Where the locals go

Often times, when we are craving a beach day and don’t want the expense and hassle of a weekend away, we will go to Juan Dolio, a nearby beach town frequented by Dominicans. The coast of Juan Dolio is host to a few resorts, namely the Barcélo Resort, as well as several private clubs. Since all of the beaches in the Dominican Republic are public, you are free to use the beach access of almost any resort or club, so long as you don’t use the services.

My personal favorite spot is Club Hemingway, which is right next to the Barcélo Resort. I certainly wouldn’t recommend this as a great place to go if this is your only beach experience on the island (seriously, go to Bayahibe – it’s much nicer and only about an hour further), but it works for an afternoon in the sun and water.

To get there, take an express gua gua* from barrio chino (Chinatown) and tell the driver that you want to get off at the Barcélo Resort. From the road, you will see a sign that reads, “Club Hemingway” with an arrow pointing down the street. Follow the street as it curves left past the Barcélo Resort and enter through white gates that are just past the Barcélo gate. This will lead you into a long, slat-covered hallway to the beach. You can go left to Club Hemingway or right to Barcélo beach front. Either direction is about the same, although you might have more luck finding shade at the Barcélo.

(Note: photos are not from the location described, but are from a separate trip to Juan Dolio.)