Activities
For many of our guests the most strenuous
activity may be the daily trek to the beach, a convenient ten
minute walk down the hill. Others will borrow our bicycles
to explore the surrounding countryside or to take a picnic
lunch to some secluded cove. More adventurous types will want
to spend a day exploring the local points of interest. A boat
ride to Cayo Arena, an island not far off the shore, is a very
popular activity.
While the area has a number of points
of historic interest including La Isabella, Columbus’ first
outpost in the New World, most
guests come to experience Dominican Hospitality at its best.
Even if you do not speak much Spanish you will find the local
people friendly and entertaining.
La Isabella
La
Isabella First Settlement
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Columbus's first trip to the Carribean in
1492 resulted in an ill-fated settlement that was destroyed
by the Indians before he returned a year later. La Isabella
was where he decided to set up his second base in 1493. While
little of the original still survives, there is an interesting
museum and you can clearly see how the town was laid out. The
drive from Ensenada takes only about 45 minutes and provides
an interesting opportunity to explore the countryside. Clearly
there are not many places that afford a similar experience
to connect with such an important part of our heritage.
Guayacan
Tree |
Of
special interest at La Isabella are the Guayacan trees. Not
only do they look like overgrown Bonzais, but the wood is incredibly
dense, making some of the heaviest wood on the planet. You
will find a collection of items crafted from this unusual wood
for sale on the grounds of the settlement.
 
Cayo Arena
One of the most memorable aspects
of a trip to Ensenada is the boat ride to Cayo Arena, a small
island about two miles off the beach. Not only does the
half hour ride to the island provide you with an appreciation
for just what an undeveloped and beautiful part of the Coast
of Ensenada is, but the experience of arriving at a small island
in the middle of the ocean always evokes a unique thrill. There
is nothing quite like closing in on a cluster of thatch huts
seemingly floating on the open ocean. Do not be put off
by the boats that have preceded you; there is plenty of natural
beauty for for all to enjoy, especially once you start exploring
the reef teeming with tropical fish.
Cayo Arena
Eating Out
We are often asked if there are places to
eat out. The answer is yes. Just don't expect an
urban or typical resort experience. Most guests enjoy
the relaxed environment of the beach casitas and inevitably
return to Dona Juana's, which is number 38. For those
who want to venture a little further, there are some very reasonable
restaurants in the local town of Estero Honda and La Isabella. The
fact is that no matter where you choose to eat, there will
be plenty of food at very reasonable prices.
The Town of La Isabella
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