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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.

    Paraiso Cano Hondo

    Stephan Lorenz unique hotel in Dominican Republic January 2014 Paraiso Cano Hondo
      
    Photo by Claudia Cavazos
    Paraiso Cano Hondo
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    Riverside Reno

    Fresh makeover turns Hill Country hotel into modern riverside refuge

    Brianna Caleri
    Jun 12, 2025 | 2:36 pm
    Hacienda Del Rio Hotel and Bar
    Photo courtesy of Hacienda Del Rio\u200b
    No matter how cosmopolitan the hotel gets, nothing can beat the trees around this pool.

    After a two-year renovation and rebranding, Hacienda Del Rio Hotel and Bar has opened in Gruene, a historic district within New Braunfels. Formerly the Gruene Outpost River Lodge, the property along the Guadalupe River now has 48 renovated rooms, new outdoor sports like pickleball, and updated amenities at the pool.

    The River Lodge's previous aesthetic was DIY and rustic, but the new Hacienda Del Rio has a much more cosmopolitan, contemporary design. The new look is full of midcentury styles, but with other eclectic elements mixed in. A press release declares the space was "designed in the spirit of Spanish colonial architecture," but don't expect anything old-fashioned.

    Hacienda Del Rio\u200b Hotel and Bar interiorThese earthy tones mellow out an otherwise energetic space.Photo courtesy of Hacienda Del Rio

    Texas-based hotel group French Cowboys was behind this major makeover, which started in April 2023. That puts Hacienda Del Rio in a family with Camp Comfort and The Meyer Hotel in the Hill Country town of Comfort; the Claire Hotel near Canyon Lake; the Gruene River Inn and Heidelberg Lodges in New Braunfels, and Webber East in Austin.

    The Hacienda can accommodate up to 178 guests in a variety of room layouts including kings, double queens, and suites. Bathrooms and showers are new, and rooms are outfitted with smart TVs, plus custom steel doors and windows. Photos of guestrooms, although they are colorful, show off a streamlined sensibility.

    A new clubhouse and cocktail bar draws guests who may not be staying overnight. Coffee and breakfast will be available in the morning, followed by daytime snacks, and finally a full bar in the evening. Anyone who stops by can enjoy beer, wine, and signature cocktails, plus shuffleboard, a pool table, and even some workspace. There will also be a new conference room for presentations, retreats, and more.

    Hacienda Del Rio\u200b Hotel and Bar interiorThis lounge is open to hotel guests and the public.Photo courtesy of Hacienda Del Rio

    Departing from the artsy interior to New Braunfels' beautiful surroundings, guests can play pickleball, beach volleyball, and basketball on a half-court, plus fire pits near the river and kayaks, paddleboards, and floats. River adventures will be facilitated by Paddle Texas, which will offer rentals and experiences. Finally, a renovated pool and deck provide more leisure space.

    “‘Del Rio’ reflects the area’s deep connection to the Guadalupe River, where guests can jump in, float, or just hang out by the water, whether it’s at the river or our pool," said French Cowboys co-founder Dylan Petrich in a press release. "And Hacienda captures our vision of creating a vibrant, social place where people can kick back, enjoy the outdoors, and grab a drink, all in one of the Hill Country’s most iconic destinations, without breaking the bank."

    Rates start at $125 per night, and the food and beverage space is open every day. Introductory rates are available for those who book through December 31, 2025.

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