What fun! In January, thirty Castaways travelers from clubs and nudist resorts all over the USA joined James & Champagne for a resort inspection trip to Caliente Caribe in the Dominican Republic. This terrific adventure was designed to see what improvements have been made since new management and financial backers launched an upgrade program about 18 months ago. Without a doubt, they have succeeded.

The resort labels itself as "3 star deluxe." Caliente Caribe has the service, look and feel of a more upscale property although you won't find fancy dining and specialty restaurants there. Considering the price they charge, it's a bargain. Spacious, air conditioned hotel rooms and villas total 126 on 120+ acres right on the beach and its adults only, all inclusive, for couples and singles. And, all rooms and villas are really huge. Most guests elect to be nude during the day but choose to wear clothing for dining, for theme nights and for evening entertainment.

Although there's plenty to do, the resort is so big, it feels more laid back instead of expecting guests to meet an hourly schedule to have fun. Water volleyball, games, language lessons, sunning, "adult beverages" and visiting seem to fill the day for most guests. Two swimming pools, two hot tubs and a water volleyball pool offer guests lots of choices. It's really a perfect place to do as much as you want or get away from it all. With so much acreage, you can choose a secluded palm tree to lay back and enjoy the scenery or take a nap.

Themes every evening, surprisingly high quality entertainment and a night club/disco fill the "after dark" hours for guests who are night owls. A neat treat: Free WiFi in the rooms and main hotel building...but try to leave your lap top at home. And there's plenty to do off site including scuba, golf, casinos, adventure tours, whale watching, white water rafting, mountain biking, sail boarding and kite sailing, tennis and bar hopping at beach towns close by such as Rio San Juan, Cabrera, Sosua and Cabarete, arguably the sail board capital of the Caribbean.

Dining, bar drinks, day time meals and mid night snacks satisfied most palettes. The main restaurant serves breakfast and dinner while the beach bar and grill offers mid day lunch, snacks and great drinks.

The resort includes a luscious 3-bedroom Grande Villa atop a bluff that overlooks the rest of the resort. The private Grande Villa is absolutely perfect as headquarters for a group trip. With huge bedrooms and full amenities, hot tub, kitchen and a bathroom big enough for a sports team's locker room, three couples can rent the facility for less than the cost of three separate villas. The resort is on the mild side instead of wild. It should satisfy most guests and is especially suited for a group trip. A resort "takeover" can be created with only 60 rooms minimum.

The service was impeccable. The employees, management and staff will rival any other resort you're used to visiting. Everyone loved it and many plan to go back individually or with a group of friends. It's a secret you have to know about. And airline service has recently increased: Choose between Puerto Plata or El Catey Samana airports. Samana is a brand new airport, only about 45 minutes away. Jet Blue, American, Delta and charters have frequent or daily service to one or both airports.

If you love to drink, dance on the table and be wild and crazy, this may not be your place. If you enjoy a relaxed pace, intelligent and fun conversation with other guests who are as friendly as you, try it. Frequent specials such as 7th night free, early booking discounts and relatively low cost per diem rates for all inclusive features produce a very affordable adult, clothing optional holiday. In our opinion, Caliente Caribe is now the biggest and best bang for your buck in the Caribbean.

“Can't Wait to Return!” My wife and I visited Jan 11 - 15 and had a wonderful time. The resort is beautifully maintained. The lobby is nicely appointed with chairs and couches surrounding an area with plants. The main dining area is off the lobby, overlooking the upper pool and pool bar. Also in the main area are a night club, store, media room (with public access computer), and fitness room. Wi-fi is also available throughout the grounds.

We stayed in a Seacliff room. Though our room was the smallest of the available room types, it was almost 700 square feet and accommodated us nicely. The room had a sitting area with table and chairs, a king size bed, TV with cable, mini fridge, a/c, and safe. All rooms have an ocean view. We also toured the other rooms on the property. All are beautiful, you just can't go wrong. We did not spend time in our room except to sleep.

The facilities are exceptional. The physical layout of the grounds lends to a feeling of being in two separate resorts. The stairs -- 56 we are told -- from the upper to the lower area are good exercise. The staff can help out with golf cart transportation for those guests who need it. The lower level has a volleyball court, volleyball pool, another pool, hot tub, massage hut, beach bar, beach, shuffleboard and more.

There was a nice variety of food. It was available almost 24 hours a day. All meals were presented via menu choices (no buffet except Friday night dinner), with meat, vegetarian, and fish dishes. We were pleased with the variety and with the presentation. Drinks were top shelf.

Last, but certainly not least, the staff was the best we have ever encountered in our travels. They were attentive to our needs, eager to please, and just generally happy people. From providing entertainment to serving meals, no need went unmet.

We cannot wait to return to Caliente Caribe. It was truly a delight. M from Boston

Patti and I spent four days in January at Caliente Caribe. We drove to Charlotte to board a Jet Blue flight to Kennedy airport to connect to our Jet Blue flight to Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic. Jet Blue was the least expensive by a long shot. The equipment Jet Blue uses is wonderful from a traveler’s point of view. The knee room is fantastic. Each traveler has his own television screen and channel selector. The whole experience with JetBlue was satisfying.

When we arrived in Puerto Plata, we cleared immigration, claimed our luggage and passed through customs. As we exited the custom’s area, a driver was holding a placard with our name on it, as promised. The resort was thoughtful enough to send a cooler with beer, soda and bottled water to tide us over on the van ride.

Upon our arrival, we were soon registered and escorted to our room. Our bags had preceded us. Our escort opened the room, explained the amenities and welcomed us to the DR and the resort. The room was enormous even though it was the smallest class of accommodation in the resort. We were staying in one of the two condo buildings near the main restaurant. The view from our balcony was of the cliffs, beach villas, beach area and ocean. Reading on the balcony with the million dollar view was restful. The bathroom was large and bright. There were two mirror areas for a couple to get ready at the same time. Two could shower at the same time in the spacious shower area. Once we were ready for dinner, we began the short walk to the main dinning area.

100 could dine at once in the main dinning area. On the first morning, I ordered two items at once. The breakfast wrap was much larger than the waiter said. I finished the oatmeal as well because I didn’t want to waste, but I had a gracious plenty! Thereafter, I only ordered one item at breakfast because they also bring a basket of breads and rolls to each table with your drinks. We tried four of the several breakfast items and all were very tasty. Breakfast menu was the same each day but included most anything one could want.

Dinner was a relaxing and entertaining experience. Menus are used for the guest to select what they would like to eat. The menu changed each day. Didn’t get enough with the first plate or wanted to try something else—order again! House wines were available with dinner or you could select from an extra cost wine list. We only tried the house wines, but the red was tasty and paired with the food well. Each day’s dinner menu offered a variety of items to satisfy the tastes of a world-wide guest population. Desserts were presented from an attractive tray to each table. The pace of service was relaxed to maximize guest enjoyment. Each night, entertainment at the main pool stage finished off the official program at the resort. The entertainers were professional and interesting. All the guests attended the performances.

Pools and hot tubs abound. There are three pools for guest use. On the ocean-side level there is a volley ball pool and a swimming pool. The main pool near the clubhouse also has a swim up bar. Two hot tubs are available for guest enjoyment—one near the main pool and another on the lower ocean-side level.

The ocean-side (where the villas are) pavilion, grill and bar provided lunch each day. Lunch menu was extensive—from salads, burgers, sandwiches, soups and local Dominican dishes. Chef also had daily specials. I tried several of the local dishes and loved them.

Bar service was fast and accurate. Several premium liquors were stocked at the bars on both levels. Bars were located at the main pool, ocean level pavilion and in the disco. Ocean-side bar had a special drink each day. The beer was cold and served in chilled mugs.

The villas on the ocean-side level are private, airy and bright. Each had a kitchen area, living room, bedroom and bathroom. Most of the villas were of the one bedroom variety, but there were some with two bedrooms. In two of the two bedroom units, the shower area was located outside in a covered breezeway.

The resort has some amenities that we did not use—the gym, separately operated spa, ocean-side massage tables, media room, two tennis courts, aquatic center and two helipads (our helicopter was in for an annual inspection!!).

My opinion is that Caliente Caribe is worth the trip to get there. Caliente has assembled a staff that cares about your experience at the resort. The whole resort has a professional appearance—from the grounds keepers, to the clean tablecloths, to the dinner theme decorations, to the plating of the dinner entrees and selection of the evening entertainment. I was really impressed. Cliff & Patti

We stayed in the Seacliff rooms, but did see inside the villas, very nice, the Seacliff rooms are very nice as well. Basically most people are down at the beach all day, and up on top at night. All the activities, meals, and people are down at the beach during the day right in front of the villas. We went down in the morning and only went up just before evening dinner at 6:30.

There were quite a few people dressing for the theme evenings, and it was a lot of fun, really made the crowd come together as one large group. Next time we will be better prepared. Pirate night at the beach was great. Make sure you try the goat, it was very tender.

The evening meals were fantastic. We did not see the same menu in two weeks. Had lobster one night (huge), then a great steak with blue cheese. Watch out for the deserts unless you want to be in the exercise room, which by the way is open 24 hours.

The evening entertainment is good and our crowd really had a good time. The last evening after the magic show we hit the disco, very lively. Then each evening it’s into the hot tubs, with drinks being served as well as pizza, hot dogs, etc.

We met people from all over, Russians, Swiss, Finns, Dutch, British, French, Germans as well as Americans, Canadians, and hey even some Ottawa Valley people. Everyone was really friendly and within hours of arriving you are hanging out and having a great time. P&D

We had a wonderful time and we're spreading the word to our friends! After so many trips to Jamaica, will now feel we have another excellent choice to compete with our vacation budget of time and money. It's tough to break old habits, but now that we've experienced Caliente Caribe, we know it is a sure thing. R&S

Thank you so much for your very warm & gracious hospitality during our stay at Caliente Caribe. We appreciate you making us feel so welcomed. The oil painting was such an added touch of your thoughtfulness & generosity. We will think of you, your staff and the resort every time we look at it.

Your resort is absolutely beautiful from it's well manicured tropical grounds to it's breath taking mountain and ocean views. But what stood out the most about your immaculate resort was the courtesy and friendliness of your wonderful staff. Everyone of them acted like they truly enjoyed taking care of us. They made us feel so special from the arrival at the airport until time of our departure. Never have we found a more friendlier or professional staff anywhere and ALL should be highly commended on a job well done!

With this being our first visit to the Dominican Republic, we had no idea the country was so rich with history, culture and beauty. We will definitely be back soon. THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! Hugs & kisses, Carolyn & Freddie

Thank you so much for making our stay at Caliente Caribe so relaxing and comfortable. We loved the beautiful grounds, facilities, food, and staff. There is nothing more we could have wanted for. We look forward to our next visit to CC! Take care and thank you for your hospitality, T and M.

Our vacation to this lovely resort was December. Excellent resort and will definitely return for another vacation particularly during the Christmas season. All vacationers during our stay said the same thing about the facility.

Arrival: Received customary drink upon arrival, however, we also got a tour of the facility, which was a nice touch. Process of going through immigration upon arrival in the DR was painless. Porters were readily available to assist finding your taxi to the resort.

Accommodations: Two buildings of rooms on the top level; one building completely refurbished, second building still being worked on. Rooms that have been completed are appointed very nicely. Room and bath size was large. Shower floor was very slippery when wet. Poor lighting; would suggest people take a couple 100 watt bulbs with them at least for the lamps beside their beds. Ceiling fan and light provided. Air conditioning system was quiet and adequate to cool room. Balcony could use chase lounges instead of the two chairs and small table. Need an outside light above each door; very hard to find the key slot to the open door the way it is now, particularly after a couple drinks.

Food: Great quality, but somewhat limited on variety. Breakfast and dinner are provided in the dinning room on top level with lunch at the beach bar on the lower level. Clothing optional is accepted throughout the resort including at meals, however, few people came to the meals nude.

Liquor: Drinks was fine; with brand name liquors if requested.
Security: Visible during the evening and night hours; during our stay no problem was experienced by any of the vacationers.

Grounds: Scenery was beautiful with plenty of shaded areas and lounge chairs. Small beach and one should be a good swimmer to go far from shore. The locals say the undertow is very strong. Management said they hope to increase the size of the beach in the near future.

Entertainment: Provided every night and is completed by 11:00 pm. The two top buildings of rooms have no problem with noise after this time.) Nice computer/reading/TV room.

Spa: Complete facility w/great prices compared to other resorts.
Gift Shop: Small, but prices are very good.
Service: Great, staff was excellent.

Communications: Verizon cell phone worked perfectly from our room but wireless internet was slow since it was via a dial up modem.

Trip from airport was 90 minutes, but not a bad ride; gave us an opportunity to see the countryside.

The most amazing resort! First ever that I want to return to annually (I always want to go somewhere new and not lose time repeating places until now). I love the staff, not just friendly, but also genuine. Beautiful location, exceptional maintenance, classy, interesting and had a laid back atmosphere. So comfortable, but attracts interesting guests, combines with fun and laid back styles to create the most inviting, wonderful atmosphere.

While we love new adventures and new places we’ve been looking for a spot we could come back to every year where we could count on quality location, service and facilities. In this atmosphere we could sit back with other couples and talk, laugh, dine and have fun. I believe we have found a place to come to every year and hope we will continue to find that here in years to come.

Staff- apart from genuine, they also adapted breakfasts and dinner’s/ lunches at our request to meet our needs (less fat, more vegetables, etc.). So clean- our room and the grounds.

Atmosphere- under stated elegance, comfortable but with lots of fun mixed in, professional, grown up, drew in interesting guests.

This has been my best Resort experience and we thank you. We wish you success, and we will pass the word on. We will recommend your resort to guests you will also appreciate! M & S