Velero Beach Resort

Unlike many hotels in Cabarete, Velero Beach Resort isn’t just a kite surfer crash pad. Here, families, young couples, and even retirees come to enjoy Cabarete from a safeguarded distance. The hotel is close enough to downtown, and world-famous Cabarete beach, to attract young travelers looking to kite surf and bar hop, but secluded and quiet enough to entice families to bring young children along. The hotel’s casual, laid-back atmosphere is best epitomized by Scooby, the hotel dog who can be found lounging in the shade of the lobby or playing in the grass near the beach. Guests come from near and far -- and on any given day, it wouldn’t be a stretch to find a smattering of Canadians, Italians, Dominicans, and Norwegians somewhere across the property. The breezy lobby is simple and decorated with natural elements like floor-to-ceiling wooden columns and stacked stonework. A long wicker couch and chairs are set near a bookshelf that overflows with books in several languages to borrow. Colorful abstract art adds some interest to the wood-paneled walls. Laminate flooring looks out of place. 

Velero Beach Resort is located in Cabarete, a tiny beach town made famous by its world-class wind surfing conditions and happening bar scene. Unlike many hotels in the area, Velero is not located directly on Cabarete beach. Those traveling solely for kite or wind surfing purposes may find Velero’s location inconvenient. Velero is within walking distance of downtown shopping, restaurants, and nightlife, as well as a large grocery store. Though the area is generally safe, the hotel employs a 24-hour security team who can be seen making their rounds throughout the day. The hotel is about a 30-minute drive from Gregorio Luperon International Airport, and about a 45-minute drive from Puerto Plata. 

Rooms at Velero Beach Resort range from standard Double Rooms to multi-bedroom apartments with full kitchens, living, and dining rooms. All rooms have large balconies or patios with ocean views, but guests with mobility issues, or those traveling with young children, may want to request a room on the ground floor, as there are no elevators and the second and third floors are reached only via steep, winding staircases. Room decor is a bit plain, with white walls, beige tile floors, and cream colored bedding. Pottery and vases add a touch of island flavor to bookshelves. There’s light wood furniture throughout, and rooms without full kitchens have mini-fridges and one flat-screen TV. Bathrooms are spacious as well, with large walk-in showers and blue-and-white tiled vanities. There aren’t any toiletries, save for some wall dispenser shampoo, and most bathrooms do not have bathtubs. 

The stunning mosaic-tile infinity pool is perhaps the nicest feature at Velero. Overlooking the ocean below, the pool offers fantastic views, and is where most guests choose to spend their days. The pool is small, and the lounge chairs surrounding it could definitely stand to be replaced, but there are a few pillow-topped daybeds with billowy white curtains, should you care for poolside seating that’s a little more luxe. The hotel’s tiny beach is disappointing. Besides its minuscule size, the beach is subject to rough waters and lots of wind. Just a few steps from the pool and the beach is Victor’s, Velero’s on-site restaurant that serves a la carte breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Some room rates include breakfast, while others do not, so be sure to confirm with the hotel upon arrival. Victor’s is housed in an open-air palapa that juts out above the ocean. Besides its picturesque locale (perfect for sunset dinners), Victor’s serves an array of international dishes with a focus on fresh, local seafood. Prices are more expensive than many local restaurants, but still fairly reasonable by American standards. Parking and Wi-Fi are free for hotel guests.