For those “into” any kind of surfing, Cabarete on the north shore of the Dominican Republic is the place to be. Whether seeking a number of hot breaks or some world-renown kite and windsurfing, this is the place to visit.

Five minutes from the center of town is Playa Encuentro with five separate breaks and a host of surf shops that provide equipment and lessons, if needed. On any given day, one can find surfers from all over the globe here. The entire north coast has a number of hot spots ranging from beach breaks to reefs with top-to-bottom barrels.

In the afternoon as the wind comes up, Cabarete Bay is filled with kite and windsurfers. People return here year after year for the wind and ideal conditions. There are also a number of other local activities like horseback riding on the beach or in the mountains, kayaking, canyoning, radical zip lines, and more.

In the middle of Cabarete Bay sits the four-star Villa Taina. The hotel itself is adorned with images and objects from the original island inhabitants, the Taino Indians. Acommodations are available for all individual needs ranging from a standard garden room to an ocean-view penthouse room.

Villa Taina’s beachfront restaurant and bar Serenade offers a breakfast buffet plus international cuisine such as a Mongolian barbeque and Argentinian-style dinners, resplendent with live music. After a wild day in the water, Happy Hour at the bar is a great way to end the day before getting ready for Cabarete’s nightlife on the beach.

Hotel Villa Taina’s motto is “Life has its moments. Make them special.” And the beach here is the perfect place to experience those moments of fun, action and memories.

Hotel Villa Taina, www.villataina.com