CABARETE, DOMINICAN REPUBLI'S UNCONVENTIONAL ADVENTURE SPORTS CAPITAL, TO GET FIRST 5-STAR LUXURY RESORT

CABARETE, Dominican Republic--(EON: Enhanced Online News)--The north coast of the Dominican Republic has been luring adventurous spirits for centuries, ever since Columbus established the first European settlement in the New World here. He was drawn by the wealth of natural resources, perfect weather and plentiful harbors. The north coast is a place where coconut palm forests extend from high misty mountain ranges down through fertile valleys to crescent-shaped coves fronting teal blue seas. Buttressing these beaches, small coastal towns are well established with abundant history and a vibrant culture that's evolved over 500 years. This is the real Dominican, as real as it gets, and the birthplace of the modern Caribbean.

Within this tableau of rugged peaks and sublime shores, the buzzing beach community of Cabarete is regarded as the "adventure sports capital of the Caribbean," where active vacationers get their groove on. A decade ago, Cabarete was known outside the Dominican only to a globetrotting band of adventure seeking windsurfers. This was the best beach on the north coast, with a mile-long sandy bay protected by an extensive coral reef. They came lured by the Trade Winds, which create an amazing and unique convection of air currents perfect for robust watersports, not duplicated nearly as well elsewhere in the Western Hemisphere. Cabarete's status grew into legend among the world's windsurfing and kitesurfing elite. Large tiki huts with funky bars and fresh seafood restaurants set up shop all down the beach, and the young globorati streamed in from Denmark to Detroit. They danced around bonfires on the beach. They biked through mountain canyons and fresh water rivers. It was the Caribbean version of eco-travelers flocking to Machu Picchu and Kathmandu searching for a mix of active pursuits and cultural experiences.

Today, the energy and spirit of those early vagabonds have established a vibe wholly unique to the West Indies. Small mid-range resorts are run by locals and a colorful array of ex-patriated North Americans and Europeans. Classically-trained Parisian chefs windsurf by day and prepare foie gras by night, served by kitesurfing instructors from Montreal. The only thing that's been missing in Cabarete is a refined resort and spa for the upscale traveler seeking such a free-spirited and independent beach culture.

A luxury Caribbean resort like Palmera de Cabarete Resort & Spa…

THE NEXT WAVE

On an exquisite parcel of plum oceanfront land on 19 acres fronting 1,000 feet of sandy beach, part of one of the largest expanses of uninterrupted beach in the Caribbean, the $200 million Palmera de Cabarete Resort & Spa is scheduled to open in 2011. This Dominican Republic resort will feature 138 suites ranging from 2,000 to 4,500 sq ft, complemented by a 22,000 sq-ft branded spa. Smaller suites will be offered for rental in this Caribbean condo resort. Modern Spanish-Mediterranean lines and open loggias were designed by Miami's RAD Architecture, acclaimed for their deft interpretation of The Regent Palms in Providenciales, Turks & Caicos. Interiors are by Celia Domenech, one of House Beautiful's "Rising Stars." Landscaping is directed by SWA Group, known for its work on Mexico's Ventanas al Paraiso and the Beverly Hills Hotel. And rounding out the luxury resort will be three oceanfront infinity plunge pools, gourmet dining, boutique shops, a comprehensive children's center and conference facilities.

Each of the 2, 3 and four-bedroom suites feature 10-ft high ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows and travertine floors throughout, plus masterful appointments like Wolf and Subzero appliances in the full kitchens. And all are available for sale as vacation real estate at a time when Cabarete is poised to enter the mainstream traveler's radar. In fact, Nikki Beach is investing in Cabarete, following Palmera de Cabarete's lead.

Heading up the project is Darren Law, President and CEO, who brings 20 years of professional experience in hotel operations and property development and management to the project. Most recently he was the Managing Director of The Hartling Group, Turks and Caicos' premier property development and management company, responsible for overseeing new projects and the performance of existing operations for the company's three hotels – The Regent Palms, The Shore Club on Long Bay Beach and The Sands at Grace Bay Resort. His pedigree also includes other top luxury hotel brands from Four Seasons to Conrad Hotels.

Understanding the buzz and the potential of Cabarete and the rest of the north coast, the government has promised up to $1 billion in infrastructure improvements. Puerto Plata international airport is just 25 minutes west of Cabarete. Visitors can reach the Dominican Republic's north coast gateway in about 1 1/2 hours non-stop from Miami, and 3 1/2 hours direct from New York.