| Date | Rating | Comment
[Guest Comments: 31 positive, 3 negative]
|
| 08/21/09 |
Positive
|
Staying at Villa Rosada the first two weeks of August 2009 was fantastic. Oh my goodness, we certainly were able to totally relax. Carmen and Jose were wonderful with us. I am ready to go back.
Although the pictures on the website are wonderfully inviting, the place has more than shown.
The selection of movies in the media room was just what we enjoy, well, not the scary ones. The pool was inviting and refreshing. The Jacuzzi was amazing therapy for the muscles. Having air conditioning was indeed delightful.
Jocko, you have quite a set up there.
If you are planning to cook in Villa Rosada, have Jose stop at the Supermercado Playero in Sosua before making it to the villa. Janet's supermarket in Cabarete is well stocked, but is not the quality of the place in Sosua. Plan on easy meals and know that there is no food in Villa Rosada, so even salt, pepper, sugar, etc. need to be purchased. Food storage containers also need to be purchased. I left a couple small ones behind, but not big.
If your computer doesn't work with Jocko's system, the internet places in Cabarete are a dollar for 30 minutes and 2 for 60. The one near Fujifilm is air conditioned and even has Skype with cameras.
Make sure you have lunch at least once in Maimon at the Parada La Playa Restaurant. Fresh, fresh fish and seafood at half the price of the beach restaurants in Cabarete. Jose can take you gladly because he loves eating there. Pick up tree ripened mangos at the roadside stands on the way home, another thing Jose loves to do.
|
| |
Hugo & Karen Poza, Manchester, NH
603-232-4727 |
|
Homeowner Response:
Hi Hugo and Karen! Thank you soooo much for taking the time to write your lovely and informative comments. As my earlier email to you stated, both Jose and Carmen commented on how nice a couple you were. I am still giggling at the whole Who-Go thing!
Take care and I hope we see you back.
God Bless,
Jocko
|
|
| 06/22/09 |
Positive
|
Dear Jocko & Shelly,
I just want to thank you so much for making our trip one to remember. Everything was as you described if not better! We had everything we needed and more. Your villa is just amazing. Your people (Jose & Carmen) are just wonderful people. They are thoughtful, hard working and honest. They helped made our trip. For future guests I suggest you hire Jose for the week he knows the area well, can assist you with the language/culture and is a very good driver. Carmen is an amazing cook and can save a lot of $ on eating out. All you have to do is ask her and she'll take care of you. We also took care of her...she is well worth it! She had the villa spotless every morning and is a delight to have around. The town, people and local fare is just great. Im coming back soon....I didnt want to leave and wish I was back there right now. Thanks again and my very best regards,
Paul |
| |
Paul, Babylon Ny
516-428-3199 |
|
Homeowner Response:
Hi Paul,
YOur comments are so very much appreciated. In fact, I called Carmen and Jose and read it to them. I could tell over the phone they were grinning from ear to ear. It is nice to give them the credit they so well deserve. And I agree with you, Jose is the man to hire to drive you around! I look forward to hearing from you again and having you in our lovely beachfront home!
Take care and God Bless,
Jocko
|
|
| 05/07/09 |
Positive
|
| Jacko, Your villa was beautiful. We had such an amazing time, it was the perfect 30th Birthday. Carmen and Jose were great! We look forward to making this and annual trip and hope to come back soon! Thank you for everything! |
| |
Raven, New York, NY |
|
Homeowner Response:
Hi Raven! :-)
Sooooooooo glad your birthday worked out perfect! It was a challenge trying to figure how it would all work but I am very happy and proud that Carmen and Jose came through for you... HAPPY 30TH!!
Jocko
|
|
| 01/05/09 |
Positive
|
Hi Jocko! We will never forget our dream-like stay at your beautiful villa. It was a perfect place for a honeymoon - VERY ROMANTIC! We both really appreciated the privacy and peacefulness of the house.
The villa is very comfortable and Carmen is wonderful. I felt so spoiled coming home every day to a clean house and laundry :)
We were out exploring and playing almost everyday; there truly is so much to do. And without a doubt, the thing we valued MOST was the roof-top hottub. We began every day with coffe up on the roof watching the sun come up. And at the end of the day, we would be back up there with a beer, watching the sun set or moon come up (we had a full moon!). We even sat out a couple rain storms up there! Truly, the crowning jewel of Villa Rosada. That, and Carmen and Jose!
I know you were there just one day after we left, Jocko. I hope your week there was a wonderful as ours. Thanks again for opening up your space to us! |
| |
Maria & RIchard O'Brien, Durango, Colorado
|
|
Homeowner Response:
Hi Newleyweds!
Jose and Carmen wish you the best in the new year.
Yes we arrived just after you left as it was our Maintenance time. We worked and spent money..haha.
In fact, talking of the hot tub, we changed the whole heating system again as it was not working how we would have liked (salt and sand is so hard on equipment).
We also spent about 50K on the villa, including new furniture, curtains, paintings, awenings, etc.
We were thrilled that you spent your honeymoon with us and we sure look forward to having you again.
Please take care and happiest of years together for you both.
Jocko
|
|
| 08/02/08 |
Positive
|
| Jocko - We just returned from our stay at your beautiful house in Cabarete. What a fantastic place to vacation. After meeting up with my sister and her family (who live on the island), we spent a week enjoying the waves, the sun, the pool and the people. While there are plenty of things to do in town or at the house, I think what we enjoyed most was just laying around and doing nothing...while the kids swam. Thanks to Jose for welcoming us and especially to Carmen for cleaning up our mess every day. You have a great setup and a great staff. |
| |
The Adams, Keller, TX
|
|
Homeowner Response:
To the Wonderful Adams Family...(I just couldn't help it :-)"
I am so happy when I receive comments from families. It thrills me that you enjoyed my lovely beachfront home and that you and your family had a very relaxing vacation.
From all of us,
THank you and God Bless.
|
|
| 07/23/08 |
Positive
|
| We just spent several days at the Villa prior to a short term mission trip in Santiago and loved this place. We have stayed at several all inclusive hotels in Puerto Plata (Iberostar and Marriott) and this blows them away. No crowds, private house, cleaner facilty, friendly and hard working maid service, right on the beach, own menu for food. We enjoyed mixing it up with the locals by grocery shopping, restaurants, gift shops in Cabarete. The video at Jocko's website can't really provide the accurate beauty of this house on the beach so you will be even more impressed when you arrive. One recommendation if you are going to town frequently is to take the public taxi service for 15 pesos per person a big savings from the 300 or so pesos you will spend by calling a taxi to the house. All you do is walk up to the main road and wait for one. They come by every 5 or 10 minutes. I used it to go in to town by myself for a grocery run and massage. Jose was not there very much but was helpful if you called him with a question (taxi, recommendation, etc.). Safety is not a problem as the security guys patrolling are armed and very watchful of the activity around the house. Whenever someone approached the house they would question them. The water is rough and can be dangerous if your not careful. However it was perfect for our teenage kids who love to boggy board. Our best waves ever and no comparison to the Florida Gulf. I recommend life jackets for the fair swimmer because the current is really strong. I have a 1 year old and found it dangerous to take him out 15 feet because the current was unpredictable. I will definitely be back and ready for another memorable trip. Thanks Jocko! You have a great place. |
| |
Jim, Franklin, TN USA
615-400-6274 |
|
Homeowner Response:
Hi Jim,
Thank you so much for your wonderful and much appreciated comments. We sure look forward to having you back.
I love your comments regarding the taxi service and the public one being so cheap....the public one is a trip in itself and not for everyone... Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks once again,
Jocko
|
|
| 05/07/08 |
Positive
|
We just got back from our dream vacation at Villa Rosada. The oceanfront location was perfect, and the beach is so private! The waves were perfect for boogie boarding, which is provided. The layout is incredible with the infinity pool, rooftop jacuzzi, and of course, that hanging bed on the beach. The decor is beautiful inside, very Zen and soothing, especially the waterfall fountain. Carmen was sweet and took good care of us during the day. Our clothes got really dirty, and she got them really clean! We opted to prepare our own meals, and found the kitchen to be well stocked with everything we needed and then some. We decided to wait until sunset to go horseback riding, and it was breathtaking. There is so much to do that every day held some sort of adventure, but after a couple of hours we couldn't wait to just get back to our amazing villa.
The night security made sure we had a great time and were safe. They even built our bonfires on the beach. We had no problems the entire trip, except that time flew by too quickly.
We have vowed to never stay at another all inclusive resort...and we are already plotting our next escape to the DR. Thanks to Jocko and Shelley for creating the perfect vacation home and sharing it with us. And to anyone considering a vacation like Villa Rosada...just do it! You won't be disappointed. You won't want to leave.
|
| |
Kathleen and Amy
|
|
Homeowner Response:
Hi Kathleen and Amy :o)!! What can I say, what a nice review. Thank you for taking the time to fully explain the experience one has when staying at our wonderful villa.
Thank you once again for this wonderful review and I look forward to the pleasure of having you once again in our villa.
Take care, Jocko
|
|
| 04/14/08 |
Positive
|
| Vacationing at Villa Rosada is just like being in paradise! The Dominican Republic is an absolutely beautiful place with wonderful people..not to forget the LaPresidente, Rum, cigars and coffee!! Our family enjoyed a breath-taking helicopter ride--thanks to Poco Pelo and his crew who picked us up in front of the villa--awesome-, a delicious whole hog roasted and delivered to us by our taxi driver and friend Wencesselo, many great meals along the beach-especially Papi's seafood in cast iron skillet, local fish, relaxing massage from Michelle at Kite Beach, great paintings and jewelry. Carmen and the guards took wonderful care of us during our vacation. Hated to leave and can't wait to go back..can't imagine a better vacation than the Dominican Republic and Villa Rosada! Thanks so much Jocko and Shelley. |
| |
Rhonda Stein
|
|
Homeowner Response:
Hi Rhonda!!!
SO happy you enjoyed our lovely piece of paradise. It was such a pleasure dealing with you and your review is so detailed and appreciated.
It was our pleasure to serve you and it would be our honor to have you back.
Please take care and God Bless.
Jocko
PS: Please send me pictures of the Helicopter on our beach. It is actually how Shelley and I travel to the big city of Santo Domingo and it is breathtaking indeed!!
|
|
| 03/11/08 |
Positive
|
| The villa was great, we enjoyed the beach just a few steps away,and couldn't believe how far you could walk down it. The town of Caberette was nice and friendly. We liked the hot-tub on roof to soak in after a day on the go.Didn't like Puerto Platuo. |
| |
minnesota gang , stillwater, minnesota
|
|
Homeowner Response:
Hi Minesota gang! Thanks for the comments. And Yes, Puerto Plata is a busy city and not for everyone. For those of you that do not know where we are located, when you arrive at the Puerto Plata airport, you turn right for 20 minutes to Puerto Plata, or you turn left for 20 minutes to our Villa!
Take care! Jocko
|
|
| 02/25/08 |
Positive
|
| Dear Jock-what a fabulous vacation we had last week with our family. The villa is perfect and we all want to come back. The house and all that goes with it made our time there awesome. Thanks so much for sharing it with us. It was the greatest vacation. Marianne(Traci's Mom and Steve's Mom-he made our arrangements) |
| |
Marianne Scott, Mechanicville NY
518 541 2171 |
|
Homeowner Response:
Hi Marianne,
Thank you so very much for your kind comments. Just let me know when you would like to come back.
Last night I was talking to Carmen and she told me what you left her and asked me to send an email thanking everyone and that she will miss you.
In her words, "YahKho, dis is berry berry good people, I will miss dem."
I guess my point is that you and your family left a wonderful impression as well.
Take care and god bless,
Jocko
|
|
| 02/24/08 |
Positive
|
| Jocko - Thanks for sharing your beautiful Villa Rosada. We had such a great time, and truly enjoyed the beach, pool and all the fun in Cabarete! We hope to come back someday. |
| |
Traci, Saratoga Springs, NY
|
|
Homeowner Response:
Hi Tracy,
Thank you for your kind comments and I am always thrilled to hear from one of the guests. Just let me know when then next time you can come visit us again and remember to let me know so that you can get 10% off!
Now back to the snow.. lol
Jocko
|
|
| 01/04/08 |
Positive
|
Wow, Hubby came home today and showed me the website. Looks amazing.
Sure wish we were there instead of in all of this snow! |
| |
Karen Daniel, Fredericton, New Brunswick
506-454-9583 |
|
Homeowner Response:
Hi Karen,
Just let me know when you would like to go! Hope to hear from you soon :o))
Jocko
|
|
| 11/19/07 |
Positive
|
Jocko,
Thanks so much for letting us rent your beautiful villa. Our week was outstanding, and we would highly recommend your place to future visitors. The beach location is out of this world; and the pool, hot tub, and entire house are so inviting, we found ourselves wanting to stay there the whole week! Carmen and Jose were absolutely charming and were there for our every need. We fell in love with Carmen and didn't want to leave her! Our horseback riding with Franklin was also a highlight and he was friendly and fun and stopped by to see us every day. Thanks again for a great vacation--the four of us truly enjoyed ourselves. |
| |
gail , Columbia, MO |
|
Homeowner Response:
Thank you so much for your kind comments Gail :o)! In your email to me you mention how proud you were to say "we're staying in the Pink Villa" as it is the nicest villa around... It brought a big smile to my face as I have heard that alot and its always wonderful to know our villa is as special to our guests as it is to us.
Please take care and again, thank you so much. May all of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
....Jocko
|
|
| 11/12/07 |
Positive
|
Good Times to be had by all.
When you meet good people it takes every bit of sun from smiling faces to let you know that the heavens and Hurrican Noel couldn't chang or take it away.
Despite the winds and rain, we had a great time and would do it all again in a heartbeat.
Thanks for sharing your Villa with us, we are truly greatful.
Love
E & J |
| |
Ermin, New York, NY
|
|
Homeowner Response:
Hi Guys,
WOW, had your vacation during a Hurrican and still had a nice time... you are very special people and kind. But I heard that you could not go out most of the time there and as far as I am concerned, you just did not have "That Vacation in Paradise"
Therefore, just let me know when you want to go again, check the Calendar and have a free week on me! :o))
Thank you for your kind words and I look forward to hearing back from you.
Take Care, Jocko
|
|
| 09/29/07 |
Positive
|
| Oh my God, we just had the most marvelous two week vacation we have ever had! The villa is wonderful, Jose, Carmen and Poppa are the best and the Dominican Republic is a gorgeous country. The Dominicans are friendly, helpful and accomodating. Unlike other countries we have visited, the Dominican Republic is spotless; people are always sweeping and cleaning and there is no litter to be seen anywhere. Jose is a marvelous driver and tour guide. We were able to see so much of the area and to go places that most tourists would not ever get to. Franklin is wonderful for horseback riding on the beach. I fulfilled one of my long time fantasies of galloping through the waves on a spectacular tropical beach. The new restaurant right next to the villa is great: very friendly staff and excellent steaks! This is the real deal: everything was perfect. We plan to return as soon as we possibly can! Thanks Jocko for creating such a wonderful experience and allowing us to share it. |
| |
Candice and Jim, Herndon, Virginia |
|
Homeowner Response:
Hi Guys!
Thank you so much for your wonderful comments. In fact, I phoned Jose and got him to get Carmen n Poppa and I read them your kind words.
They were thrilled and wished you both happiness and as Poppa said, "Via Con Dios" which means "Go with God" or as we would put it, "May God Be With You"... I believe that truly describes the culture and kindness of the Dominican People.
Thank you so much guys for your kind words and we all look forward to having you with us once again.
Jocko
|
|
| 08/20/07 |
Positive
|
| I fell in love with the Dominican 4 years ago and have been back 3 times since. I stumbled across your Villa and I am in love. We will definitely contact you for our next trip to the Dominican! |
| |
Jen, Virginia
|
|
Homeowner Response:
And I certainly look forward to hearing from you and helping with your arrangements.
And I so agree, isnt the Dominican Republic the Caribbeans hidden gem?!
Take care and thank you for your kind comments.
Jocko
|
|
| 06/27/07 |
Positive
|
| I felt like Paris Hilton, definitely can learn to live this way for the rest of my life. Loved it, will come back for sure |
| |
Irene Arasim, Mississauga, Canada
|
|
Homeowner Response:
Hi Irene,
It was nice meeting you and all the girls for Pina's 40th birthday party.
What a way to celebrate it in fashion at my Villa.
Canadians ROCK! haha
Thank you for your kind comments and just let me know when you want to come back.
Warmest regards, Jocko
PS: Didn't Paris just come out of Jail?! geeeeesh, haha!
|
|
| 06/27/07 |
Positive
|
Jocko, my Canadian friend, all I can say is AMAZING!!!!!
The house...AMAZING, the view...AMAZING, & the gazebo with the round suspension bed...UTTER BRILLIANCE.
Needless to say... I'll be back
Cheers!
Pina |
| |
Pina
|
|
Homeowner Response:
Hey Pina! What can I say?..."Those Canadian Ladies are Nuts!" haha. Seriously, it was so nice having you at the villa and even better that I finally had a chance to meet the guests which were renting. All you ladies were wonderful and seemed to be alot of fun. Both Jose and Carmen send their love and Mike keeps asking if you finally recovered from your sunburns. I look forward to having you stay again, and bring the husband! Cheers, Jocko
|
|
| 05/11/07 |
Positive
|
We stayed at Villa Rosada in April and was one of the best vacations that we have had. It was very relaxing the the beach was perfect. We all , well almost all of us tried bougy boarding and the was were great for that. We went into Cabarete for dinner almost every night. Our favorite places were Casanovas and Jose O'Shay.
Franklin came by and we went horseback riding which I highly recommend.
We really enjoyed the new beach structure with the hanging round bed. It was great for napping or reading.
You have a beautiful place here Jocko, thanks for opening up your home to us and giving us nice warm memories for when it gets cold up here in the north!
Annette Smith
|
| |
Annette Smith, West Lafayette, IN
765-463-3766 |
|
Homeowner Response:
Hi Annette :o))
Thank you so much for your wonderful comments. We are very proud to have shared it with you.
Your kindness and professionalism is second to none.
I am happy that you enjoyed our new Gazebo. When I designed it utilizing the marble floors, glass block construction, and the very unique 8ft round mahogony bed that suspends from the 12ft ceiling down, we had no idea of the results...thank goodness everyone seems to love it! Just as a note, we also recently integrated corner tables and benches so that it can also double as a place to eat or drink! YAY!! haha
Once again, thank you and if you would like to come back again, please simply email me and let me know and I will give you our return customer discount. You can also certainly use my name and contact numbers if you ever require to give security references to other villa owners.
Take care and God Bless.
Jocko
|
|
| 02/15/07 |
Positive
|
| Words can't begin to describe what a wonderful vacation we had in the Dominican Republic at Villa Rosada. What a beautiful house in a beautiful country with beautiful people and excellent food! Jose and Carmen were absolutely fabulous and so hospitable, as were all the Dominican's. Villa Rosada couldn't have been any better. We spent day-after-day just relaxing in the pool and gawking at the incredible view. The accommodations were just perfect and we all really enjoyed ourselves immensely. Can't wait to visit Dominican Republic again! |
| |
Bryan & Jennifer, Bend, OR |
|
Homeowner Response:
Hi Guys! Thanks so much for the lovely comments and both Jose and Carmen also commented on how you were all so wonderful and how they will miss you! They also mentioned that you want to come back, so just let me know when! Once again, thank you so much for taking the time to offer your comments, as it's so wonderful to find out guests love our villa and island paradise a much as we do. Take care and god bless. Jocko
|
|
| 01/22/07 |
Positive
|
Jocko,
Thank you so much for renting Villa Rosada to Doug and me. It is lovely and we had a wonderful week there.
We saw first hand the damages caused by the previous guests. How discouraging it much have been for you to see that this wonderful place was not cared for by these guests. The fact that you came down yourself to ensure the repairs were done promptly and correctly speaks volumes about you as a host/owner. Your care in ensuring that these repairs did not interfere in any way with our holiday was successful and much appreciated. What was a problem for you became a bonus to us in that your presence enhanced our enjoyment. Your love of the area and of the Dominican people and their culture is obvious in your words and actions and gave us a perspecive we would otherwise have missed. Your staff (Jose and Carmen) were wonderful. I would jump at the chance to once again stay at Villa Rosada.
Thanks,
Cathy
|
| |
Cathy Byham, Bedford, NS |
|
Homeowner Response:
Hi Cathy, thank you so very much for your kind words. I so enjoyed my time with both you and Doug (I miss his Omelets!) I hope that you and Doug take advantage of my offer for a free week and if you would like, to spend it Shelley and I! I think the four of us would have so much fun together.
You are so right, the people and culture of the Domincans is why we purchased the Villa in Caberate. It is so safe, virtually crime free and everyone has that kind smile we so rarely see these days from strangers.
A US citizen, living in Canada who was recently "Dominicanized", you just gotta love the combo! haha
Thank you also for your understanding regarding these past horrible guests, but things are almost up to being perfect and the new building on the beach will soon be completed. I will send you pictures.
All my love to you both, and thank you once again, Jocko
|
|
| 01/17/07 |
Positive
|
Dear Jacques & Shelley,
Thank you so much for allowing Cathy and I to rent your beautiful Villa Rosada for our recent vacation. Your home is absolutely fabulous. It was a dream vacation for both of us. Your visit to expedite repairs of damages caused by the previous guests was a bonus for us but a terrible inconvenience for you. While you were repairing damages to the hot tub, walls, windows & fixtutes you took the time to show us around, give us insight and exposure to the locals and their culture, advice on where to go and what to do. From the horseback ride on the beach ,dinners at the local restaurants, snorkel dives in the ocean and trips to town and through the mountains it was a blast!
Your staff was very helpful in recovering baggage lost by the airline, providing transportation, translation services, laundry service and delicious drinks. You are a fabulous landlord and a gratious and entertaining host. Keep up the good work! You can be sure we will recommend you highly to our friends and acquaintances and hope to visit you again as time permits.
All the best for now.
Yours very truly, Doug Botchett |
| |
Doug Botchett, Fall River, NS
902 4532020 |
|
Homeowner Response:
Thank you so much Doug. Both you and Cathy were so understanding and simply the nicest of folks. Your kind words are much appreciated and thank you for allowing me to share the Villa with you to get these repairs completed and stolen items replaced. (ps: your omelet's were the best!!)
As stated to you during your stay with us, anytime you and Cathy would like to come again, you have a “FREE” week.
It was very kind of you to post this comment as the “Problem Guests”, have spam the site with 2 negative votes. In the 1.5 years of sharing our Villa Rosada with guests and allowing them to have their own private beachside villa for their vacation, they have been our only disappointment, as all other guests have been wonderful and considerate.
Once again, thank you for your kind words and I am so very thankful to have spent some time with you both, and for the privilege to call you both friends.
Please stay in touch.
Warmest regards, Jocko
|
|
| 11/21/06 |
Positive
|
| it's very god! |
| |
panaite, romania
0729391547 |
|
| 08/03/06 |
Positive
|
| All I can say is wow!!!! What a great place and close to everything...We had a great time. Everything was perfect even better than described on the website. This was a great getaway and great place to relax. Thanks againg and we look forward to returning. |
| |
Rick |
|
Homeowner Response:
It was definately a pleasure having you at our villa Rick. Just let me know when you want to go back!
Cheers! Jocko
|
|
| 06/15/06 |
Positive
|
| I recently visited the Dominican Republic for the first time and had the undeniable pleasure of staying at the Villa Rosada for four nights. The villa's owner Jocko and staff (Carmen, Jose and security) could not have been more accommodating. The villa provided all the comforts of home in addition to being located on a quiet and pristine beach. We fell in love with the DR and when we return to Cabarete, The Villa Rosada will be our first choice of residence. Many thanks to Jocko for creating a GREAT vacation getaway. |
| |
Isaac Williams, San Francisco, CA
415-822-1468 |
|
Homeowner Response:
Thank you very much Isaac, you and your partner were the first San Franciscoian's to stay at Villa Rosada! It was fun working with you to get you from Santo Domingo to our lovely villa. We hope to see u again! Jocko :o)
|
|
| 05/09/06 |
Positive
|
First and foremost, our trip to the Villa Rosada was amazing. We flew into Santiago to save money, but Jose picked us up and even had cold beers waiting in the van for us. When we arrived at the Villa it looked exactly as pictured on the website, if not better. It was the perfect homebase for our stay. We once had a problem with the generator, but a quick call to Jose and he walked us through resetting the circuit breakers. Carmen was there every morning (M-F) and was available for whatever we needed. However, we did most of the cooking/drink making ourselves. The kitchen was pretty well stocked for our cooking needs and especially for our cocktail making. We went out to eat in Cabarete a few times. Our favorite meal was at Casita de Papy. The prices were about $20USD, but the shrimp and other seafood was amazing. For good variety and a quicker easy meal we liked Lax. We enjoyed the pizza, chicken curry and Dominican special (chicken, beans, rice and salad). Meals here were about $5usd and they pour quite a stiff Cuba Libre.
Nighttime activity was definitely great in Cabarete. Our first night (a Saturday) we walked from the house to the town. It was a pretty dark walk and there are no sidewalks. Once we hit Cabarete we walked into the first bar facing the water. All the bars share beach space and you can bar hop as you please. Drinks were cheap, rum and cokes were less than $2 and beers just under $3. The people at the bar ranged from locals, to Dominicans from other parts of the island (we met a lot of people from Santo Domingo) and European travelers—very few americans. The Dominicans in particular were very friendly. One night some of us went out in Puerto Plata to go latin dancing. It was mostly a local crowd. The bars there are not like in Cabarete. At least as far as what we saw they’re not the beachfront variety and they’re more spread out as Puerto Plata is a larger town.
During the day we spent a lot of time at the beaches. The beach in front of the villa is beautiful and secluded. There are lawn chairs by the pool that you can pull onto the beach. The only problem is that that beach was very windy while we were there—sand goes everywhere. The water is not the best for swimming. The currents are strong and there are almost always waves. We saw people kite boarding there though and you could probably surf or body board. One day we went east to Rio San Juan to play on the beach: Playa Grande. It was beautiful there. Our friends went surfing and really enjoyed themselves.
Overall this trip was phenomenal. The villa was the absolute perfect place to spend a week. We spent about the same on the villa as our friends spent on small hotel rooms in Puerto Plata. And I believe that we had a far more local experience. The island is beautiful, the people are friendly and there’s always something to do. We all would love to go back. Feel free to e-mail me if you have questions/suggestions :) |
| |
Lindsay Overton, Valhalla, NY
2067954426 |
|
Homeowner Response:
Hi Lindsay! Thank you for such a nice detailed comment. I just arrived back last night after spending a dream like vacation at my Villa. Just to let you know, their was no wind and the ocean was a blast to swim in! I purchased a few boogie boards for our guests and we just had to try them out! Just let me know when you think you can come back to stay with us and I will ensure we accomodate you! PS: I changed the bulb over the BBQ, now you can even see at night without those flashlights! *smiles* Jocko
|
|
| 04/30/06 |
Positive
|
| Earlier this month I spent a week at the Villa Rosada on vacation with a few friends from school. We had an absolutely amazing experience on the island, in part due to the convenience and comfort of the villa. It was tastefully decorated and equipped with several unanticipated luxuries like A/C, TV, and shower amenities. However, I particularly enjoyed the outdoor pool and BBQ area! Also, the 'staff' at the villa (Carmen and Jose among others) was extremely friendly and helpful throughout the duration of our stay. I would enthusiastically recommend the Villa Rosada to anyone who wants to steer clear of the crowded resorts. It was the perfect Caribbean getaway! |
| |
Stephanie, Valhalla, NY
|
|
Homeowner Response:
Thank you so much Stephanie, I have let both Carmen and Jose know of your comments, and it gave them the biggest smiles on their faces. Just let me know when you want to stay again! Jocko
|
|
| 04/29/06 |
Positive
|
| I stayed at Villa Rosada with a few of my close friends from medical school over our spring break in April. I was very impressed with the villa, the island, the locals, and pretty much everything about our vacation!! The villa is located within walking distance of Cabarete, which has a great nightlife. There are many bars/restaurants along the beach that turn into clubs at night. The island itself is gorgeous, as were our accommodations. I think staying at the villa was one of the highlights of our vacation! I have traveled to many of the islands in the Caribbean and stayed at many resorts/hotels. I found that the villa to be much more relaxing than staying at a resort. We definitely enjoyed having use of our own private beach, pool and bbq area! Pretty much anything you would want on a vacation was provided (televisions, dvd and cd players, cellular phones, washer, dryer, shampoo, conditioner, soap, towels, etc). I would definitely recommend staying at Villa Rosada and the Dominican Republic to anyone who is looking for a luxury/fun/relaxing vacation! |
| |
Stacy Donlon, Elmsford, NY
|
|
Homeowner Response:
Hi Stacy, thank you so much for your kind comments and we would be so pleased to see you and your friends once again...and good luck on your Doctoral board exams!!! Jocko
|
|
| 04/28/06 |
Positive
|
| I had nothing but good things to say about my experience in the Dominican Republic. The villa was incredibly nice as we were able to take advantage of its amenities, including the pool and the BBQ grill. Having the beach right in our backyard was a huge plus. The people in Cabarete were very friendly and helpful. I would recommend to anyone of my friends to stay at your villa. |
| |
wonnie ryu, Valhalla, NY
6032526293 |
|
Homeowner Response:
Thanks Wonnie for the kind comments...the people in Cabarete are indeed so kind and fun. More and more Americans are beginning to just realize that the Dominican Republic is one of the safest most wonderful places to have a vacation in the Caribbean...And the prices while your there are so cheap! I look forward to the possibility of having you once again as a guest. Please take care of that NY cold I hear you Got!! Jocko
|
|
| 04/12/06 |
Positive
|
We have just returned from a week at Villa Rosada. Our stay couldn't have been more pleasant. The owner was very accomodating and easy to work with and provided a wealth of useful and accurate information prior to the trip. We had 4 adults and six children in the Villa and weren't really cramped at all although it is probably better suited to parties of 8 or less.
The owners provide many little extras that make the trip so pleasant such as a wonderful staff, toiletries in the bathrooms, towels, kitchen supplies, laundry, etc. I have rented houses before where you felt like you practically had to restock your own home or carry half a household with you to take on the trip. This was definitely not the case here.
As to the setting...the beach is beautiful in front of Villa. Lots of great breaking waves to play in. Sometimes it can be a bit rough, but you just use that time to swim at a more protected beach or take a day trip to do something else. The Villa is about a 30 minute walk down the beach from the village of Cabrete which has a beautiful protected beach and many bars/restaurants and stores. The Villa's pool and palm-shaded beach area are also great places to relax and read a book, play cards or catch an afternoon nap.
Some of the other things that we really enjoyed during our stay were the friendliness of the Domincan people (we never felt uncomfortable or unsafe at all while we were there), a day trip to Sosua beach and lunch at an out of the way beach bar called La Boca (you can reach La Boca by either taking a horseback ride down the beach or hiring a taxi -- they will know where it is). La Boca has no electricity or running water but serves up delicious lobster and fish with cold drinks from a cooler in a beautiful setting.
Renting a house is not for those who prefer all-inclusive resort vacations. But if you want the relaxation of a Caribbean vacation along with picture-book views and a chance to really experience the local sights and sounds, then Villa Rosada is a great choice. |
| |
Byron, Atlanta, GA |
|
Homeowner Response:
It was a pleasure having you as guests and thank you so much for your kind comments.
Jocko
Owner Villa Rosada
|
|
| 01/04/06 |
Positive
|
Hello Jocko and Shelly,
As your neighbor in Cabarete, I want to congratulate both of you on the wonderful job you have done on your recent improvements to a property that was already spectacular to begin with. The new infinity pool was a stroke of genius! It doesn't get any better than Villa Rosada in Cabarete. |
| |
Frank Leone, Abington, PA 19001
215-779-0520 |
|