COFRESI
Area: Dominican Republic
Country: Dominican Republic


Location:
On Atlantic N coast, 6 miles W of Puerto Plata, 17 miles W of its international airport.

Telephone code from UK:
1 809

Position:
On a rugged but picturesque stretch of coast backed by green hills.

Description:
Pleasant, tiny, purpose-built holiday village with security entrance. Continuing development of smart, modern all-inclusive operations and villas lends it a Mediterranean feel akin to the Canaries. Taina Plaza is a short parade of souvenir shops, bank and services a few yards back from the beach. The village apparently took its name from a pirate who used to hang out here.

Suitability:
Those who prefer quiet locations to bustling resorts and are prepared to accept the limited amenities on offer.

Accommodation:
Steadily increasing numbers of middlemarket all-inclusive club operations and a choice of smart luxury villas with their own pools.

Shopping:
Simple gift shops and minimarkets at Taina Plaza. Several handicraft shacks along the beach. Puerto Plata is a better bet.

Beach:
Sweeping bay of brown sand, often scruffy. Lined with shady palms and gnarled old trees that offer some shade. Although not the best along this coast, it is satisfactory, and views of the bay, low cliffs and shore reef partially compensate. Motley collection of thatched huts sell local handicrafts. Water sport centre organises diving, windsurfing and boat rides.

Entertainments:
Daytime: beach and water sports or hotels' programmes. Nightlife: fairly low-key. Most properties have local bands, dancers and nightly Tannoyed music. Some with small unsophisticated discos.

Eating:
Hotels. Snacks on the beach. NB: don't drink the tap water (brush your teeth with bottled water). It's advisable to avoid salads or cold meats that are displayed without the benefit of chilling devices.

Public-transport:
Taxi, motoconcho (back seat of moped), or unreliable guagua (minibus).

Local-excursions:
See Puerto Plata.