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    Travelin' Man

    The most unique hotel in the world? This remote Dominican Republic getaway is in the running

    Stephan Lorenz
    Stephan Lorenz
    Jan 18, 2014 | 9:58 am

    Traveling can be pretty straightforward: A) pick the destination B) figure out how to get there, and C) find appropriate accommodations. Sometimes things can be even easier when the accommodations are the destination, leaving just the transport logistics to worry about.

    One hotel, tucked away in a rarely visited corner of the Dominican Republic, falls definitely under the destination in itself category. In fact, I would describe a stay here as a whole experience.

    Better yet, it is easily accessible, though literally lying at the end of the road. And mere mortals can afford it.

    There are no packaged tours, no spa, no sauna, no flat screen TVs.

    There is no star rating system here, it’s just incredible. While masses of tourists flock towards the all-inclusive resorts of Punta Cana, Bayahibe and Dominicus Americanus (no joke that is the actual name), it’s possible to find an authentic escape in the Dominican. The second largest island in the Greater Antilles has much more to offer than beach resorts.

    The majority of tourists have never heard of Los Haitises National Park and few care what lies beyond packaged hotel tours and cordoned beaches, but anybody with a desire for unique experiences and in search of special getaways must visit Paraiso Cano Hondo.

    There is no swim up bar here. There is no loud music, dancing, or entertainers. There are no buffets or all drinks included. There are no packaged tours, no spa, no sauna, no flat screen televisions.

    But there is a quiet restaurant serving delicious and filling local food. There is peace and quiet among lush hills. There are excursions to nearby caves, containing Taino pictographs and boat trips to remote beaches.

    For the adventurous, there are walking tours into the national park, where rugged trails wind past otherworldly karst mountains covered with rainforest. And while there is no typical swimming pool, there are a series of natural pools and waterfalls formed by a river pouring from the hills. The stream flows right through, past and around the hotel grounds, leaving nothing but the sound of rushing water.

    It is no even necessary to head on an excursion, just immerse in the cool waters and then walk up the hill to enjoy grandiose views all the way to Samana Bay. After two or three days of relaxing, a boat tour to the bay provides some of the best whale watching in the world during the winter season.

    Paraiso Cano Hondo blends comfortable accommodations with the environment. Natural rock decorates every wall and corner of the buildings, hiding much of the hotel against a backdrop of vertical limestone cliffs. Detailed woodwork in the rooms, small balconies, walkways and bridges accentuate the tranquil and native experience. During the day, the hotel reminds visitors of scenes from Lord of the Rings, think Rivendell. At night, dozens of small lights make it look like Hobbiton, except doorways and stairs are human sized of course.

    Visitors are an eclectic bunch, with Dominicans and Europeans lounging in the restaurant or returning happily from trips. Nearly everybody we spoke to, including us, wanted to extend their stay.

    Getting There

    Let’s get back to point B) here. While Paraiso Cano Hondo lies at the end of literally two roads, it is still fairly easy to get here. First, the potholed pavement terminates in the nearby town of Sabana de la Mar and then the rough dirt road winding past pastures and hills comes to a cul-de-sac in the hotel grounds. Anywhere beyond, it’s either on foot, by boat, or on horseback, all great options to explore the hilly country, bays and rivers of Los Haitises National Park.

    There is peace and quiet among lush hills.

    The town of Sabana de la Mar is best accessed by rental car or small bus from the south via the large town and transport hub Hato Mayor. The roads in the region are winding and sometimes potholed so budget enough time, but the overall distances are short and it is worth the effort. Another option is by sea, hopping on the daily ferry across the bay from Samana, a town well connected to the capital, Santo Domingo.

    From the sleepy seaside town of Sabana de la Mar, it’s only five miles along a dirt road to the hotel. Motorcycles or taxis can easily take travelers there. Stay a few days, make sure you dip into every pool, go for a hike, explore the caves and most of all enjoy the peace and tranquility away from it all.

    Waterfalls suffuse the hotel grounds with the sound of rushing water.

    Stephan Lorenz unique hotel in Dominican Republic January 2014 Waterfalls suffuse the hotel grounds with the sound of rushing water
      
    Photo by Stephan Lorenz
    Waterfalls suffuse the hotel grounds with the sound of rushing water.
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    news/travel

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    Texas traditions

    5 essential tips for tubing on Texas Hill Country rivers this summer

    Jef Rouner
    May 27, 2025 | 1:30 pm
    Floating the Guadalupe River is a quintessential Texas summertime activity.
    Floating the Guadalupe River is a quintessential Texas summertime activity.
    Floating the Guadalupe River is a quintessential Texas summertime activity.

    Tubing is one of the ultimate summer activities in Texas. Floating down the Guadalupe or Comal rivers while enjoying the scenery and the cool water is a perfect way to spend a hot afternoon. Thousands of people travel to New Braunfels, San Marcos, and the San Antonio area every year to tube, but it's not without dangers, rules, and guidelines that should be observed by regular tubers and newcomers alike. Here are five essential tips to heed before you set off down the river this summer.

    Disposable food and beverage containers are illegal
    The image of a Texan bobbing down the river with a six-pack of beer in a floating cooler might be emblematic of the state, but it's also no longer legal in New Braunfels. The city's Disposable Container Ordinance is in full effect, and those who break it risk a $500 fine. The ban includes aluminum cans, plastic water bottles, fast food containers, napkins, and anything designed to be thrown away after a single use. Instead, tubers should use insulated bottles, reusable food containers with snap-on lids, and canteens. Keeping the rivers clean from trash is how future generations will get to enjoy tubing.

    A reminder: beer bongs do not count as reusable drinking devices.

    Do not bridge jump
    Yes, we know Steve-O jumped off a River Walk bridge in 2014 and was more or less physically fine, but he was very lucky. The rivers are only a few feet deep in some places, and may have sharp rocks lurking just below the surface. It's illegal to bridge jump, and it can cost a $500 fine if you do it. Steve-O faced several criminal charges for his stunt. Only enter the river at safe docking points.

    Consider a professional tubing company
    Legally, you can tube down any river and launch from all public access points. That said, tubing can be dangerous for weak swimmers or the inebriated. The best way to ensure your safety is in numbers and with good equipment provided by professional tubing companies. Several are around Central Texas rivers, including Texas Tubes, 444 Tubing Company, and Texas State Tubes. Better yet, they offer shuttles to get you back to your car after the tubing is done.

    Make sure sunscreen's waterproof
    River water is colder than a Winter Olympic judge's heart, but that doesn't mean the sun is not still something you need to be wary of. Climate change means hotter summers and brighter days in Texas, and the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) reports sunburn and other sun damage to skin is on the rise, particularly in younger populations. Unprotected skin and eyes can result in painful burns and even skin cancer. Make sure you bring sunglasses, hats, and waterproof sunscreen.

    Waterproof your electronics
    It's an age of social media clout, and what looks better on Instagram than an idyllic float down a river? Capturing that perfect video is not worth losing your devices and polluting the river. Invest in floating, waterproof cases, and get a lanyard so they can tube on down the river themselves if you drop them. Just as many theme park accidents happen when guests wander into dangerous areas looking for dropped items, splashing after a device in a panic is a good way to make potentially deadly mistakes. Plan ahead, and a trip on the river can be much safer and more fun.

    guadalupe rivercomal riverwatersportssummer activitiesnew braunfelstubing
    news/travel
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