Cabarete Guide 2023

Photo Sebastiano Massimino

CABARETE is an annual publication put together by the dedicated staff at The Mariposa DR Foundation, a local nonprofit (and US 501(c)(3) certified) dedicated to educating and empowering girls. All of the articles are written by our team who have lived and worked in Cabarete for many years and are proud members of the local community. Advertising in this magazine is not only great exposure for your business, more importantly, 100% of proceeds go directly to support school scholarships, uniforms, healthy meals, safe transportation, medical care and more for Cabarete’s most vulnerable population - girls .

Advertising in CABARETE is a great investment for your business and for our community. Join us!

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Jianca Lazarus

Photographer

Fran Afonso Photographer

Tatianna Suriel Editor

Mark Tuschman

Photographer

Sebastiano Massimino

Giulia Pinna Illustrator

Cover Photo: Sebastiano Massimino

Created by: The Mariposa DR Foundation

Patricia Thorndike Suriel Editor-in-Chief & Director of Advertising Sales

Pamela Cuadros Graphic Designer & Advertising Sales Associate

Jessica Lawson Writer & Editor

Amy S. Martin Photographer

PHOTO AMY S. MARTIN

W elcome

Welcome to the 12th edition of CABARETE: Responsible Tourism and Investment Guide! This magazine was created by the dedicated staff at The Mariposa DR Foundation to promote the best of what this small town has to offer. You may be wondering, why would a nonprofit that works with local girls create a magazine?

Our “why?” is to raise awareness of our work in educating girls to become empowered young women at The Mariposa DR Foundation, highlight the local businesses that support and invest back into the community and tell interesting stories about the place so many of us from around the world consider home. This magazine is one of our largest annual fundraising efforts and year after year it successfully increases involvement in our work and investment in our community’s most precious resource - our girls.

The Mariposa DR Foundation is a US 501(c)(3) and Dominican nonprofit located right here in Cabarete and our center is considered the largest safe space for girls on the island. We also own Cabarete Coffee Company, a small coffee shop where 100% of the proceeds go directly to fund programs for local girls.

We focus on educating and empowering girls because we know that investing in them results in high returns for everyone. Girls who stay in school, get quality health care, play sports and have a safe space to gather are more likely to graduate high school, go to college, earn income, have children later and ultimately end the cycle of generational poverty for their families.

Stronger, healthier families means a stronger community and sustainable economic growth that benefits everyone. It all starts with girls.

The local businesses featured in this magazine donate money, food, excursions, accommodations and all kinds of resources to make this publication possible. They understand that working together, we can change the trajectory of girls born into poverty and make Cabarete a place of possibility for all. We encourage you to patronize the businesses in this magazine as much as possible.

Cabarete, there’s nowhere like it in the world. Welcome.

Thorndike Suriel Founder & Executive Director, The Mariposa DR Foundation

Lawson Co-Founder, The Mariposa DR Foundation

Patricia

Jessica

Local Lingo DOMINICANISMS

When Christopher Columbus came to the New World in 1492, his ships anchored right here in the Dominican Republic, which is when Spanish, the official language of the country, arrived. As the indigenous Taino population was wiped out by epidemics and brutal working conditions, African slaves replaced them as laborers and brought their language, which can still be heard in many words, intonations and colloquialisms. Though all Spanish-speaking countries have a unique dialect, many of the common phrases you will hear in the Dominican Republic are actually heavily influenced by the Yoruba syntax of Nigeria.

The Taino population may have been wiped out when Columbus arrived, however, part of their language still lives on today. Many of their words were adopted by the Spanish and passed onto English and other languages.

Here are some that you might recognize:

BARBECUE

Derived from “barbacoa,” a particular method of cooking meat on a raised platform.

CANOE

Originally meaning a dugout like those used by Tainos, it comes from the word “canoa.”

HAMMOCK

Spanish colonists learned about hammocks from the Taino, who protected themselves from critters while sleeping with fishing nets called “hamaca.”

HURRICANE

Huracán is the Taino word for “god of the storm.”

POTATO

The word comes from the Spanish “patata,” which comes from Taino “batata,” which we call “sweet potato.” But potatoes don’t grow in the tropics!

TOBACCO

Referred to by the Taino as a pipe used for smoking, the word “tobaco” now takes on many forms.

PHOTO MARK TUSCHMAN

HERE ARE SOME MUST KNOW “DOMINICANISMS”

THAT WILL HAVE YOU SPEAKING LIKE A LOCAL IN NO TIME!

AHORITA

In Mexico this means “right now,” here it means an undefined “later.”

BOLA

Literally, “ball,” but here it means “a free ride.”

BOMBA Literally, “bomb.” In the Dominican Republic it’s the gas station, where you will often find the best parties in town.

CHEVERE

From African roots, means “awesome” or “cool.”

CONCON

The crusty layer of fried rice at the bottom of the pot. A tasty treat!

CHIN

Comes from the indigenous Taino language, means “a little.”

CUARTO Slang for “money.”

DIQUE

Pronounced “D-keh,” this means “supposedly” and is commonly used when divulging the latest gossip.

GUAGUA

“bus” or “van.”

QUE LO QUE

Shortened from “que es lo que hay,” this means “What’s up?” Also commonly written in slang as “klk.”

TATÓ

Shortened from “está todo bien,” means “good” or “fine.”

VAINA

Pronounced “vy-nuh,” means “thing.”

PHOTO AMY S. MARTIN

PHOTO FRAN AFONSO

CABARETE has it all

Cabarete is a place where everything changes and everything stays the same. It’s always been a small, friendly beach town, but in the past 30 years, it has emerged as one of the best destinations in the world for water sports of all kinds!

In 1991, the Professional Windsurfers Association held the world cup in Cabarete. This event marked the beginning of the international attention to the optimal conditions for wind based water sports in this small, sleepy fishing town.

In 1999, longtime residents, Marcus Bohm and Ruether brought the first kites to Cabarete.

Around the same time, a small, local beach, just west of town, called Encuentro, caught the attention of waveriders from Santo Domingo and they began flocking to town. By 2009, there were more surf schools than windsurfing schools on the beaches.

Fast forward a few years to 2012 and the SUP (Stand Up Paddle) craze takes off. Paddle boarding became a popular sport as it offered different experiences on waves or calm waters and anyone could learn at nearly any age.

These days, hydrofoiling, especially wing-foiling, is having its time. Every day, hundreds of riders can be seen hovering above the crystal blue-green waters.

If you’ve ever thought about learning a water sport, you’re in the right place. Cabarete has it all.

PHOTO

POLAROIDS COURTESY OF LA FAMILIA

PHOTO FRAN AFONSO

PHOTO FRAN AFONSO

PHOTO SEBASTIANO MASSIMINO

FUN FACTS ABOUT CABARETE BEACHES

Bozo Beach is the area located between Ocean Dream and Bahía de Arena. It’s called that because it’s the downwind area where beginner kite surfers and windsurfers would end up and have to walk their equipment back up the beach.

Kite Beach, just west of downtown, was originally called Fly High and Surf Beach by longtime resident Marcus Bohm after he and business partner, Stefan Ruether, opened Cabarete’s first kite school with the same

name. Once all of the other schools set up shop, it was officially changed to Kite Beach.

Continue west from Kite Beach and you’ll end up right in front of The Mariposa Center for Girls. The beach in front of the organization was recently named Butterfly Beach in support of the island’s largest safe space for girls. Only accessible from the road, this beach is great for tide pool exploring, but has strong currents and undertows so be careful swimming.

PHOTO SEBASTIANO MASSIMINO

PHOTO AMY S. MARTIN

World Champion windsurfer, Tony Garcia, was born and raised in Cabarete and in 2001 won the Aloha Classic, the Wimbledon of windsurfing and a title that had been dominated by Robbie Naish and Björn Dunkerbeck for decades.

In 2022, The World Surf League (WSL) came to Cabarete for the first time and local surfer, Manuel Selman, took the win!

This historic event exposed Cabarete’s legendary waves to the world, putting us on the map as a true surf destination.

PHOTOS SEBASTIANO MASSIMINO

PHOTO COURTESY OF TONY GARCIA

PREPARING FOR A “BOARD MEETING”

Baseball may be the national pastime of the Dominican Republic but in Cabarete, water sports rule. There are so many different ways to ride the ocean waves, it’s hard to choose! In Cabarete, we give a whole new meaning to attending a “Board Meeting.”

So many board sports, not enough time? Having a “Board Meeting” checklist will reduce overwhelm and maximize fun!

Choosing a board sport can seem like an impossible task when there’s so much to do and so little time! Before you hold your board meeting, ask yourself these six critical questions!

What’s the purpose of the meeting?

Before you choose a sport, consider what your goals are. Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate or advanced, Cabarete is the ideal spot for ocean sport lovers of all ages and levels. From getting a great workout, to enjoying some peace and serenity out on the water to seeking a thrill, there’s something here for everyone.

Choosing your board members

What are all of the board sports Cabarete has to offer?

• Surfing

• Windsurfing

• Kitesurfing and Kiteboarding (Yes, there’s a difference!)

• Wing Surfing

• Stand Up Paddle (SUP)

• Hydrofoiling

Honorable Mentions:

• Boogie Boarding

PHOTO SEBASTIANO MASSIMINO

PHOTO FRAN AFONSO

PHOTO AMY S. MARTIN

PHOTO AMY S. MARTIN

If this is your first water sports rodeo, surfing may be where you find your groove. Board rentals and lessons are easy to come by and most determined people will catch at least one wave in their first session. How’s that for instant gratification?

SUP (stand up paddling) is fun and feasible for all ages and stages either in the ocean or exploring the wetlands in the smooth, flat lagoon.

If you have a basic understanding of wind patterns or love to sail, windsurfing might just be your jam.

If you’re ready to take on the wind, Cabarete is the perfect place to learn. Consistent onshore breezes, warm water and a bay that’s protected by reef create ideal conditions and one of the safest places to learn to windsurf or kiteboard.

If you’re an adventurous thrill seeker and willing to invest a bit of time in developing a new skill, you’re in the perfect place to take your first kiteboarding lesson!

If you’ve never heard of foiling, you’re not quite there yet. Once you’ve mastered one of the board sports, then you’re ready to take “flight” on a foil!

So what exactly is Foiling?

If you know a lot about water sports, you may have heard the term “foiling” or “hydrofoiling” and wondered what people are talking about! A hydrofoil looks almost like a blade attached to the bottom of a board. The foil allows the rider to “fly” or hover just above the water and hydroplane through it to enjoy a super smooth and speedy ride through the waves. It’s the latest craze in the water sports world and has completely taken “flight” in Cabarete!

Foiling is for more advanced riders, so if you have been thinking about stepping up your board sport game, you’re in the right place to take a “flight!”

Common foil sports in Cabarete include:

• Surf Foiling

• SUP Foiling

• Wing Foiling

• E-Foiling

• Kite Foiling

• Windfoiling

Who are your board meeting attendees?

Are you riding solo or is this a family affair? If you’re by yourself, you have all of the options! If you’re looking for a group activity, surfing or SUP may be your best choice. No lessons are needed for SUP and it’s pretty easy once you get the hang of it.

Surfing is also a great activity for a group of friends or the whole family. Even small children can ride in the surf wash with an experienced instructor.

For wind sports, private lessons are usually the way to go. Whatever sport you choose, it’s always best to find a professionally trained instructor that’s affiliated with a reputable shop to guide you through the process. This ensures the safest equipment and safest experience when learning something new.

What are the travel plans?

Location and timing is everything when planning your board meeting. Different watersports happen at different times and in different spots in Cabarete.

Surfing is for the early risers.

The sun rises at 6am in the summer and 7am in the winter and the early risers are catching the waves. Encuentro beach is located a few minutes’ drive from downtown Cabarete and the simple, consistent swell at this beloved surf and SUP spot has perfect conditions for beginners and advanced riders alike.

At Encuentro beach the waves are smaller during the summer months, making the experience perfect for beginners. For more advanced riders, October through April is when you will find the best swell of the year.

If you don’t have your own vehicle, hire a taxi at the stand in town or many of the surf schools are happy to work with you to arrange transportation.

Wind sports are an afternoon delight.

At mid-day, the wind arrives and the kiteboarders, windsurfers and wingers come out to play.

The wind picks up right after lunchtime and wind sport enthusiasts head out into Cabarete Bay and Kite Beach to catch some big air. Consistent onshore winds make conditions in Cabarete ideal for both beginners and advanced riders alike. The wind blows year round, often totaling well over 250 worthy days.

If you’re staying in downtown Cabarete or on Kite Beach, no need to worry about transportation, you’re right in the middle of all the action!

PHOTO SEBASTIANO MASSIMINO

Hydrofoiling

Hydrofoils up the efficiency of conventional equipment and allow for enjoying the conditions when there are much lighter winds. The foil lifts you, gives you speed, and the exhilarating feeling of taking flight!

Cabarete Bay and Bozo beach are the best places to join in on the foiling craze. Use extreme caution when foiling at Kite Beach or Encuentro as the reefs are sharp. The foiling craze is real in Cabarete and it’s important to stay safe by enjoying your flight in the deeper waters. Be mindful of locals (i.e. sea turtles and manatee), other riders and swimmers when zipping around out there.

What materials do I need?

Having the right gear is essential. Don’t have your own equipment? No worries! There are TONS of places to rent top of the line gear with plenty of knowledgeable staff to help make sure everything is a perfect fit. Always wear a helmet and an impact vest, especially if you’re a beginner.

As far as clothing goes, investing in a few key pieces like a rash guard and board shorts will help keep you comfortable in the water. If you’re planning to really get into it, purchasing your own helmet and life vest may also be a good idea. If you’re new to wing surfing, knee pads and tights are strongly advised.

PHOTOS FRAN AFONSO

When deciding which sport to pursue, it’s critical to evaluate how much time you have to commit to the process.

Only have a few days?

If you’re new to the world of watersports and only have a few days, surfing and SUP are your best bets. Most determined, generally athletic people will be up and riding their first time.

Here for a week?

Depending on how much time you want to spend learning a new skill, consider taking some kite, wing or windsurf lessons. On average it takes about 8-12 hours of instruction for proper safety and equipment training before the real fun begins. The learning curve is steep so focus on enjoying the journey and lean into the falls, struggles and failures. When you finally get that first good rip, the feeling is indescribable.

If you’re already a seasoned board member, adding a foil to your sport of choice is a super fun way to amp up your experience.

On the extended stay plan?

If you’re here for a few weeks or have officially become a part-time resident, mastering a new water sport is completely achievable. With an hour or two a day of consistent instruction for two weeks or longer, it’s likely your skills may be solid enough to venture out without supervision.

From

Pro-tips

When you’re surrounded by water, it’s easy to forget to stay hydrated. Take breaks to drink plenty of water and maybe enjoy some tropical fruit.

Sun protection is a must. Use reef safe sunscreen to protect the environment while you’re out enjoying the ocean.

What’s on the agenda and how long is the meeting?

PHOTO FRAN AFONSO

PHOTO JIANCA LAZARUS

PHOTO AMY S. MARTIN

PHOTO AMY S. MARTIN

PHOTO AMY S. MARTIN

Whether you’re just visiting Cabarete for a short time or considering making it your second home, it’s easy to fall in love with Cabarete. Dominican culture is fun, friendly and extremely welcoming, making this country an incredible place to work, live and play.

Some say it only takes 7 days to become a “local!” Here are some things you can do to feel right at home.

WALK THE BEACH

As soon as the sun comes up, hit the beach! Long walks at dawn, before the heat of the day sets in, are the norm for locals. After a few days, you’ll see the same friendly faces and likely make some furry friends from the people walking their dogs.

FREQUENT YOUR FAVORITES

Found a great spot for coffee, lunch or a drink? Go there often and strike up a conversation with the people there. Many of the business owners in town also work full time at their shops. Becoming a regular is a great way to meet new people!

GO TO HAPPY HOUR

Many of the restaurants and bars on the strip do a happy hour with great food and drink specials. Just before the sun sets, you’ll find lots of locals and tourists enjoying an appetizer or cocktail and engaging in friendly conversation. Pull up a bar stool or beach chair and make some new friends!

PHOTO AMY S. MARTIN LOCATION CABARETE BEACH

PHOTO AMY S. MARTIN

LOCATION CABARETE BEACH

EARLY MORNINGS AT ENCUENTRO

Tucked away just west of downtown Cabarete is Encuentro beach. Head over early in the morning with the surf crowd to catch some waves. Water sports not your thing? Hang out on the beach and enjoy some coffee or a light breakfast while you watch the surfers. Encuentro is one of Cabarete’s fastest growing neighborhoods where you’ll find lots of hidden gems and friendly faces.

SHOP LOCAL

Colmados are more than just corner stores, they are the social hubs of the neighborhood! Stop in for an ice cold beer or a “coco frio” and they will open it for you and offer you a plastic chair out front to hang out, engage in friendly chatter and enjoy your beverage. You may even be able to get in on a round of dominoes.

CHECK OUT THEME NIGHTS

Cabarete is known for its nightlife. Karaoke, live music, trivia, Latin dance - there’s something going on every night of the week! Theme nights are an especially fun option when you’re flying solo for an evening out on the town.

GO TO LOCAL EVENTS

See a poster for a local event? Attend! Artisan markets, music festivals, watersports competitions, Cabarete is all about community events. If something is going on in town, chances are, all of the local people will be there!

AFTERNOONS AT LA BOCA

Where the river meets the sea is the place to be! Take the Jungle River Cruise leaving from the neighboring town of Sabaneta or head down the long, sandy road at the entrance to Camino Del Sol to get to La Boca. Enjoy an authentic Dominican lunch at Wilson’s Restaurant and swim in the cool, brackish water of the Yasica river. This spot is a favorite of local fisherman and advanced kiteboarders alike.

NIGHT FISHING

Venture out onto the beach after sunset and you’ll likely find quite a few locals fishing for their daily catch.

IMMERSE YOURSELF

The best way to feel at home is to completely immerse yourself in the local culture. Develop and use your Spanish language skills as much as possible. Dominicans are fun, friendly and extremely patient and many people will enthusiastically help you learn new words and phrases. Dominican culture is outgoing and inclusive and it’s commonplace to acknowledge everyone when entering a business or just walking down the street. A simple “hola” or “buenas” and a friendly wave goes a long way in becoming a part of this wonderful community.

PHOTO AMY S. MARTIN LOCATION LA BOCA

PHOTO JIANCA LAZARUS

LOCATION ENCUENTRO

PHOTO FRAN AFONSO

Moving to Cabarete?

More people from all over the world are calling this beautiful country home. Since the early 1990’s, the population of Cabarete has tripled, growing from a small beach town with just a few hundred people to a thriving beachside community with thousands of residents and tens of thousands of visitors every year.

Whether you’re a snow bird or planning to make Cabarete your permanent home, here are some important things and pro-tips for making the move.

PHOTO FRAN AFONSO

Making Cabarete Home

One of the things that makes Cabarete a great place to live is the diversity. In this little town, you’ll make friends with people from all walks of life from all over the world! The town has developed rapidly over the past 20 years and there’s a wide variety of housing, food and activity options available for all income levels. Whether you’re living a life of luxury or balling on a budget, making Cabarete your home is affordable for anyone. From economical shared living spaces to apartment complexes with all the amenities, small quaint homes to sprawling estates, Cabarete is for everyone!

General Safety - Cabarete is a small, friendly town, but as with any place, it’s important to keep your wits about you as you would in New York City. In general, be aware of your surroundings and stay in well light, populated areas after dark. Everything is pretty casual here so be mindful about flaunting expensive items or drawing attention with large amounts of cash.

The road is by far the most dangerous thing in the Dominican Republic. Always use extreme caution when crossing the street and look both ways several times before you step out. Many of the traffic signals are newer and not always strictly obeyed. Follow the rules of the road, but also be observant of other drivers and pedestrians!

Traveling in the Dominican Republic - From beautiful beaches to scenic mountains, bustling cities, five star resorts and incredible natural wonders, there’s so much to experience in the Dominican Republic. If seeing more of the country is something you would like to do, heading out on a road trip is an epic way to explore your surroundings.

Renting a car is easy and affordable and can usually be done on short notice. Driving can definitely be an adventure all in itself, so if you’d prefer to leave it to the professionals, hiring a driver is highly recommended. For all of our road travel needs, we go with JoJim Tours, a trusted local family owned and operated business that’s been shuffling around the children at The Mariposa DR Foundation for years.

Heading to the big city for a bit? Caribe Tours or Metro Bus departs several times daily from their stations in Sosua. The coach buses have all of the amenities for a comfortable ride but definitely bring a sweater as air conditioned Caribe Tours or Metro buses are known to be one of the coldest places on the island.

PHOTO JIANCA LAZARUS

LOCATION MILLENNIUM RESORT & SPA

PHOTO JIANCA LAZARUS LOCATION SOSUA BAY

Grocery Shopping & Eating Out

You can find pretty much anything you would at home in Cabarete. From fresh produce stands to dry goods to meat, dairy and seafood, pretty much everything is available either locally or imported from all over Europe and the United States.

Between the produce trucks and fruit stands, local colmados and the two main supermarkets in Cabarete, Janet’s and La Rosa, your needs should be covered. If you’re looking for a specialty item, head just 15 minutes west to the neighboring town of Sosua where you’ll find some larger stores with an even greater selection.

Cost of Living - Depending on your preferences, your dollars can go a long way here in Cabarete. You will be able to afford many of the luxuries you might not be able to in your home country. Things like regular childcare, home help, eldercare, and personal care services can easily become a part of your regular lifestyle. Fresh food, transportation and entertainment are extremely reasonably priced.

One of the best parts about living in Cabarete is the food! In this little town there are more than 50 different restaurants serving up globally inspired cuisine. From fine dining to fast casual and bar food to local specialties, you will never get bored of the food options in town. You may also find that eating out is much more affordable than it is in your home country. Frequenting your favorite local restaurants is one of the best things you can do to keep the Cabarete economy thriving!

DOÑA LUZ , ALWAYS AT HER FRONT DOOR WITH A SMILE.

PHOTO FRAN AFONSO

PHOTO AMY S. MARTIN

LOCATION BLISS RESTAURANT

ALEJITO, A CABARETE ORIGINAL. PHOTO FRAN AFONSO

Fitness & Recreation

Of course Cabarete is a water sports lover’s dream. However, if being on a board out on the water isn’t your thing, there are endless ways to keep your body moving while visiting or living in Cabarete.

Cabarete has a number of gyms and fitness studios offering every kind of fitness class you can imagine. Yoga, tennis, dance, boxing, martial arts, spinning, weight lifting, functional training and more. There are also a number of fitness professionals in town that offer private studio or in-home services. However you like to get moving, you’ll have plenty of options here. Of course, there’s always a swim or a long walk on the beach. Can’t beat that.

Health Care

Whether you are traveling back and forth or making Cabarete your permanent home base, knowing where to get care is extremely important! The closest full service hospital is Centro Medico Cabarete (CMC) which is about a 10 minute drive west of downtown, just before the town of Sosua. This modern facility with multilingual doctors and staff are well equipped to handle most of your primary care and emergency needs.

If you have US health insurance, most things will be covered through submitting a claim. Dominican health plans are also extremely affordable. Although most out of pocket costs are extremely lower than they may be in your home country, it is still recommended for nationals of other countries to have a travel insurance plan to cover any medical needs that may arise in the country.

Child & Elder Care

Kindness and care are deeply embedded in Dominican Culture. This is one of the best countries to raise small children or to bring your older relatives who need inhome care. From a young age, Dominican girls are often called upon to be the main caregivers in their families. Many grow up in multigenerational homes, taking care of younger siblings and aging relatives and bring this same attentiveness and loving energy to their work. Full time care positions are highly sought after jobs and hiring help at a fair wage is likely way more affordable than your home country.

PHOTOS AMY S. MARTIN

Cabarete Beach Houses Select of Nanny Estates are an insider tip for all water sports enthusiasts. Kitesurfers will hardly find a more suitable location for their sport in Cabarete. You can set up your kite in their meadow and start immediately. Of course, every guest has his own free storage. But the Cabarete Beach Houses offer much more. The facility is designed in such a way that you can relax perfectly. The gardens and the breathtaking view of the Atlantic Ocean are also unique.

PHOTO FRAN AFONSO

Insurance & Legal Needs

Buying a home or a car? Starting a business?

Navigating the process in a different country can be overwhelming. There are some great local professionals to turn to for all of your insurance and legal needs. We recommend Gratereaux Delva & Associates, Guzmán Ariza and Guido Perdomo to assist you with your affairs. For home, car or business insurance, contact Angie Wolff at Seguros Universal.

Buying Real Estate Ready to invest?

There is no MLS (multiple listing service) in the Dominican Republic so to find what you’re looking for, the options are to look online, become familiar with an area on your own, or choose a professional, knowledgeable real estate agent to expertly guide you through the entire process of finding your dream home.

PHOTO AMY S. MARTIN

Education

There are some wonderful options if you have school aged kids. For elementary school, our top pick is 3 Mariposas Montessori. Founded by US educator and longtime Cabarete resident, Sarah Ludwig-Ross, 3MM has a brand new, gorgeous indoor/outdoor campus that serves children ranging from infancy to 12 years old. The International School of Sosua and ISLA Academy offer international, student-centered education for pre-k through high school.

Planning to relocate with your family?

PHOTO AMY S. MARTIN

PHOTO FRAN AFONSO

PHOTO MARTÍN PENNER

PHOTO AMY S. MARTIN

PHOTO SEBASTIANO MASSIMINO

Communication

Cell phones and Internet access - Whether you’re working remotely or just need to stay in touch, technology and wifi access are widely available. Most restaurants and businesses have free internet and it’s easy to get your residence set up with a high speed connection.

If your residence already has internet access, but you want your own network or to be able to connect on the go, mobile hotspots are easy to purchase. Stop into Altice in the Ocean Dream Plaza for all of your wireless communication needs.

If you’re looking for fiber optics in your home in Cabarete, Cable Del Norte is the place to go.

Get on WhatsApp - WhatsApp is a messaging app that uses the internet to send text or audio messages and make phone or video calls. It’s attached to your phone number and much cheaper than traditional phone plans that include text messages. Communicating through WhatsApp is the norm in the Dominican Republic and the majority of individuals and businesses handle most communications using this platform.

From making appointments to ordering takeout from a local restaurant, you’ll likely find that WhatsApp is the best way to get in touch! The best part - you don’t need a local Dominican phone number to use it and it works all over the world!

PHOTO JIANCA LAZARUS

Retirement

In the past decade, the retiree community in Cabarete has grown exponentially, making this town a wonderful place to spend your golden years. Many people are on a fixed income and the lower cost of living affords many a more comfortable retirement than in their home country. Aside from the obvious benefit of living so close to the beach, Cabarete offers an active and engaging social life, tons of ways to stay physically active and many volunteer opportunities for retired professionals to put their invaluable skill sets to good use.

Meet Sherry Herdman

Longtime Mariposa Volunteer

Sherry is a retired nurse practitioner, originally from upstate New York, who now spends most of the year at her home here in Cabarete. Sherry’s volunteer work at Mariposa for the past ten years has been a true gift. She has been instrumental in founding our successful sewing program, mentoring several girls to create income for themselves as well as supporting them in pursuing higher education. Sherry has generously donated so much of her time and talent to Mariposa that she’s affectionately known as our fairy godmother!

“I am old enough to have experienced gender discrimination in school and in the work place. As a result I have become a strong believer in women’s rights. Working with the Mariposa girls inspires me and makes me want to do more to make a difference. Collaborating with the leaders of Mariposa is inspiring, invigorating, and emotionally rewarding.”

- Sherry Herdman

PHOTO FRAN AFONSO

PHOTO AMY S. MARTIN

Bringing your Pets

Bringing your pet overseas can be a difficult, costly process depending on the animal. However, leaving your furry friend behind while moving to the Dominican Republic can be hard for many families to imagine. With careful planning, veterinary care and consultation, and frequent monitoring of guidelines (outlined by the US CDC), it is possible. It is highly recommended to thoroughly research both travel to AND from the Dominican Republic, because returning a pet back to your home country can be equally, if not more challenging than entrance into the country.

Once your pet safely arrives on the North Coast, there are various veterinarians that are qualified to continue recommended care. Several of the local offices carry quality pet food and products that you may be looking for. Online networking platforms are a great way to learn about the local resources to ensure a safe, successful experience for your pet.

Shipping

Whether it’s shipping your belongings, a container for your business ordering a few things off of speedy online delivery services, shipping to and from the Dominican Republic can be confusing and costly.

Timeless Studios, CPS and EPS are two trusted companies that can help streamline the process.

PHOTO FRAN AFONSO

“If we keep producing and failing to properly dispose of plastics at predicted rates, plastics in the ocean will outweigh fish pound for pound in 2050.” - World Economic Forum

PHOTO SEBASTIANO MASSIMINO

If we do nothing else, reducing the use of disposable plastics is the single most important thing we can individually do to combat climate change.

People across the globe are using 20 times more plastic in the past 50 years. In fact, by 2050, it’s estimated that if we stay on this same path, we’ll be making triple the amount of plastic stuff as we did just ten years ago!

The problem is that plastics are forever here to stay and about a third of it ends up floating in the ocean or in the stomachs of birds and other sea creatures. That’s about 8 million tons of plastic per year or five bags of plastic for every foot of coastline in the entire world.

This is a problem that none of us can afford to ignore. Here are some simple steps we all can take to do our part in keeping plastic out of our oceans. It’s the seemingly small, every day decisions that make a huge impact!

• Say no to plastic straws. Order your drinks “sin sorbete” and sip directly from the glass.

• Fill a reusable water bottle to take on the go If you can avoid using 1-2 water bottles a day, imagine how that adds up!

• Think twice before you grab that plastic bottle of soda. Perhaps there’s a drink in a glass bottle or paper carton that would be just as refreshing.

• Picking up food to go? Bring your own tupperware! Many restaurants in town would be happy to box up your order in a reusable container. You will definitely see this in practice when picking up sushi at Yamazato in Ocean Dream Plaza

• Notice the restaurants committing to sustainable materials and give them your business! Many establishments are choosing to spend a bit more money on eco-friendly disposables to help protect the environment. Cabarete Coffee Company, Gorditos Fresh Mex, Natura Cabana, Fresh Fresh, The Beach Club at Sea Horse Ranch, Bliss and Blue Moon are a few of our favorites on the list.

ECO-BRICK BUILDING AT THE MARIPOSA DR FOUNDATION

Eco-bricks are made by filling plastic bottles with thin single-use plastic materials like plastic bags, chip bags, wrappers, etc. and densely stuffed to form a singular object as hard and dense as a brick.

Plastic is a material that never decomposes. It’s critical that we find ways to repurpose this material in constructive ways. Ten years ago, the team at The Mariposa DR Foundation worked with a group of volunteers from Lawrence Academy (Groton, MA) to construct a prototype.

Once again The Mariposa DR Foundation is at the forefront of environmental awareness and change in our community. With our eco-brick project, we have, with the help of our community, prevented over 4,000 pounds of plastic and trash entering the sea!

More than 9 years ago we worked together with volunteers on a proto-type sustainable construction project with eco-bricks at a local preschool. We are now taking this project full circle as the Mariposa girls motivate our community members by teaching them about this amazing, local resource. And we’re cleaning up the environment at the same time!

PHOTO CIOLKO ARTS

Our environmental activism group led workshops about how to create eco-bricks (stuffing trash into 16oz plastic bottles) and how we plan to use them in building at the Mariposa Center for Girls. To motivate community members to get involved, the Foundation offered 25 pesos per bottle for those that passed quality control tests.

Community members from all walks of life with a driving spirit of entrepreneurship came with their eco-bricks. We were overwhelmed with the incredible response and it is safe to say that this has been the most massive single-use plastic clean up in the neighborhoods of Cabarete ever! (Possibly the entire island!) We surpassed our original budget and goal of 2,000 bottles and ended up receiving over 4,000 bottles total.

With the completed eco-brick bottles we first created a bench prototype using about 500 bottles. With the rest of the ecobricks we began the the construction of a music/art space at the Center.

PHOTO JIANCA LAZARUS

PHOTO AMY S. MARTIN

PHOTO CIOLKO ARTS

Investing in Girls’ Education

PHOTO FRAN AFONSO

The Most Important Cause of our Time

When Mariposa was founded in 2009, girls in Cabarete were regularly missing school, some behind as much as 50% in attendance, and very few over the age of 12 were involved in any activities outside of their home. This is the norm for poor girls all over the world.

Girls miss out on school and other opportunities for many reasons. They are often kept at home to take on necessary caretaker roles within their families. As they get older, the uniquely female obstacles they face get even more complicated - no hygienic way to deal with menstruation, no safe way to get to school. The odds are stacked against them, but when you remove these barriers and stay laser focused on helping them navigate their unique challenges, everything changes.

Investing in girls’ education yields the highest returns in the world.

The Mariposa DR Foundation treats girls as their own unique demographic. Amazing programs for both women and children often exist in poor communities, but the problem is that girls don’t fit neatly into either of these groups. Girls kept at home miss out on programs for children and young girls who become mothers aren’t quite women yet. This leap from childhood to motherhood does not make room for crucial developmental stages. It’s a catch 22 that Mariposa is solving with incredible results.

The Mariposa Center for Girls in Cabarete is a beautiful sanctuary where girls from the local community have a safe space to learn and grow. The organization has a “whatever it takes” approach to helping girls and their families navigate the unique challenges they face in accessing quality education, health services and support.

After 13 years, the results speak for themselves.

In Cabarete, it’s becoming normal to see Dominican and Haitian girls finishing high school, going to college and delaying early marriage and childbirth. It’s no longer exceptional to see them out on the ocean doing watersports, participating in community building events, taking on leadership positions in local businesses and advocating for their peers, their families and themselves.

PHOTOS AMY S. MARTIN

Why Investing in Girls Yields the Highest Return

PHOTO AMY S. MARTIN

1. Poverty is cyclical. The number one indicator of whether or not a child will live in poverty for the rest of their lives is if their mother lived in poverty. Educating a girl transcends generations, resulting in better health outcomes among women, their children and eventually their grandchildren. If we can change the trajectory of a future mother, we can change everything.

2. Educated girls give birth to fewer, healthier babies. A girl with 7 years of education marries 4 years later and has 2.2 fewer children. More educated future mothers means less boys and girls born into poverty. Educated mothers keep their kids in school and seek out additional opportunities for advancement.

3. Girls’ education is key to solving the climate crisis. Women and girls are disproportionately affected by climate change. In natural disasters, more women die and rates of domestic and sexual violence skyrocket. STEM education gives girls the knowledge to respond to the changing resource landscapes to deal with things like food and water scarcity. Educated girls make valuable contributions to their communities, increasing everyone’s resilience to climate shocks.

THIS IS STARTING TO FEEL NORMAL IN CABARETE BECAUSE FOR 13 YEARS, THE MARIPOSA DR FOUNDATION HAS BEEN WORKING TO CHANGE THE TRAJECTORY OF GIRLS

BORN INTO POVERTY.

After 13 years, Mariposa has made great strides here in Cabarete. The results are tremendous, especially in the second generation of girls that have entered our programs in the last few years.

WHEN GIRLS ARE EDUCATED AND EMPOWERED, THE BENEFITS ARE WIDESPREAD, TRANSFORMATIVE AND LONG-LASTING.

PHOTO FRAN AFONSO

But What About The Boys?

PHOTO AMY S. MARTIN

Cabarete is a town where watersports rule. The local economy is nearly entirely dependent on tourism. If you walk the beach or sign up for some kitesurfing lessons, all of the local young adults working in the industry are male. In this town, opening up the doors for more girls to lead in the world of watersports changes the game for everyone - girls, boys, families, business and the entire community.

When a family lives in extreme poverty, parents often have to choose which of their children will get the privilege of attending school. For most, the obvious choice is their sons. Boys are seen as more capable of earning income because it’s just safer for them to exist. They’re not at risk of early marriage or childbirth. All poor children deal with obstacles but boys have an inherent advantage.

Girls, however, are uniquely capable of changing everything. When a girl is educated, empowered and employed, she will have fewer, healthier children when she’s ready, earn income that she will invest back into her family and ultimately break the persistent cycle of generational poverty in her family. If children keep having babies, nothing will ever change.

Keeping girls in school, equipping them with real world business skills and empowering them to go against the norm requires highly specialized programming, tailored to their unique needs. This is where 100% of the focus is at Mariposa. Why? Because, if there ever was a silver bullet to solve generational poverty, this is it.

We also recognize that educating and empowering girls is about working with boys too. Inspiring boys to protect and champion the girls and women in their communities is essential to our success, which is why we partner with organizations like Inspire DR and 3 Mariposas Montessori and many local businesses. Together, we create an ecosystem for girls to thrive, resulting in a better, healthier community for us all.

POVERTY IS HARD FOR EVERYONE, BUT IT’S HARDEST FOR GIRLS.

PHOTO AMY S. MARTIN

PHOTO FRAN AFONSO

SOCIAL ENTERPRISES

of The Mariposa DR Foundation

PHOTOS JIANCA LAZARUS

Our mission is to create sustainable solutions to end generational poverty by educating girls to become empowered young women and inspire the international community to join the global movement.

A key component of our sustainable solutions are a variety of income generating social enterprises, owned and operated by the organization, such as the magazine you’re reading right now. These businesses maximize our profits while maximizing benefits to the local community and the environment. These profits are principally used to fund programs to help girls and young women lead their families out of poverty.

Social businesses are critical to our success in a number of ways.

Self-sufficiency - We are grateful to be supported by many generous donors as well as our social enterprises. Our longterm goal is to be at least 80% self-sustaining through our income generating activities. This means that our leader-

ship can spend less time on fundraising and invest more energy into programs, significantly reducing our overhead costs.

Employment opportunities and job training - Having our own businesses means that we can provide job training programs and employment opportunities for many of our older girls and oftentimes family members. More than 50 young women have worked in our businesses over the years, helping them get a jumpstart on their journey to becoming financially independent which is the key to avoiding early marriage.

Amplifying the global movement - Social initiatives, like this magazine, provide a platform for us to build support for the global movement to educate and empower girls. Participants in our community-engaged learning opportunities (where volunteers build relationships with our program participants) are able to feel and see firsthand how the work we do together changes lives.

Cabarete Coffee Company

Located at the entrance of Bahía de Arena, next to Ultravioleta, just west of downtown Cabarete, you’ll find an unassuming roadside cafe. Cabarete Coffee Company is owned and operated by The Mariposa DR Foundation, serving full breakfast, salads, sandwiches, smoothies and an array of coffee drinks made with the finest organic, shade-grown coffee you can find on the island.

Choosing organic coffee is one of the most important things you can do to protect the country’s largest watershed at the base of Pico Duarte where coffee is typically grown. The coffee shop is a favorite hangout for locals and tourists alike to enjoy great food, friendly faces and learn more about how to support local women and girls. The restaurant also serves as a training ground for Mariposa program participants interested in pursuing a career in hospitality.

PHOTO JIANCA LAZARUS

PHOTO FRAN AFONSO

Cabarete: Responsible Tourism and Investment Guide

Written, photographed and published by the staff and a small group of dedicated volunteers, the CABARETE magazine is full of stunning images and informative articles all about visiting and living on the North Coast of the Dominican Republic. Advertising space is invitation only, highlighting the local businesses that hold themselves to the highest standards in environmental sustainability and are committed to making Cabarete and the neighboring towns a better place to live and work for all.

Mariposa Upcycled Sails

One sailor’s trash is another woman’s treasure. Mariposa Upcycled Sails, a collaboration between The Mariposa DR Foundation and 11th Hour Racing, is repurposing retired boat sails by turning them into useful products, keeping thousands of yards of nearly indestructible fabric out of local landfills. The sails are collected by 11th Hour Racing and given to The Mariposa DR Foundation where local seamstresses transform the discarded sails into backpacks, pencil cases, cosmetic bags and reusable shopping totes. The products are then sold locally at Cabarete Coffee Company, providing income for the women making them and funds to grow Mariposa’s environmental education programs.

PHOTO AMY S. MARTIN

PHOTO JIANCA LAZARUS

Finca Alta Gracia

Gifted to Mariposa by our honorary chairwoman, famous Dominican-American author, Julia Alvarez, Finca Alta Gracia is an organic farm spanning over 230 acres high in the mountains above Jarabacoa.

The property is at the start of the most important watershed on the island, offering an incredible environmental education and stewardship opportunity. We currently produce coffee, macadamia nuts, citrus, bamboo and a variety of other commodities that are used to supply food for our programs, ingredients for Cabarete Coffee and bring in income for local farm workers and for our second campus, The Mariposa Mountain School.

PHOTOS FRAN AFONSO

Book Series

The Mariposa Primeros Lectores book series is an innovative, Dominican-centered approach specifically designed for the new reader. These culturally relevant early readers were developed by the staff and program participants at The Mariposa DR Foundation. Together, we have raised more than $30,000 US Dollars to distribute the books in local schools across the North Coast of the Dominican Republic.

Eco-Heroes and Our Oceans are two environmental education workbooks created by Mariposa program participants that are available for purchase or bulk order at Cabarete Coffee Company

.

Community Engaged Learning

Our Community Engaged Learning programs are full educational programs that you can trust that will also make a positive and sustainable impact on our local communities. One of the best ways to inspire people to join the global movement to empower girls is to invite them to work alongside them.

If you want to support long-term, meaningful projects where they are needed most, volunteering comes at a cost. Our dedicated staff at Mariposa takes great care in developing projects that are safe and worthwhile and providing 24-hour on-site care. The fees cover the cost of the project, additional labor needed as well as provide safe accommodations, food, transportation and full logistical support.

PHOTO AMY S. MARTIN

PHOTO SEBASTIANO MASSIMINO

PHOTO SEBASTIANO MASSIMINO

EAT LIKE A LOCAL

African, Spanish, Taíno, and Middle Eastern flavors come together to make up traditional Dominican dishes. You’ll often hear the Dominican Republic being referred to as the “bread basket” of the Caribbean because most locals grow, farm and catch almost everything they eat.

PHOTOS AMY S. MARTIN

PHOTO MARK TUSCHMAN

PHOTO FRAN AFONSO

PHOTO AMY S. MARTIN

SANCOCHO

Nothing says family time like a big pot of Sancocho on a Sunday.

This traditional stew is made with a variety of meats like chicken, pork and beef, local roots like yuca and batata, and thickened with a puree of cooked vegetables like squash or carrots. It’s perfect for a celebration or large gathering and it’s very common to see locals enjoying sancocho on the beach or river as they spend the day hanging out with family and friends. Sancocho is served with white rice and avocado.

If someone invites you for sancocho, you should feel incredibly special.

Fun fact: It is considered to be a hangover cure!

LOS TRES GOLPES - THE QUINTESSENTIAL BREAKFAST OF

THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Mangú (maan-goo) is a popular local dish made of boiled green plantains mashed with a combination of butter or oil and salt. The origin of boiled mashed plantains can be traced back to the Africans from the Congo region who were brought to the island during the slave trade. The term “mangú” is derived from the word “mangusi” which refers to almost any boiled and mashed root vegetable.

Traditional Dominican mangú is commonly served alongside fried eggs, fried cheese and fried Dominican salami. This traditional hearty breakfast dish is called Los Tres Golpes or “the three strikes.”

You can find Mangú at Dick’s Bakery in downtown Cabarete.

PHOTO AMY S. MARTIN

PORTRAIT: RAMONA FROM DICK’S BAKERY BY FRAN AFONSO

LA BANDERA A TRADITIONAL LUNCH

La Bandera Dominicana, or “The Dominican Flag,” is the national dish that’s served for lunch throughout the entire country consisting of rice, beans and meat - usually stewed chicken or “pollo guisado.” A fresh salad, avocado, and fried plantains are often served on the side to round out this hearty meal. Every Dominican family has its own way of preparing this universal dish and you’ll find it as a staple on most restaurant menus. Many Dominicans eat this for lunch every single day. Don’t leave the country without trying it!

MOFONGO

Plantains are a staple all across the Caribbean and they are the star in this traditional Dominican dish. Classic mofongo is made with fried, mashed plantains mixed with garlic paste and chicharrón (crispy pork skin). Variations include beef stew or vegetables, shrimp, seafood, mixed with the mofongo or served on the side. This tasty dish is most commonly found in authentic Dominican restaurants and traditionally served in a pilón - the bowl-like part of a mortar and pestle. If you see it on the menu, give it a try!

PASTELITOS

Empanadas and pastelitos are not unique to the Dominican Republic. Nearly every Spanish-speaking country has them in some form. In the Dominican Republic, people enjoy these delicious pockets of baked or fried dough filled with chicken, pork, beef, cheese, seafood, vegetables and sweets for parties or as a late night snack food. Pastelitos are also a common street food. In Cabarete, at the entrance to the Callejón De La Loma Neighborhood, you’ll likely see many school kids or people on their way to work in the morning grabbing one filled with ham and cheese or an egg for a portable breakfast on the go.

“Pollo Guisado” traditional chicken stew.

PHOTOS AMY S. MARTIN

HABICHUELAS CON DULCE

An authentic Dominican dessert, habichuelas con dulce (or sweet cream of beans) is made with beans, milk, coconut milk, sweet potato (batata), raisins and spices. It’s a soup-like, creamy dessert that’s served with little cookie biscuits during the Lenten season. Reserved as a holiday tradition, it’s one of the foods locals most look forward to for Easter!

MORIR SOÑANDO - A WELCOME DRINK

A delicious and refreshing drink, Morir Soñando is typically offered to guests to welcome them into your home. The literal translation of the name is “to die dreaming” and this creamy, dreamy drink of milk, orange or chinola (passion fruit) juice, cane sugar and crushed ice is absolutely craveable.

PHOTOS AMY S. MARTIN

LECHON

Spit roasted suckling pig is the ultimate holiday feast! The slow charcoal roasted pork is eaten for special occasions like weddings, important family gatherings and holidays like Christmas or New Years. This very special meal takes hours to prepare and many families save up to enjoy it just once a year. This traditional holiday meal represents festivity and community and it’s definitely not an everyday food.

If you’re invited to a pig roast, it’s a true honor!

This crispy pork skin from the pig roast is called “cuerito.”

PHOTO AMY S. MARTIN

LOCAL SEAFOOD & FISHING

If enjoying some fresh seafood is high on your list during your time in the Dominican Republic, here are some things you should know!

LOBSTERS “LANGOSTA”

Since 2010, there’s been a strict ban on lobster fishing from March 1 to June 30 during lobster breeding season. These delectable crustaceans were suffering from overfishing and needed an intervention to bring the population numbers back up to a sustainable level. During the breeding season, it’s against the law to capture, process or possess lobsters at any time. Violators can face fines up to $50,000 USD and up to ten years in prison! Delicious Caribbean spiny lobsters can be freely enjoyed between July and February so plan accordingly.

FRESH FISH

Mahi mahi (dorado), tuna, grouper (mero), snapper and an occasional wahoo is what’s most commonly found fresh on local menus.

If you’re not a big game fisher, there’s still plenty to catch in the shallow waters. On shore fishing can be the perfect adventure for a beginner or family looking to catch just enough to have a fresh sea to table dinner including snook, snapper, bonefish, grouper and bonito.

Many of these you will now find year round, but these are the general seasons when they are abundant.

• Pineapple

• Banana

• Coconut

YEAR ROUND

TROPICAL FRUITS

The Dominican Republic is heaven for fruit lovers. Any time of year you can enjoy a bounty of fresh, ripe, sweet tropical fruits. For the most part, everything that’s grown locally is in season year round, but there are a few you want to enjoy when the time is right.

Bani, located on the South coast just west of Santo Domingo, is the mango capital of the Dominican Republic. This town is famous for large green and red mangoes called Banilejo. Every year, a mango festival is held in Bani attracting thousands of visitors to taste all kinds of mangoes!

SEASONAL

• Dragon Fruit

• Guava

• Passion Fruit

• Papaya

• Sapote

• Carambola (Star Fruit)

Aug - Nov

• Cherimoya Jun - Aug

• Oranges Jan - Apr

• Grapefruit Jan - Apr

• Guanábana Jun - Sept

• Limes Nov - Apr

• Limoncillo Nov - Apr

• Mango Apr - Oct

• Tamarind Nov - Mar

• Watermelon Mar - May

PHOTOS AMY S. MARTIN

LOCAL

WO M A N

ON THE RISE

PHOTO AMY S. MARTIN

In 2020, Evelyn Barrientos Sanchéz was on vacation in Miami when she received a phone call from a homeowner in Sea Horse Ranch, here in Cabarete. He said he had a job for her managing a new villa. She had been managing villas here for 25 years and was a bit perplexed, so she didn’t think much of it.

The following day, she received another phone call from a different homeowner, Rita Abinader, asking her “What? You don’t accept phone calls from the president of the Dominican Republic?”

The homeowner trying to recruit her for the position was newly elected president Luis Abinader and that villa he was referring to was Gregorio Luperón International Airport in Puerto Plata.

Evelyn is the first female head of customs operations at an international airport in the Dominican Republic. She is also the friendly face welcoming visitors upon their arrival. A confident, hardworking and dedicated businesswoman, Evelyn is the powerhouse ensuring that one of the country’s busiest airports runs safely and efficiently.

Evelyn is Dominican, born and raised in New York, and arrived in the country in 1990 to manage her father’s water sports business. At the time, the industry was rapidly growing on the North Coast of the Dominican Republic and she was the first woman to have jet ski rentals on Sosua Beach.

Five years later, she got into the real estate and property management business with John Bommarito and Bill Kirkman at Sea Horse Ranch. She attributes much of her success to their mentorship.

Working alongside the Kirkman family in real estate management, she learned everything about interacting with foreign investors in the Dominican Republic. Her unique combination of talents and earnest personality made her the perfect candidate for managing the day to day challenges of the comings and goings of nearly 400,000 visitors per year.

As a businesswoman and mother of two, Evelyn’s philosophy is simple:

Evelyn’s best advice for travelers entering the Dominican Republic:

• Yes, you have to fill out the online forms to enter and leave the country. Doing it before you arrive at the airport saves everyone a lot of time.

• Pay attention to the items and cash limits you’re allowed to bring into the country. Be honest about your customs declarations. Integrity is key.

Did you know that there are 7 international airports in the Dominican Republic?

ILLUSTRATION GIULIA PINNA

ACCOMMODATIONS

Blue Moon 809 757 0614

El Magnifico 809 571 0868

Kite Beach Inn 809 490 5517

Millennium Resort & Spa 809 571 0407

Natura Cabana 809 571 1507

Lifestyle Holidays Presidential Suites 809 970 7777

Ultravioleta 829 931 5555

Velero Beach Resort 809 571 9727

Villa Taina 809 571 0722

REAL ESTATE & RENTALS

Cabarete Real Estate 809 764 5649

Cabarete Villas 809 571 0370

Diamond Coast Properties 809 817 6706 / 849 354 0144

Haciendas El Choco 809 571 3372

L’Agence 809 571 0999

Select Cabarete Beach Houses 849 876 4533

EDUCATION

3 Mariposas Montessori 829 913 8439

InspireDR 849 869 1980

International School of Sosua 809 571 3271

ISLA Academy 809 571 4633

Mariposa Center for Girls 809 571 0610

E MBASSIES & CONSULATES

Canada 809 586 5761

France 809 695 4300

Germany 809 542 8949

Norway 809 563 2555

Spain 809 450 2222

Switzerland 809 533 3781

United Kingdom 809 472 7111

United States 809 567 7775

Gratereaux Delva & Asocs. 809 571 9785

Guzman Ariza 809 571 2880

Seguros Universal 809 571 3451

CEMEDIN 809 571 9520

Centro Médico Cabarete 809 571 4696

Centro Médico Bournigal 809 586 2342

Diagnóstico Médico Dra. Mayans 809 571 0861

Clinic Abreu (Santo Domingo) 809 688 4411

CPS 809 571 1811

EPS 809 571 0668 TRANSPORTATION Taxi

RESTAURANTS

Ali’s Surf Camp

829 548 6655

Aqua at Millennium 829 927 5611

Beach Club 809 571 4995

Bliss 829 701 7215

Blue Moon 809 757 0614

Cabarete Coffee Company 809 571 0919

El Cocotazo Cafe 829 678 3647

Dick’s Bakery 809 571 0612

Drifter 829 702 2312

100% Pan Bakery 829 424 3355

Fresh Fresh Cafe 809 571 2180

Front Loop 809 571 0848

Gordito’s Fresh Mex 829 844 3434

The Honey Company 809 571 0139

La Cabana 849 880 2023

La Casita de Papi 809 986 3750

Lax 829 745 8808

Le Bistro 809 868 0595

Mojito Bar 809 571 9327

Pizza & Spaghetti House 809 571 0108

Pomodoro Pizza 809 571 0085

ROMA Restaurant 809 571 9481

Serenade 809 571 0578

Tuvá 809 571 0526

Vagamundo Coffee & Waffles 809 739 3081

Victor’s at Velero 809 571 9727

Voy Voy Bar Restaurant 809 571 0805

Wilson’s La Boca Restaurant 809 667 1960

Yalla 829 927 5611

Yamazato 809 571 0814

ACTION, SPORT S & ADVENTURES

AGK Kite School 829 639 4491

Big Air Kite 809 866 1754

Buena Onda Surf School 829 877 0768

Cabarete Kite Point Kiteboarding 829 252 3417

Carib Wind 809 571 0560

Chino Surf School 829 887 5164

Dominican Fisherman 809 613 4177

DR Adventures 849 274 2363

ION Club Cabarete 809 603 7720

Kayak River Adventures 829 305 6883

LEK Kiteboarding School 809 571 0564

Monkey Jungle 829 554 2425

Ocean Academy 809 986 6454

Pauhana Surf School 829 573 2240

Vela Windsurf Cabarete 809 571 0805

Vibez Fitness & Martial Arts 829 887 5164

321 Take Off Surf School 809 963 7873

SPA

Andari SPA

809 851 9399

Natura Cabana SPA 809 571 1507