The Iberostar Costa Dorada is a 5-star all inclusive resort located in the Dominican Republic. It’s one of many properties under the Iberostar umbrella, which is part of the Orient Resorts conglomerate. This wasn’t my first visit to an Iberostar property or to the Dominican Republic, so you might be wondering why I made the trip again. The answer is simple – this was my third time visiting this exact location! In fact, it was even the same year that I first went there as well. The difference was that back then it was under a different name and sold by a different company. It used to be called the Hotel Canto Del Sol, but when Oasis Hotels & Resorts bought it in early 2016 they renamed it and renovated it at the same time. A lot has changed since my last visit in 2017 too – read on for a detailed account of what makes this place so special…
The Atmosphere
The most obvious thing about the Iberostar Costa Dorada is its atmosphere. It’s a place that feels like home from the minute you arrive, and you definitely won’t want to leave. When you check in you are handed a freshly baked loaf of bread with a spiced butter. You take the warm bread on a walk around the property and you’ll immediately feel the welcoming vibe. It’s like a big family. The staff are what really makes this place special. It’s not just the receptionists, bartenders, and waiters you interact with on a daily basis. The cleaning staff, maintenance workers, and gardeners are just as friendly. Fishermen also work on the beach and are more than happy to take you out to catch your own meal. Like I said, it’s like a big family.
Awards and Recognition
After my last visit here, I saw that the Iberostar Costa Dorada had made the top 10 of the latest World’s Best Awards. I knew that this place was special, but I didn’t know just how special it was until I looked into the details. When you win an award with the name World’s Best in it, you know you’re doing something right. This isn’t the only award that the Costa Dorada has won either. It’s also been voted the number one Latin American resort by Condé Nast Traveler readers. It’s been recognized by Travel + Leisure, Forbes Travel Guide, and TripAdvisor too.
Best season to visit
The weather in the Dominican Republic is always warm, but the best time to go is between December and May. That’s when you’ll avoid the rainy season and get the most sunshine. There are two seasons at the Costa Dorada. The dry season runs from December through to April, and the rainy season is from May through to November. As you can see, the dry season falls within the best time to visit and you’ll get even more sunshine. The dry season boasts warm days, with average temperatures around 29°C, while the nights are slightly cooler with temperatures around 23°C. During the rainy season, the temperatures are slightly lower with average days at 27°C and nights at 20°C.
Rooms & Services Available
Amenities
The Hotel Canto Del Sol had everything you’d expect from a 5-star resort, but when Oasis took over they really went above and beyond. The state-of-the-art, 725 room property has a brand new black and white design. It’s a mixture of modern and colonial architecture, which is a unique and elegant take on the usual all inclusive aesthetic. The rooms are massive, with ample storage space and a large bathroom with separate toilet and shower. They have an open-style design, with a walk-in wardrobe and desk against one wall, and a king-size bed in the centre. The rooms are equipped with a mini fridge, safe, and air-conditioning. They also have a huge terrace with a hammock, lounge chairs, and a small table and chairs. The room amenities include a hairdryer, iron, and ironing board, and a coffee maker. You also have access to a large outdoor infinity pool with a swim-up bar.
Activities for Guests
The Iberostar Costa Dorada has a wide range of activities for guests of all ages, so you won’t be bored for a second. If you want to relax and unwind, there are plenty of loungers and hammocks to do that on. It also has three swimming pools, a kids’ pool with water jets, and a swim-up bar. The sports facilities include a tennis court, a gym and fitness centre, a golf driving range, and a plethora of outdoor activities like volleyball and pickleball. There are also daily activities like dance lessons and Zumba, meditation and yoga sessions, and cooking demonstrations. There are also excursions to nearby attractions, like a boat ride to a nearby sandbar, or a trip to a local beach or rum distillery. You can also visit Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, or take a day trip to a neighbouring Caribbean island.
Pros and Cons
As you can see, there are many pros to staying at the Iberostar Costa Dorada, but are there any cons? The only real cons are that you have to travel to the Dominican Republic and that it’s not cheap. When it comes to the first point, you have to take into account the distance between the Iberostar group and the Dominican Republic. The DR is quite far from several countries, so it isn’t a destination for everyone. That being said, there are lots of direct flights from the UK, Europe, and the USA to the DR. That brings me to the second point – the price. While it is one of the more expensive all inclusive resorts in the DR, it’s about the same price as many other 5-star resorts of its calibre.
Getting there
The Iberostar Costa Dorada is in Puerto Plata, a city on the north coast of the Dominican Republic. You can fly directly there from a number of airports in Europe, Asia, and the Americas. You can also land in Santo Domingo, the DR’s capital, and take a taxi to Puerto Plata. The Iberostar Costa Dorada is a truly special place that feels like home from the moment you arrive. It has an atmosphere that makes you feel welcome and relaxed, and you definitely won’t want to leave. However, you’ll have to as the Iberostar Costa Dorada is only open for a few months each year. So, if you want to experience its unique charm, you’ll have to make plans for next season soon!
