Villa Taina boutique resort on Cabarete Beach on the north shore of the Dominican Republic offers late summer/early fall, romantic, 4-night getaways. From September 1st through the 30th the rate is $399. From October 15th through 30th, the rate is $429. Both are per couple with a standard room.

“Our regular rates include full breakfast,” says Claudia Schwartz, owner/manager of the hotel. “But in addition, to introduce clients to the ease of tropical vacationing at our sea-side resort, these specials include dinners at out palm-thatched, open-air, beach-side Serenade Restaurant. Guests choose from a range of local meats and fresh out-of-the-bay seafoods to Italian and other international fare.”

With this exclusive offer, a couple can add a couples massage package “Pamper & Rejuvenate” at the discounted rate of $175. “This is a jewel and quite a deal,”  explains Claudia. It includes a full-body relaxation massage with foot reflexology, a “Facial Radiance” massage, a manicure and a pedicure. After this, a couple is floating on a cloud—perfect when topping it off with a romantic sea-side, candlelight dinner.

Adding adventure to romance is easy from Villa Taina. Not far to the east is Playa Diamonte. Some say it gets its name from the glass-of-water-clear, stream-fed bay in this almost fully-enclosed, circular lagoon; some say from its incredibly clear white sand. The added plus: it is usually deserted on weekdays. The more historically inclined can visit La Isabella. Founded by Christopher Columbus in 1494, it is the oldest European settlement in the New World. It is near Monte Cristi where guests can visit the salt-making flats and a goat cheese factory. Villa Taina is a 57 room and suite boutique resort in the center of Cabarete beach famed for windsurfing, kite surfing and surfboarding.

Villa Taina, www.villataina.com