I don’t know if this
is going to be just a trip report or a novel! My husband and I had such a
wonderful time we thought it only fitting to let others know what a fun
and relaxing time they too can enjoy at Eden Bay, in the beautiful
Dominican Republic.
If you have ever flown
into another country it can be quite scary, not knowing what the
procedures are and where exactly to go, but Eden Bay’s top notch staff
walk you through it by first sending a letter of welcome. In this letter
they inform you of everything you need to know including a picture of the
man who will be shuttling back to the club. He will even offer you cold
drinks. So no need for concern that you might end up at the wrong resort,
a textile farm invaded by little critters called children, yuk!
When we arrived we
were greeted with a warm and beautiful smile from Eden Bay’s perfect
hostess Patricia. With in seconds we had a wonderful island drink placed
in our hands. While we were receiving the grand tour all our luggage was
placed in our beach front villa. When we mentioned we hadn’t eaten all
day, our fault entirely, Patricia made sure the kitchen sent some
sandwiches to our villa.
Once outside; standing
on the cliffs, viewing the gleaming blue ocean inhaling the pristine air,
you don’t have to wonder why a 5 star resort like Caliente bought the
property. The beauty is breath taking and the facilities are immaculate!
Many improvements are already underway even though Caliente bought the
resort only 3 months ago.
If you plan to keep to
yourself and remain a stranger while vacationing at Eden Bay, you might as
well just forget it. The friendliness of the staff for some reason exudes
over onto the guests and no one is a stranger. My husband and I tend to be
on the shy side when we go somewhere new but we were touched when a
pleasant looking man introduced himself and invited us to join him and his
adorably sweet wife, Roseanne for lunch. While dining we felt as if we had
known this couple all our lives. We were immediately set at ease and
friendships bloomed from there.
I’m the type of person
who needs a lot of interaction and I worried I would soon grow bored of
just relaxing. Again, Eden Bay shines through again with their activities
director, the personable and wonderfully delightful Peggy and her very
clever husband Mike. Between the two of them there were very few dull
moments. From the cute cadence every morning sing-songing from the pool in
accordance with the daily aerobics class, to a nightly show. Whether we
laughed at Peggy and Mike doing a stick Nudini act which was hilarious or
laughing at ourselves answering questions trying to win a free night upon
return in an updated or R-rated Nudely wed game, there was plenty to keep
me and others who prefer silly entertainment very happy. Each day you
could check on the schedule at the bar. The activities were delightful yet
islandy. One day you might be trying your skill at coconut bowling, rock
painting, snorkeling and scuba diving classes. Another, you could chose to
play Nude bingo or the new rage Texas Holdem. The staff at Eden Bay try
very hard to make your vacation one you will never forget.
If you’re on a diet,
forget it! I fell off the wagon more than once. Breakfast has your usual
fair of eggs, omelets breakfast meats, local yogurt, which I highly
recommend, pancakes, French toast etc, you get the picture. Their lunch
menu has no less than 21 choices plus a daily special, something
indigenous to the Dominican Republic. Dinner is not as extensive but
usually you have four entrées you can choose from and you can mix and
match. A homemade soup is offered nightly with a salad and a hearty stock
is the base of all of the soups. You will find no cans of Swanson’s broth
in that kitchen! The sides are unusual but very appealing. If this were
not enough you are offered two deserts, of which you could have both. Then
there’s always ice cream too!
The service is better
than I have ever experienced before. In a country where the daily wage is
about $6.00 a day you would think the help would be, well, a might pissy,
not so at Eden Bay, they want to do all and anything they can for you.
Just a side note, yes the trip is all inclusive but we enjoyed the service
and the people who served so well we left extra money for tips. You can
either give it directly to the person, or you can leave an envelope with
the office.
I have to say Tom
Landers and his lovely wife, Lynda are doing a hell of a job, in a country
which does not have much. The club is managed so well you will miss
nothing. They are eager to please and try to do everything in their power
to make you happy.
My trip report would
not be complete if I did not tell you about the hidden surprise at Eden
Bay. Before you retire for the night, please take the time to enjoy the
hot tub on the lower level. As you bask in the wonderfully soothing water
gaze upward and notice how clear the sky looks. You can actually see the
Milky way. One night we and a few fortunate others were lucky enough to
view no less than 12 falling stars in a 90 minute period. Twice on two
separate nights, we witnessed falling stars or meteors what looked to be
the size of plates with comet like tails trailing behind them. It was a
sight I won’t soon forget! I wonder what that cost Caliente! We also were
lucky enough to be present when Mars appeared closest to the earth and it
was spectacular! The only thing that rivaled Mars was the intelligent,
invigorating conversation with such fascinating people. I hope to see you
all again one day, Jim, Cindy, Lady Di, John, Mark and Pat.
Last but not least,
in the main building you will find a gift shop more than sufficiently
stocked with local items. If there is something you desire from the
economy you do not find, ask Alduino, Al for short and he will acquire it
for you. Even Cuban cigars for your smoking pleasure while you are in the
DR, they are illegal to take back to the states. He carries, the cutest
jewelry with stones only mined in the Dominican Republic, pereos and wraps
that are so cheap I bought 20, local coffee, which is robust but not
bitter. I could fill another three pages with all you can find inside this
store but I want there to be some element of surprise for you. If you
would like a guided tour of the local town Rio San Juan, just ask Alduino.
He will be happy to escort you via the, Gwar Gwar, the local
transportation. A story in itself. He will do all your interpreting and
haggling. He speaks many languages and you will not have a bit of trouble
understanding him, he is truly delightful. Be ready to speak all about the
United States, he is eager to learn everything about it and us Americans.
Please remember that even though he would never ask for money and refuses
to take it the first time around when offered, his time is worth something
and without him it would be much more difficult to leave the resort and
get around.
