Hacienda Dominicus in the Dominican Republic
Columbus might be called the first “official” tourist in the Caribbean. I’ll just bet he was allowed to bring his toenail clippers and nobody fussed with him about the size of his carry-on bag.
It seems busy Columbus set foot on every island I’ve visited in the region, or so the current inhabitants say. It makes me wonder if his name isn’t thrown around loosely for the sake of notoriety. On the other hand, since there appears to be dispute about where Columbus dropped his anchor, why not claim him? A famous name never hurts tourism.
My four-day stay in the Dominican Republic was at the Hacienda Dominicus, an all-inclusive Iberostar property on the southeast coast of the island. The resort is relatively new, having opened in December 2001. It’s still as beautiful as the day Columbus popped in, but the amenities have vastly improved.
The closest airport is La Romana, but Punta Cuna is roughly 90 minutes away.
Iberostar Group has several upscale resorts in the Dominican Republic. As a company, they take great care to incorporate and respect the ecology of the area. They go so far as to salvage and save any trees that are in the way of construction and replant them once work is complete.
My guest room was designed with sensors on both the air conditioning and the lights to conserve energy, and I was told all the ground water at the resort is recycled. No need to feel guilty about damaging the habitat at this establishment!
To provide much needed employment and create atmosphere, local artisans are contracted to produce artwork and furnishings for the resorts. Score more civic-minded points for Hacienda Dominicus.
Talk about recycling – the designers at Hacienda Dominicus took creative license a step further. They found and utilized an entire discarded airplane in their interior design. Airplane parts of all shapes and sizes now lead useful lives, in an attractive new setting. Some parts hang overhead in the lobby as graceful chandeliers. Other sections make up the bases for small tables.
The cockpit and nose cone was put to clever use as the DJ booth in the disco at another Iberostar resort on the island. Never one for wasting things, I was captivated by the idea of using airplane parts as ornamentation.
Clearly, lack of space was not a problem when designing Hacienda Dominicus. Beginning with the palatial lobby, you’ll notice all the public areas are especially spacious. Two extra wide covered walkways curve out from either side of the lobby, leading toward the dining rooms, guest rooms and finally the ocean. Between the walkways, a pond with gardens is home to waterfowl and fish. A focal point on the far side of the water is a wedding gazebo. The gazebo sits over the water, connected by a small bridge, and regal swans glide around adding to the picture.
I was fortunate to witness a wedding on the afternoon of our arrival. A middle-aged couple from England was tying the knot, surrounded by about a dozen friends. The resort had decorated the walkway to the gazebo and music was provided. The bride, in her a white sun dress, looked much cooler than her intended, who wore a standard dark suit and tie for the occasion. Nonetheless the couple looked happy, while the swans, having witnessed many nuptials, were nonchalant.
Unique decor can be found throughout the Hacienda Dominicus. Two life-size horses seem to stand guard in the courtyard area near the lobby. Kids want to climb on them, while adults want to snap photos of them. The beach bar is situated in a mock light house, nearly as large as the real thing.
In addition to their main restaurant – a large buffet – we ate in the Japanese restaurant and the steakhouse. Both were quite good, but you must plan ahead and make reservations. A gourmet restaurant and Mexican cuisine are two other options.
If you tire of water sports, the roster of other activities is long, including painting ceramics, something I’d not seen at a beach resort before. A full spa is available, along with dance lessons, tennis, basketball, archery, a game room and library, to name a few.
Want to contact home without the high phone expense? Internet access is also available. I’m certain Columbus would have been a dutiful son and e-mailed his mom back in Genoa.
One afternoon we took an excursion to Altos De Chavon, an artist village with wonderful views of the Chavon River. A center for art and education, the village was actually created in 1976. It’s a whimsical replica of a hilltop village you might expect to see in Spain or Italy. The builders did an excellent job making the stonework and buildings look antiquated.
Many famous conquistadors have passed through the Dominican Republic on their voyages of conquest. Balboa, Pizarro, Ponce de Leon and Cortes are names well woven into the fabric of Dominican history. Why not add your name to this illustrious list?
