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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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    Bus News

    Luxury bus service Vonlane adds new departure from The Woodlands

    Teresa Gubbins
    May 12, 2025 | 2:45 pm
    Vonlane seats
    Courtesy of Vonlane
    Comfy Vonlane seats.

    Texas travelers have a convenient new route to check out thanks to Vonlane: The Texas-based luxury motor coach service is adding a new daily service between Dallas and The Woodlands, starting on June 13.

    This will be a second Houston-area destination from Dallas: Vonlane already offers service between Dallas and downtown Houston, which hits the Hyatt Regency at 1200 Louisiana St., eight times per day starting at 6 am. The ride takes 3 hours and 45 minutes.

    According to Vonlane founder and CEO Alex Danza, The Woodlands has been a much-requested route.

    “The Woodlands area has been our most requested geographic addition for several years, so we’re thrilled to announce this expansion, our 10th destination on our 11th anniversary,” Danza says. “Bringing our elevated bus service to suburban areas is a strategic priority as we seek to relieve the hassles of driving and air travel for our passengers and better meet them where they live, work, and play.”

    The new service brings a convenient nonstop route to and from the northern fringe of Houston — The Woodlands, Spring, Cypress, Conroe, Montgomery County, and northern Harris County.

    Buses have 22 first-class leather seats, ample workspace, complimentary Wi-Fi, and an onboard attendant offering premium cabin service with snacks, meals, and beverages included.

    Schedule
    Beginning June 13, The Woodlands-Dallas route will offer the following departures:

    • Monday, Thursday, and Friday: 6:15 am, 10:15 am, 2:15 pm, and 6:15 pm – departing both The Woodlands and Dallas
    • Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday: 10:15 am and 2:15 pm – departing both The Woodlands and Dallas
    • Saturday: 9 am: departing The Woodlands
    • Saturday 1 pm: departing Dallas

    The ride takes 3 hours and 15 minutes.

    Terminal Locations & Hotel Partners
    The new dropoff point for the Woodlands service will be at Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Center, 1601 Lake Robbins Dr., The Woodlands. According to Danza, The Woodlands Waterway Marriott offers easy access to I-45, ample parking, and high-quality accommodations, IE a nice waiting area.

    It'll go to Dallas' established stop at Doubletree Love Field, 3300 W. Mockingbird Ln.

    The new route offers proximity to major employers in the area such as Alight Solutions, Baker Hughes, Chevron Phillips, Entergy, ExxonMobil, Hewlett-Packard, Houston Methodist, Huntsman Corporation, Lone Star College, McKesson, Memorial Hermann, Occidental Petroleum, St. Luke’s Health, and Texas Children’s.

    Visit The Woodlands president Nick Wolda says in a statement that The Woodlands is a popular destination for Dallas residents.

    “Visit The Woodlands is excited to welcome Vonlane to The Woodlands Waterway Marriott and Conference Center. This first-class amenity is a fantastic addition to our vibrant community, perfectly designed to elevate the travel experience,” Wolda says. “The Woodlands is the go-to destination for trips from the DFW area—whether you're a corporate conventioneer, a Pavilion concertgoer, a college student coming home, or a weekend shopping trip with friends. With this new service, getting to and from The Woodlands has never been easier or more enjoyable!"

    Fares are a flat rate of $125 for one-way trips with advance purchase. No taxes, baggage fees, or change fees apply. Rates increase with less than seven days’ notice and within 24 hours before departure.

    Fares include complimentary Wi-Fi, snacks, meals (on select routes), and non-alcoholic beverages. Alcohol is available for purchase. Tickets can be booked at www.vonlane.com.

    Vonlane was founded in 2014 and offers more than 475 weekly departures across 10 destinations. Routes operate in Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Plano, San Antonio, and The Woodlands, Texas; between Atlanta, Georgia, and Nashville, Tennessee; and between Nashville and Memphis.

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