The town they are located in . . . Sos?a . . . has seven beaches along ten kilometers of coastline.
Just sayin.............
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A lot of businesses closed in Sosua
The town they are located in . . . Sos?a . . . has seven beaches along ten kilometers of coastline.
Just sayin.............
And none of them on the doorstep of this resort. *The only thing I can imagine is that they will run some sort of free shuttle to and from the beach for the guests.
If I was looking to book a Caribbean vacation, a beachfront resort would be one of my criteria. *Although not everyone's high priority, I reckon it will have to be pretty spectacular to make up for having no beach access.
I know 185 people who are now receiving a steady salary for the first time in a long time, for some, years.
In about two months 200 more people will be gainfully employed with full time jobs. They will be working for a company that is currently investing millions of dollars in one of the largest projects to be developed in Sos?a in DECADES. Each and every one of those employees will be registered with the government, receiving contributions to their worker's pension fund (SVDS) and labor risk insurance fund (SRL). They will also be entitled to paid vacation and paid "sick leave".
Nobody is representing that even one job loss is insignificant, especially if you are the person who has lost their employment.
The hundreds of people to soon be gainfully employed are also significant.
Too many negative posts, I think it is great these guys making such a large investment in Sosua, I wish them well. It is a sure sign that those who are serious and would like to make a go of it, don't really care much about mongers and chicas (still) walking the streets here, that is just used as an excuse by a minority to advance their own agenda in the town.
I have seen a few resorts like this around the world, so called sports/health resorts, and no, they don't need a beach (if that is what they are setting up to offer). They need a very good gym, good pool, quality food and accommodation. Those who pay very high price to stay in these establishments like to workout extensively, eat healthy food and then relax by the pool and kind of cleanse and re-build for a week or two and go back.
They mostly never leave the resort and don't care much about outside, kind of want to switch off and concentrate on themselves and on their health. May be a trip or two around the area but not much. This is still a very nice development for Sosua as it employs many locals who subsequently create indirect employment and businesses in the town.
Build them and they will come - not close and meddle in businesses and then assume somehow they appear.....!
I have seen a few resorts like this around the world, so called sports/health resorts, and no, they don't need a beach (if that is what they are setting up to offer). They need a very good gym, good pool, quality food and accommodation. Those who pay very high price to stay in these establishments like to workout extensively, eat healthy food and then relax by the pool and kind of cleanse and re-build for a week or two and go back.
They mostly never leave the resort and don't care much about outside, kind of want to switch off and concentrate on themselves and on their health. May be a trip or two around the area but not much. This is still a very nice development for Sosua as it employs many locals who subsequently create indirect employment and businesses in the town.
Build them and they will come - not close and meddle in businesses and then assume somehow they appear.....!
We used to “own” at a Five Star Time-Share in Orlando Florida.
No Beach.
We would go for two weeks.
First 3 nights in a Motel 6 (maybe 3 stars) and all day, with the Kid, at Disney World, Universal.
Then 7 nights enjoying the Resort's 5 pool areas. No traveling, just relaxing.
Then 3 nights in a Motel 6 (maybe 3 stars) and all day, with the Kid, at Disney World, Universal.
I can see Ahnvee Resort & Sports working, but they can't charge as much as a similar resort with a Beach.
They could explore more “active” excursions.
They have to be early morning or the heat and humidity will kill these Northerners.
Like...
-Cycling (if the can find a circular route on quiet roads)
-Runs/Walks following the 10K Marathon route (lots of signage would be nice for Nubees)
I do this most mornings and never see any Police, this would have to change.
In early afternoons...
-spelunking (not walking into a cave for a quick look) in local caves.
-Tubing down a river (if they can find a clean one)
If the afternoons...
-one arm liquid lifting (Beer)
No Beach.
We would go for two weeks.
First 3 nights in a Motel 6 (maybe 3 stars) and all day, with the Kid, at Disney World, Universal.
Then 7 nights enjoying the Resort's 5 pool areas. No traveling, just relaxing.
Then 3 nights in a Motel 6 (maybe 3 stars) and all day, with the Kid, at Disney World, Universal.
I can see Ahnvee Resort & Sports working, but they can't charge as much as a similar resort with a Beach.
They could explore more “active” excursions.
They have to be early morning or the heat and humidity will kill these Northerners.
Like...
-Cycling (if the can find a circular route on quiet roads)
-Runs/Walks following the 10K Marathon route (lots of signage would be nice for Nubees)
I do this most mornings and never see any Police, this would have to change.
In early afternoons...
-spelunking (not walking into a cave for a quick look) in local caves.
-Tubing down a river (if they can find a clean one)
If the afternoons...
-one arm liquid lifting (Beer)
Correct, none of them on the "doorstep". However the "beach access" they will be providing is unprecedented here in Sos?a. ALL SEVEN of Sos?a's beaches are within three or four kilometers of their "doorstep". The hotel guests will have direct access to those beaches as well as the beaches of Cabarete, provided by exclusive private shuttles.
A beachfront resort is certainly nice. Having access to several beaches, some with their own exclusive areas for AHNVEE guests with hotel services and amenities INCLUDED, and FREE, SAFE, INSURED, GUARANTEED, PRIVATE, EXCLUSIVE transportation to those beaches, as well as the airport and the Amber Cove cruise ship terminal, in brand new luxury vehicles, is also very nice.
Sos?a has only two actual "beachfront resorts", neither of which offer the experiences which will soon be directly provided by the AHNVEE Resort.
The AHNVEE Resort's demographic is active adults, seeking a Caribbean vacation including adventure, fine dining and relaxation.
If their guests desire, in addition to their on-site services, they will have access to Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, Sailing, Deep Sea Sport Fishing, Private Yacht, Kite Surfing, Wind Surfing, Horseback Riding, Hiking, Golf, ATVs, etc., all included, arranged and provided, for a personalized experience, by the AHNVEE staff.
This is the type of resort that should have been set up in Cabarete. The demographic it is directed toward is suited there more than geriatric Sosua.
I hope it works for the sake of the locals. It just seems like it is in the wrong area of the wrong town.
It's the beginning of changes for Sosua like it or not... Their been counters did the math...Hence start of clean up my of area... Opinions are like a$$holes everyones got one... If they do succeed everyone will prosper and more copy cat resorts will pop up values go up ... Casa Linda is no where near water yet it thrives and charges good and now electricity is extra so even more... A smart man once told me with bad things good things happen!
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Cryptic, man. Cryptic.
And my favorite thing is to sit here in my RD$12,000 apt. and read all of these posts with an open bottle of decent red wine and my fingers all crusty from a bag of Ruffles Queso.
Some things about Sosua will nevah, evah change.
Several years ago I posted about some of the differences between Cabarete and Sos?a. Since some posters in this thread are of the opinion that Cabarete and not Sos?a would have been a better choice for the AHNVEE property, perhaps another look is in order. After speaking with several people involved in the development of the AHNVEE project, I know that many of the factors I mention below went into the final decision to choose Sos?a as the location for the resort.
Cabarete has very little infrastructure compared to Sos?a. What is actually Cabarete is a four square mile, narrow stretch of the north coast starting at playa Encuentro in the west and heading east for about 3-1/2 km. What can be considered it's "residential" community is on the southern side of RT.5, which is the ONLY main thoroughfare.
Most of what is considered Cabarete is concentrated along this one main highway. The north side, is pretty much one long continuous beach with hotels and condominiums spread along the 3-1/2 km shoreline, with many kite and wind surfing companies as well as beach bars, small discos and restaurants grouped together on a 3/4 km area in the center. The main road separates the beach side of Cabarete from the more "residential" side. This 3/4 km strip has the main "businesses" of Cabarete; hotels, condos, restaurants, gift shops, bars, several banks, pharmacies, car rentals, a taxi stand, and what could be considered the only "supermarket", Janet's.
This is the main highway of the north coast, so at times the traffic and parking are absolutely unbearable. One large truck double parked on the main street, which happens more often every day, can stop traffic dead. And there are NO alternate routes. And at some points this road is less than 25 meters from the ocean. I always wondered what a direct hit from a very strong storm not to mention a hurricane would do to this area. It is all built on the sand beach in front of RT5. In certain areas with no more than a few meters separating the Atlantic Ocean from some of the buildings along RT5.
On the south side of RT5 are the few "residential neighborhoods" which make up Cabarete including Pro Cab, Callejon de la Loma, and La Cienega.
The beach is spectacular for windsurfing or kite surfing but at times rough surf makes swimming difficult and even dangerous. It is very wide open and has little protection. It affords no place for morring a boat whether large or small as there is no protection and usually rough, shallow surf. Therefore there are no sportfishing or diving facilities directly on Cabarete's beach.
At night the small stretch of beach is open with restaurants, bars, discos, and at times live entertainment on the beach till the early morning hours.
This is Cabarete's fort?. During the day kite or wind surfing, and a long stretch of uninterrupted beach with constant east winds blowing especially in the afternoon. At night a small stretch of beachfront with bars, restaurants, small discos, and sometimes some live bands and entertainment.
Unfortunately, apart from the Lifestyles resort soon to open, Cabarete has been looking a little depressed. Before the economic downturn, many condominiums and projects were planned and started, several were completed but many remain "in progress", stalled, stopped or completely abandoned. The "Fountains", "Ocean Club" and that stretch of overgrown land that has been abandoned for years that was to be the "Amber Dune" project, to name a few.
Sadly, a little while back, the heavily publicized "Nikki Beach" Bar has disappeared as quickly as it appeared. Once being heralded as nothing less than the "Second Coming" as far as Cabarete was concerned, it has disappeared faster than cotton candy in a monsoon. The Ocean Sands casino has now been closed for years with what is now a wall of tin sheets surrounding what was once the fountain in front, and cracked glass doors at the front entrance to it's deteriorating structure facing the main highway. A huge for sale sign announces to all it's current status.
Perhaps Cabarete has seen it's best days or perhaps it's just a setback in an overambitious market, time will tell. Cabarete's main drawback is it's limited infrastructure. It really is only this strip along the beach and not too much more. And while the kite/windsurfing, and beachside restaurants and several condos are nice, where else is it going to go. Right now, nobody knows, perhaps "Lifestyles" will help, but ultimately it is just more hotel rooms.
I'm going to start off with what Sos?a ISN'T. Sos?a ISN'T it's constantly maligned "Strip" or "Downtown" area of the famous or infamous Calle Pedro Clisante. Unfortunately this 100 meter section of street has deteriorated into the equivalent of New York City's "Times Square and 42nd Street" of the late 1970's. This is why it has become the focus of so much attention lately. Santo Domingo ordered a "clean-up" of the area with the directive coming from the "attorney general" of the country, hopefully, over time, it will be successful.
Here is what Sos?a IS, and some of the things that ultimately help influence the planners and developers of the AHNVEE Resort project to choose this specific town after considering other locations close by.
Sos?a is diverse and sprawling with many different "neighborhoods" and communities. Starting in Puerto Chiquito from the west, to Perla Marina in the east including the culturally diverse areas of Los Castillos, Maranatha, Sosua Abajo, La Uni?n, Los Charamicos, Pueblo Nuevo, Los Ceros (Spectacular Mountainv views of Sosua Bay and the Ocean), El Batey, La Mulatta, El Choco, Terramar Estates, Villas Ana Maria, Ocean Village, Playa Chiquita, Sea Horse Ranch, etc.
All diverse neighborhoods where the over 30,000 local Sos?a residents live. With all the residential homes, winding streets, local businesses, schools, parks, playgrounds, baseball fields, basketball courts, etc.
Sos?a has several diverse and separate beaches along it's shores. Starting in the west is Playa Pescador (Los Charamicos), Playa Sosua, Playa Alicia (Waterfront), Playa Casa Marina, Playa Imbert, Playa Chiquita and Playa Encuentro.
At the end of Playa Pescador is the Association of Fishermen of Sos?a which has a small building where the local fisherman arrive daily and sell their FRESH fish, which are available right there or will soon be sold around town by several local vendors.
Playa Sos?a is a naturally SHADED, palm tree lined beach surrounding a protected bay with five sportfishing boats permanently anchored there and a catamaran and smaller fishing and pleasure craft right off shore. Normally the water is very calm and swimming is generally very safe.
The other beaches along the shore each offer their own diversity of experiences from complete serenity for diving and fishing close to shore, to the constant entertainment of bars, restaurants, gift shops, diving and fishing centers, catamaran excursions, banana boat rides, etc. With a little exploration you have quite a variety and many choices.
For transportation Sos?a has both a Caribe Tours station with direct service to Santiago and Santo Domingo as well as a Metro station also with direct service to Santiago and Santo Domingo, unfortunately Cabarete has neither. There are four centralized taxi stands throughout the town itself. And the International airport is only four miles to the west.
Sos?a's educational opportunities are even more diverse, with many private accredited schools such as Garden Kids, International School of Sosua, New Life School, Sosua Learning Center, Colegio Luis Hess, Colegio Evangelico Ebenezer, Colegio Evangelico Fuente De Luz, and Hope for Tomorrow School. As well as the many public schools from El Batey to Los Charamicos, to Sosua Abajo, etc.
Sos?a also has three public parks: Las Flores Park, next to Sos?a Bay Hotel/Casino with facilities for families with children (slides, swings, monkey-bars, and sand-based play area) and host to many cultural events and live entertainment. Central Park, in the center of town with enclosed gazeebo and benches. And the Parque Mirador, overlooking Playa Alicia and the ocean, with a SPECTACULAR view of the sunset behind Puerto Plata. People come daily at sunset just to take pictures and videos of the sun setting behind the mountain in Puerto Plata, somewhat reminiscent of the famouns Key West, Florida sunsets.
Sos?a has two open and functioning casinos. The Sos?a Bay Casino and Convention center adjacent to the Bellamar and Victorian House Hotels. On the second floor is a ballroom/convention center which hosts sporting events such as live professional boxing as well as diversified live entertainment including concerts, plays, fashion shows, etc On the third floor is a full-service gymnasium, two squash courts and a complete wellness center. All available to the permanent residents of Sos?a as well as all the tourists.
The second casino is Playa Chiquita Casino which is open and currently undergoing a complete renovation and expansion including hotel and condo facilities and a late night discoteque..
Sos?a is full of many other amenities including but not limited to:
Multitudes of restaurants way too numerous and diverse to go into very specific detail. From Pica Pollo to all the international cuisine you could imagine. And some of the most spectacular ocean-front dining in several restaurants located right on the oceanside cliffs along Sos?a's shores including La Puntilla de Piorgiorgio, Waterfront, Portofino, Michael's, Victorian House's Bourbon Street, etc. All on secluded cliffs right on the water's edge, not on a beach with tourists walking by and vendors and stray animals walking between the tables.
Three full-service gymnasiums, the Platinum Gym above the Sos?a Bay Casino, Golden Park Gym and Fitness Center off the main road and Gold's Gym in Sos?a Ocean Village with adjacent swimming pools and large aquatic park for children.
Many "well-stocked" supermarkets including Playero (grande), Playero (peque?o), Super Pola, Supermercado Sos?a, Productos Sos?a, Super-Super, etc.
Many banks including: Banco Popular, Banco de Reservas, Banco Progresso, Banco Leon, Banco Santa Cruz, La Nacional (AACyP). All within walking distance.
One of the better medical facilities on the North Coast - CMC Medical Center. Also within walking distance from many of Sos?a's neighborhoods.
Culture - Jewish History - Jewish Museum and one of only two synagogues in the Dominican Republic, Dominican Art Museum and the Casa de Arte in front of the Las Flores park..
Ultimately, the greater diversity of infrastructure and multitude of nearby facilities and services that Sos?a has to offer is what made it more attractive and appealing to the AHNVEE developers. And since AHNVEE will have their own exclusive private areas, with full resort amenities included on BOTH beaches, it was obviously better to anchor the property in Sos?a.
It's a great write up and description. It's exactly my perspective on both Sosua and Cabarete. Sosua is definitely a unique and charming small city with many great attributes.
With all due respect, living in Florida, I've seen so many charming small cities fall to a single application of development that turn it from a very unique town to just the same homogeneous suburban development that you can see all across the United States. Florida has been practically paved with suburban neighborhoods. I travel extensively throughout the United States for my work, and I'm always amazed by how homogeneous and similar towns and cities have become. If it wasn't for the climate or geological features, I couldn't tell most cities apart.
Certainly, Sosua could benefit from either a larger expat population, more traffic, or both. It looks like many of the businesses are just barely making it or have some other source of income (expat pensions, money laundering, etc) or something (stubborn grit) to keep them going.
Sosua definitely has something special and I hope that it can negotiate the twists and turns to maintain that uniqueness and even market it effectively. It's an experience for potential tourists looking for more than the all inclusive experience, and it certainly stands alone. I don't know of another place like it.
PS - I purposely left out the prostitution. It's a conundrum and everybody has their own opinion. It's also full of conflicting business goals which are both near term (survive the slow season) and long term.
That's all well and good, NY-Dr Commuter. But what I - and many others- like is the unique character of Sosua. This comment has nothing to do with prostitution, but the overall honky-tonk-ness of the town. There are not many locations like this left in the world.
I grew up on the north coast along Lake Erie in Ohio. We had an island with the same honky-tonk flavor. Sadly, big business has taken over. Charm disappeared and money ruled. When the rich discovered this charming island, they put their dollars into it, and in doing so, removed the culture and made it a destination where the rich take their yachts to get drunk and do what they cannot do at home. And now, it is no longer a simple honky tonk island, but a money making machine.
I want the North Coast to be a destination. I own investment property here. I, like other investors, want the area to succeed.
But I don't want it to succeed at the sacrifice of its culture and charm. And I don't want it to be a place where money rules.
Lindsey
I grew up on the north coast along Lake Erie in Ohio. We had an island with the same honky-tonk flavor. Sadly, big business has taken over. Charm disappeared and money ruled. When the rich discovered this charming island, they put their dollars into it, and in doing so, removed the culture and made it a destination where the rich take their yachts to get drunk and do what they cannot do at home. And now, it is no longer a simple honky tonk island, but a money making machine.
I want the North Coast to be a destination. I own investment property here. I, like other investors, want the area to succeed.
But I don't want it to succeed at the sacrifice of its culture and charm. And I don't want it to be a place where money rules.
Lindsey
As a fellow investor I feel the exact same way. Sosua reminded me of the Jersey coast when I was a child. I don't see El Batey changing to much as far as getting over developed. There isn't the open space to really change the character. Just my opinion
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Good post but have you ever been to CMC....if this is one of the better medical facilities, God help us.
Yes I have my kid was in CMC a week(except they raped my insurance company)...nothing but good things to say... Your obviously passionate about Sosua Ramesses so are all of us ...if new *resort fails then what are we going to say ? Watch Sosua crumble ? New Resort is lifeline not savior...