The northwest coast, known as the Amber Coast, is located between two mountain ranges. Punta Rucia has an exceptional climate as it has one of the lowest rainfall densities in the Dominican Republic. The conditions are ideal for beach and adventure lovers. The Atlantic Ocean makes this place even more unique. The temperature of turquoise water never drops below + 250C. This is a dream region with a transparent lagoon, which is inhabited by numerous populations of fish and marine animals.
Diving is one of the main leisure activities. There are enough attractions to get acquainted with the history of the Dominican Republic. Back in 1493, Columbus founded the first fortress here. It is the main historical site for excursions. The Amber Museum in Puerto Plata will allow you to discover magnificent stones, such as those used at the beginning of the Jurassic Park movie. The largest amber mine in the country is located in the Cordillera Norte, between Santiago and Puerto Plata. The name Punta Rusia was also coined by Columbus. In translation, it means “Brown Peaks”.
Hotels in Punta Rusia provide travelers with excellent conditions for living, guaranteeing peace and proper rest. The best of them are presented in this review.
Hotel Sand Bay
The two-storey hotel with spacious balconies and terraces is located near the highway. Transit travelers like to stay here. They are attracted not only by the proximity to the road, but also by a calm private beach with the purest sand. It takes 12 minutes to walk slowly. It is a quiet and welcoming place. On the territory there is a restaurant offering an inexpensive, even by Dominican standards, menu. The chef buys fresh catch from local fishermen every morning, so lobsters, seafood and fish dishes are not only cheap, but also the most delicious on the coast. Parking is available near the entrance.
Small hotels are in demand among tourists coming to Punta Rusia on vacation, as well as among creative people. In such places you can always find where to retire. The hotel rooms have all the necessary furniture, including a guest corner with crosses and upholstered furniture on the balconies / terraces. There is no air conditioning. The building is surrounded by a palm garden. For a comfortable stay, ceiling fans are provided. In the morning, breakfast is served in the American format (eggs, cereals, milk, jam, butter, pancakes). Staff are available to bring food into your room upon request. Guests feel that this is a nice place for their money.
Punta Rucia Lodge
Travelers wishing to spend a holiday on the shore near the beach prefer hotels built in the traditional island style. Lodge “Punta Rucia” consists of 13 comfortable bungalows under a thatched roof with air conditioned rooms and a spacious terrace overlooking the ocean. In the decoration of the premises, natural materials are used, mainly wood. The hotel complex is located in a natural area in the middle of a lush tropical garden. Here everything is designed for comfort, tranquility and unforgettable rest of guests.
The infrastructure of the hotel includes a swimming pool, a restaurant with a terrace, a SPA, a bar. The chef prepares dishes from fresh natural products. It is ready to meet the special dietary needs of all guests, so any special requests are possible even before arrival. These will be taken into account when preparing the menu for breakfast and dinner during your stay at the lodge.
“Great place for a contemplative holiday. From the beach to a small island leads a pedestrian bridge, so you can sunbathe both near the hotel and on the wild island beach. There is also a pier with motor boats. The staff is very attentive, always ready to fulfill any requests.” David, USA
Villa Rosa
This guest house is right on the beach. It is decorated in a rustic style. A continental breakfast is served in the morning. It is covered wherever the guest wants: they can bring it to the room or put a table at the edge of the ocean. La table d’arno Restaurant specialises in French cuisine. Due to the excellent service and ease of communication, the owner managed to win over tourists from around the world. He recently purchased his own boat and set up a tour desk. He himself takes guests to the island of Cayo Arena. There is no vegetation on it at all, but shadow canopies are installed. Those who come to rest in Punta Russia necessarily visit this place to sunbathe and swim in the clear ocean water. A swimming pool is available on site.
Tropic ecolodge
ECO-lodge provides accommodation in 2 rooms of the Suite category. The house is a stone’s throw from the beach. The interior is decorated in colonial style (wooden antique furniture, four-poster beds, wicker chairs, hammocks under palm trees). On the territory there is a round pool, a bar, a sun terrace. In the morning, guests can enjoy a breakfast buffet. The owners focused on the organization of active leisure. They provide bicycles, equipment for snorkeling, suggest interesting hiking routes, help to recover in a kayaking trip or fishing. The hotel is popular for those who want to wake up in the morning to the sounds of the ocean.
“Great conditions! It seems that you are alone on the island. In the morning, coffee and fresh croissants are served right on the beach. The owners are lovely people. They do everything. So that their guests are satisfied with the rest. Interestingly, the shower cabin is taken out of the room. It’s in the open air and it’s very romantic” Katharina, Germany
Paradise Island Beach Resort
Not all hotels in Punta Russia have stars. The exception is the 3-star Paradise Island Beach Resort. It is located on a private beach. It offers family standard rooms and deluxes. They can accommodate companies of up to 6 people. The service includes: breakfast, water sports facilities, laundry, children’s playground. Staff can help arrange fishing trips in the open ocean. The à la carte restaurant is open throughout the day. Breakfast is served in the morning and is included in the room. Parking for private vehicles is not provided.
All of the above hotels in Punta Rusia have their advantages. The owners provide unique conditions for the organization of a variety of leisure activities. Transit tourists traveling by car in the Dominican Republic, it is better to stay at the Hotel Sand Bay. The best conditions for a holiday with children are provided by Paradise Island Beach Resort. The rest are ideal for active and passive recreation on the beach.