racket with wires that only run one way- no crossing! This technology allows air to swiftly fly through the racket instead of being propelled forward and ultimately pushing the mosquitoes out of the way. The end result is dead mosquitoes with minimal effort, and easy sleeping nights with no mosquitoes buzzing around your ears! Here are a few handy tips for getting the most out of your zap-racket: 1) Close the door behind you! Don’t give insects a chance to fly in as you enter the room. Also, check that your screens aren’t damaged with holes or crooked frames. 2) Make sure the green light turns on when you press down on the yellow activation button. If the green light does not respond, then you need to try rolling the batteries around a bit in order to guarantee that they are receiving proper circuit supply from both ends. If the light still does not respond, then we can switch out your faulty racket with a new one from reception. 3) Mosquitoes love damp, warm areas and are often found gathered in corners of rooms. Sweep your zap-racket slowly around the corners of the room and rest easy as you hear the sweet, succulent zapping sound. An additional measure we take towards our eco-friendly bug management includes bat housing we installed on the property. A single bat can consume up to 1000 mosquitoes in a night! Citronella plants and Neem trees have also been transplanted onto our property to act as natural insect repellents. You may recognize the scent of citronella (lemongrass) in the air. It is has an energizing citrus aroma used in perfumes, soaps, and incense. We are also continuously inspecting the property for standing water. By eliminating standing water we also eliminate the bug breeding ground that comes with it. Inside the eXtreme Hotel rooms you will find big fans located directly over top of the beds. These go a long way in reducing the random stray mosquito! Due to the lightweight nature of mosquitoes, the fan makes it difficult for them to maneuver through the air. Finally, it doesn’t hurt to bring an organic mosquito repellent. You can easily concoct your own by adding a few drops of citronella or neem oil to a moisturizer. Your skin will love it after playing in the sun all day!
Moto Taxis: a complete user guide!
Planning a trip to Cabarete? Not sure how to get around? Read on! We do things a little differently around here. If you want to truly embrace the Dominican culture, you will love getting to know the moto taxi mode of transportation. At the Extreme Hotel we attract guests that are looking for adventure and exploration, and as such, transportation becomes an integral part of their trip. The hotel staff value guest safety as a top priority and we will always be available to assist you in setting up the mode of transportation that best suits your needs. One option that many of our guests find exciting, cheap, and easy is the the moto taxi. Just a stone’s throw from the Extreme Hotel sits a moto taxi stop. Here you will find a few of our true and tested local moto taxi guys that wait around to accommodate our travel pursuits. Meet a few of our guys! From left to right we have: Luis, Luis, and Vale The rates are cheap, the ride is fun, and the best part is that you don’t have to wait around like you would for a bus. Fifty pesos will get you to downtown Cabarete; a hot spot for tourists and locals alike. You will find yourself downtown for dancing, drinks, shopping, socializing on the plushy lounge chairs that pepper the beach in front of the restaurants, dropping in on volleyball pick-up games, and live music events! Ready to ride the moto taxi wave? There are a few things you should know, since transportation can be very dangerous. However, there are basic principles you can implement to avoid unnecessary accidents. Moto Etiquette: 7 Key Points to Know Before You Go 1) Get on a trusted moto taxi! -Don’t let just anyone pick you up. Instead, look for an actual moto taxi stop. The taxi guys operate territorially here and will not allow any sketchy business. If you are desperate for a ride and can’t seem to find a moto taxi stop anywhere, you can ask to see a license before you hop on. 2) Always, always, ALWAYS get on and off from the left side! -Forgetting this tidbit may cost you a severe burn from the exhaust pipe. Ouch! (Not a memento you want to take from your trip) 3) One word- “Tranquilo!” -If you feel that your driver is going too fast, don’t be afraid to speak up. The word “tranquilo” will basically command your driver to slow down. 4) Don’t get on the moto until it’s facing the direction you will be going. -This will help you avoid unnecessary turning into traffic. 5) 50 pesos -Fifty pesos will get you into town and you can fit a third person on the back for 50 more pesos. Four people is pushing it!. 6) Use the same guy. -Your driver will want to wait for you if you will need a ride back. If you won’t be spending much time at your destination, ask the driver to wait and he will happily give you a ride back. If you will be awhile you can ask him to meet you at a certain hour to give you a ride back. 7) Lean with it! -It may feel natural for you to lean the opposite direction as the driver when you are taking a turn; however, the driver will maintain balance easier if you lean in the same direction as him. Study these seven points and you will learn to love the moto taxis as much as we do! Happy Travels :)