And where is this island paradise? Get out your map and find Florida. Walk your finger down to the bottom tip of Florida, swim it across to Cuba, and then turn right. You'll find a large island that is shared by two separate countries: Haiti, next door to Cuba; and the Dominican Republic, which takes up the biggest part of the island.

The Capital of the Dominican Republic, Santo Domingo, is the oldest European-built city in the western hemisphere. It's chock full of history and color. The tomb of Christopher Colombus is here, and is worth a visit.

Mostly, though, people come here for the resort areas to be found on other parts of the island. Perhaps you've heard of some of them: Puerto Plata, Sosua, Punta Cana, Cofresi, Bavaro -- and Playa Grande.

Allegro Resorts has several all-inclusive resorts on this island. Their main headquarters are here, too. And who is Allegro Resorts? Only the biggest all-inclusive company in the world, that's who. Maybe you've heard of some of their brands: Allegro Resorts (formerly Diamond Resorts); Caribbean Village; Jack Tar; the new, luxury Royal Hideaway. Allegro has resorts all over the place, including Mexico, Costa Rica, Aruba, Tunisia...

But the one we're taking you to this week is right at home in the Dominican Republic. The Caribbean Village Playa Grande.

Playa Grande offers 740 acres of coconut palms and lush vegetation, bordered by nearly a mile (1600 meters) of white powder-fine beach. It holds a spectacular oceanfront 18 hole golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr., in a manner that takes full advantage of its coastline: 12 of its 18 holes border the ocean! A golfer's dream, this resort's unique cliff-top setting offers spectacular views of Playa Grande Bay. If you are looking for a completely secluded resort, no towers, shopping malls or traffic jams, this is the place for you.

Located approximately ninety minutes east of the Puerto Plata International Airport on the north coast of the Dominican Republic, Caribbean Village Playa Grande offers a full range of activities and services to satisfy even the most demanding vacationer. So, though the resort is isolated, you will not lack for things to do. 

This cattle-raising territory is also famous for Gri-Gri Lagoon, the Cave of the Swallows, and Rio San Juan beaches. Aside from its beaches, the region offers other attractions, such as the Virgin of the Cave, the ancient and prehistoric cliffs, and lovely country scenes. 

Caribbean Village Playa Grande features well-appointed guest rooms in charming three-story villas grouped around a central "courtyard" area where you will find a large free-form swimming pool with children's basin. There are three clay tennis courts, a small open-air gym and three restaurants. Tropical sun, lush greenery and a magnificent beach all complete the picture-perfect location. 

And when Allegro Resorts says all-inclusive, they MEAN all-inclusive. All you can eat; all you can drink (includes cocktails and soft drinks); all non-motorized watersports (kayaking, sailing, snorkeling, etc.-- if you want to rent a jetski, that's extra); darts, billiards, table tennis, volleyball, board games, cards, etc.; and more. All tips and taxes are included, too. And for this particular resort you can arrange a pretty special golf package!

If you love golf and want to get away from it all, you really might want to check this place out. 

*Due to its unique setting this resort is not recommended for the physically challenged.

ACCOMMODATIONS: Studio (Maximum Occupancy 4 / Privacy Occupancy 2); 1 Bedroom (4 / 4); 2 Bedroom (8 / 6)

UNIT AMENITIES: Air Conditioning (All Units); Kitchen (All Units, Partial/Minikitchen); Microwave (All Units); Telephone (All Units)

ON-SITE AMENITIES: Auto Rental; Beach; Child Care; Conference Facilities; Exercise Equipment; Games Room; Grocery Store; Health Club; Horseback Riding; Laundry; Live Entertainment; Medical Facilities; Playground Area; Restaurants; Shopping; Area Snack Bar; Swimming Pool; Tennis Water; Water Skiing; Wind Surfing and more. 

DINING:

Main buffet restaurant 
Italian & Brazilian a la carte restaurants open for dinner 
Beach snack bar 
Pool snack bar 
Coffee & tea bar 
3 bars including pool, piano and disco 

ALL INCLUSIVE FEATURES: Accommodations as selected Manager’s weekly cocktail party; All meals and snacks; Wine served with dinner; Unlimited alcoholic beverages; Unlimited juices and soft drinks; 1 large swimming pool with children's basin; Three lighted, clay tennis courts; All non-motorized water sports; Daily activities program; Clinics for all featured sports; Scuba lessons in the pool; Kid's Club supervised activities program; Towel service for beach and pool; Taxes and gratuities; Sports & Activities; Daily Activities Program hosted by recreation staff in a variety of languages.

Return to Lot 11 at Cocomar Las Canas near Nagua