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CABARETE |
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In the morning, Cabarete Bay's light winds let novices learn and the more advanced sailors perfect their techniques. By noon, a warm 15 to 20 knot offshore breeze generally kicks in. Beginners still have much of the bay to themselves, since experts usually head beyond a protective reef in the "wave zone" to catch some air. Thanks to year-round prime conditions and top-notch windsurfing schools, Cabarete has drawn European wind surfers for nearly two decades. As a result, Cabarete exudes youth and a unique Euro-chic-without the attitude. Although Americans have been slow to discover the Dominican Republic, Europeans have flocked to this Caribbean nation for 30 years, drawn to its pristine beaches, passionately friendly people, 1970's prices and a booming business in "soft" adventure travel. Ground
zero is the no-longer-sleepy village of Cabarete, but rather a hedonist's dream
for world-class windsurfing, all-night partying and international cuisine. Although condos, guest cottages and small hotels dot Cabarete's outskirts, the village itself is simple and compact a row of shops and restaurants sandwiched between Cabarete Bay to the north and main street to the south. By
day, as guests head to the sea or mountains, restaurants and shops open their
doors toward main street to draw in local workers and day-tourists. At bistros like Ristorante Vento, New Wave and Onnos, guests enjoy eclectic Continental cuisine with a Dominican flair. If you've never tried ravioli stuffed with breadfruit and tossed with mango salsa, trust me: It's sublime. By dark, the beach turns into a mile and half nightlong dancefest as cultural differences are explored and shred to the beat of Caribbean Latin sizzle. During
one sunrise walk, I found some partiers where I'd left them the previous night,
albeit considerably more subdued - and less clothed.
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| *NOTE, This is an Unofficial RIU website. For the official RIU website, click here. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
