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Cofresi, D.R.
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GETTING THERE: The closest international airport to Cofresi is in Puerto Plata; round-trip fares from the D.C. area start at about $575, with restrictions, on Continental from BWI. Fares to Santo Domingo from D.C. start at about $325 round trip on Delta from Reagan National.
From Santo Domingo, a three-hour cab ride to Cofresi costs about $100, or take a cab from the airport to the Caribe Tours bus station downtown and buy a $7 ticket to Puerto Plata, and then take another quick cab ride to Cofresi from there. Buses leave every hour on the hour from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., but be prepared to whip out your Spanish dictionary -- the ticket agents don't speak English.
GETTING AROUND: Cofresi is small enough to walk through, but if you want to explore Puerto Plata or neighboring cities, you'll need a cab. Negotiate rates upfront, and if you know your schedule, negotiate a round-trip rate and the driver will come back for you. Round-trip fare to Puerto Plata should be $20, but it's best to pay in Dominican pesos to avoid losing money in the exchange rate. The easiest way to find a cab is to walk to Sun Village, at the town's entrance.
WHERE TO STAY: The most comprehensive list of villas in Cofresi is at VRBO (Vacation Rentals by Owner); check http:/
For those who prefer to have everything taken care of, the all-inclusive Sun Village Resort and Spa offers multiple bars, buffets and swimming pools and live entertainment starting at $115 per person per night for a standard room, depending on the season. Info: 888-446-4695, http:/
WHERE TO EAT: If your villa includes a cook, you should be able to pick out your menu, pay for the groceries and enjoy delicious, home-cooked Dominican specialties (or American specialties, if you're not feeling adventurous). The Dominican diet consists mostly of seafood, chicken, rice, beans, plantains, fresh fruit and pasta.
Chris and Mady's is a popular thatched-roof meat-and-seafood restaurant that doubles as a sports bar, across the street from the beach. Chris is a Canadian who married Dominican Mady, and the menu is a hybrid of both cuisines. Steak and seafood dishes are in the $10 to $15 range.
Le Papillon, about a half mile down the road from Cofresi, is an intimate restaurant set on a covered pavilion and surrounded by forest. The menu features filet mignon, chateaubriand, pork, shrimp, lobster and nightly specials, all ranging from $10 to $25. If you hit the right night, you'll enjoy live guitar music.
WHAT TO DO: A Jeep safari tour is the unanimous favorite among visitors. It runs $40 a person, including lunch. The tour can be booked through your villa's manager, through Sun Village, or through Outback Safari (809-244-4886, http:/
The Brugal Rum Factory offers free tours of its bottling facility in Puerto Plata Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon and 2 to 5 p.m. The tour ends with a free sample. Info: 809-261-1888.
The beach town of Sosu a is a half-hour, $25 cab ride from Cofresi. It's a worthwhile day trip if only for its flawless beach and colorful restaurants. The town is larger than Cofresi (and more crowded) but offers a wider array of dining, nightlife and shopping options.
INFO: Dominican Republic Tourism Board, 888-374-6361, http:/
-- Taryn Luntz
