I don't think Cabarete's floundering, it's transforming. And don't forget, a $150 a night 2 bedroom condo split 2 ways is still a bargain at $75/night per room. Two couples, 1000 square feet new condo? That's a nice & attractive deal.
This time of year is historically slow... but it seems to me more people than usual are here right now.
Keep in mind, Cabarete has spread out more - especially during the day. A lot of people that 6 or 7 years ago would've been in the center of the bay windsurfing are now out near Kite Beach during the day. They still head into town at night.
This past Monday (or Tuesday night) I went into town for dinner about 8:30pm. Almost impossible to find a parking place. Restaurants had very nice crowds. However... by 10:30, the beach was pretty empty and the streets as well. Had it been a Friday, more would've stayed after dinner.
Last night, good crowds for April on the beach until closing time at 3 a.m. Still a few people in the streets at 4 a.m.
There's a different crowd these days, more families and couples in their 40's & 50's that are coming to enjoy the tranquility & comfort of the new condo offerings. They appear to cook in the condos some, but also go out.
The kite crowd tends to be more affluent also; many stay in some of the nicer condos during their trips. Kiting's not a cheap sport.
Restaurants are probably better and more varied than ever before. More condos, more locals with jobs to maintain them, and thus more money recirculating in the community. There are hotels, restaurants & even kite schools paying RD$40-50,000+ per month for administrators.
Those that come to surf, kite, and live day to day are still able to continue to do so. They're just doing so on 15% tips on a 1000 peso dinner instead of 15% tips on a 500 peso dinner.