Travel Series Part 2: Live Like a Local in Cabarete, Dominican Republic

LIVE LIKE A LOCAL IN CABARETE, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

A Photo Essay

We talked a bit last month about our favorite spots for an all girls vacation and thought it’d be cool to tell you more about our top Caribbean destination as part of our Live Like a Local series. The second in the series is brought to you by one of our staple Bikini Empire babes, Gigi Tea - a Dominican Yoga Instructor and mom-to-be who is originally from Miami but now calls Cabarete her home. Below are her best ways to Live Like a Local in Cabarete, Dominican Republic.

Located on the North Coast of Dominican Republic this small 10km stretch of town became a watersports destination sometime in the nineties. Let’s take a moment to imagine those killer high waisted bikini bottoms and underwired tops because man, those were sweet! Years later the town hasn’t grown much and that’s why we love it here so much. You won’t find any franchise businesses in Cabarete so everything has stayed authentic and Dominican. In Cabarete you can fit right in to the local scene pretty easily.

Here’s How to Live Like a Local in Cabarete:

1. Bathe in the Ocean for Hours

What she's wearing: Lattice Top and Classic Cut bottoms in Kelly/Kermit Green

Something you’ll see Dominicans doing pretty much every Sunday along the shores of beaches, rivers, and lakes is sitting in shallow water just sipping on cold beer, rum drinks, or a fresh coconut. It's a great way to tan in your bikini and take in the beauty of Dominican landscapes.

2. Surf at Playa Encuentro

What she's wearing: Boyshorts and Lattice top in Peach mesh/ Old Gold

Every morning the place to be in Cabarete is Playa Encuentro. Watching surfers ride waves as you drink your coffee, stretch, or take a beach walk is not only therapeutic, it’s just plain cool. There’s always the cutest dogs roaming about living their best life free on the beach and the vibe is very laid back.

3. Shop in Dominican Thrift Stores

What she's wearing: High Neck Halter in black

There are a couple second hand stores in Cabarete where you can find gems for less than $5. The more organized air conditioned spot that’s easy for a quick look is Mun2, located right on the main strip. The other is deep in the Dominican neighborhood Callejon de la Loma. There are open air shops and thrift shop gems that are more like huge piles of clothes in the front room of someones house.

4. Get your Nails Done Street Side in the Callejon

Dominican salons are a must-do when in Cabarete. I suggest bringing a friend and a Jumbo Presidente while you wait for your turn, rub shoulders with the local community, and watch people walking by with reckless teens popping wheelies on their motos in the streets.

5. Sit and Drink a Presidente Streetside at a Colmado

This is a pastime that’s as Dominican as it gets. For some reason Dominicans like to watch all the action on the street from the convenience store or gas station with music blaring in the background. As they say, when in Rome!

6. Catch the Sunset at La Boca

La Boca is where the mouth of the Yasica River meets the ocean and here are some of the most gorgeous sunsets Cabarete has to offer. There’s a beach side restaurant that serves authentic Dominican food and fresh local fish. Plan to eat before sunset and walk off the jartura (when you’re extremely full) as you take in the golds, pinks, purples, and blues reflecting off the river, ocean and clouds.

7. Dance all Night then Jump in the Ocean

Dominicans love to dance and the nightclubs in Cabarete are right along the ocean. Wear your bikini under your sexiest dance-proof outfit, have a blast, and end the night cooling down with a dip in the ocean. This is a Cabarete experience not to miss.

Enjoy!