I go to the Viva Tangerine in Cabarete every day. IMHO, it's a pretty nice place. Staff is very friendly and the beach/water is beautiful.
You are about a 10-15 minute walk down the beach to the 'touristy' area. Lots of restaurants, shops, bars, nightlife all right there. You can also take one of the ever-present taxis to this same location, not sure of the price, but it isn't much.
Gas station across the street, supermarket very close (not that you'll need it).
Sosua 12-15 minute drive away. Lot's of restaurants/night life there... pretty much EVERY thing you might be looking for.
Meals are less than 500 pesos, even at the touristy places. (I like "Lax" right there on the beach.)
Beer varies by bar (and sometimes bartender) at night. Not sure of the price.
Lot's of kite boarding in that location.
Also... check with guest services but over the last two weeks, they have been giving guests with flexible schedules a FREE (and I mean free no strings attached with free transportation) 3 day 2 night stay extension at either of the other two Viva resorts on the North Coast.
Let me know if you need anything more specific.
Tim