Natura Cabana

We have stayed at Natura Cabanas twice. We found the hotel in an issue of Bon Appetite Magazine Caribbean issue raving about the chef. They we correct the food was delicious. The chef would stop by our cabana and let us know what his specials were for the day. He was really good. On our second trip in September 2008 he was no longer there. The new chef also from Chile was OK but did not have the same experience or creativity as the chef on our first visit. The DR is not known for its pastry chefs or desserts and this chef was an example of why. The breakfast, which is included in the price, is top notch with the queso frito the best I have had. Also the manager on the first trip was from Australia and was very helpful and just a delight. He also is no longer there. The new manager not so caring or interesting.

I do have some thoughts about the hotel. The beach is private but there are rip currents and it is rocky. So do not go to the beach alone or without another person who is a strong swimmer. If you do not mind sharing in other guests’ most intimate moments then it is fine. There is only screening on the windows so every noise is heard. There are also is no shampoo, conditioner, blow dryers in the rooms so bring your own.

We experienced a problem of being over charged with Natura Cabanas on our stay in September of 2008. We ordered lunch at the restaurant and had extra Dominican Pesos that we wanted to spend before we left the next day. I paid for lunch cash and the next day at check out the lunch appeared on the bill. After a half hour discussion it was taken off the bill.

On our last trip to Cabarete in January 2009 we choose to stay at Blue Moon Retreat. A good review in the NY Times travel section. Not on the beach but in the foothills of the mountains. What a beautiful stay and highly recommended over Natura Cabanas. Only USD$50 per night including breakfast. The food is a fusion of East Indian and Caribbean and dinner was brilliant. The beach at Carberette is 15 minutes away just as it is at Natura Cabanas. We chose to spend our time at the beach at Playa Alicia at the end of Calle Dr. Rosen. No rocks or dangerous currents but just as secluded and water of every shade of blue and green. We had a car but taxis are cheap about US$4 one-way from Blue Moon or Natura Cabanas. However my choice would be Blue Moon. I would not go to Natura Cabanas with children who are not strong swimmers. Personally I would not let my children in the water, the currents come very close to shore especially when the wind picks up in the afternoon.

This hotel served it purpose, but I would definitely not return. Even if you like secluded quite cabana communities, this is still not the hotel for you. Everything is horribly overpriced, and the management tries to scam you at every moment possible. The number of times prices changed is almost impossible to count. This is my largest problem with the hotel. Being ripped off just ruins a vacation.

The rooms offer no privacy. The hotel is relatively far away from the next towns over. Meals are limited and overpriced for small portions.

Again, even if you like a quiet, natural environment, this is not the place to stay. Avoid getting ripped off, and go somewhere that can be held accountable.

Also, if you are traveling in a group, beware. This hotel is not group friendly. They double or triple bill guests by charging each group for the same item purchased. After we confronted them, they threatened to never take groups again. So I suppose that is their new policy unless they were lying to us. We are in the process of getting our money back via third parties such as PayPal.