Cabarete sits on the north coast of the Dominican Republic, offering a relaxed residential beach town atmosphere distinct from the resort-driven character of the south coast. This is a destination favored by international residents, families on long stays, and travelers seeking a more grounded Caribbean experience.
Most luxury Cabarete villas are located within Sea Horse Ranch, a gated residential community known for its privacy, spacious properties, and family-friendly environment. The area attracts a mix of North American and European expats, creating an international community with quality dining, schools, and services.
Cabarete is known for kiteboarding and surfing, but the town offers far more than water sports. The beaches are beautiful, the pace is unhurried, and the area provides easy access to mountain waterfalls, coastal nature reserves, and authentic Dominican culture. This is a place where families settle in for weeks or months, not just long weekends.
Cabarete offers a slower pace than Punta Cana, with none of the all-inclusive resort infrastructure. The town itself is walkable, with local restaurants, cafes, and markets creating a neighborhood feel. The international community means you'll find French bakeries, Italian restaurants, and farm-to-table dining alongside traditional Dominican cuisine.
The beaches range from calm swimming spots to world-class kiteboarding and surfing breaks. Cabarete Beach attracts wind and kite surfers, while nearby Playa Grande offers a long, empty stretch of sand backed by cliffs. Encuentro Beach is the area's main surf spot, with consistent waves year-round.
Beyond the coast, the region offers mountain waterfalls like El Choco and Damajagua, jungle trails, and proximity to the lush interior of the Dominican Republic. The area's natural beauty extends well inland, making day trips and eco-adventures easy to arrange.
Cabarete works particularly well for families. The community is safe, well-established, and designed for residential living. Many expat families live here year-round, and the area has international schools, sports programs, and activities for children. Long-term rentals are common, and villas are designed with families in mind.
Villas in Cabarete are primarily located within Sea Horse Ranch, a 750-acre gated community with 24-hour security, an equestrian center, tennis courts, and beach club access. Properties here offer space, privacy, and well-maintained grounds with mature landscaping. The community sits directly on the ocean, with many villas offering beachfront or ocean-view locations. Favorites inlcude:
Villa Costamar: This brand-new 6-bedroom beachfront villa sits on over 4,600 square meters of coastal property. The contemporary design features wheelchair accessibility, an infinity pool facing the ocean, and a separate guest house. The expansive lawn opens directly to a private beach, while the villa includes a sauna, fire pit, and modern gym. Villa Costamar accommodates up to 12 guests and offers one of the most generous beachfront settings in Sea Horse Ranch.
Villa Shangri-La: Designed by acclaimed Dominican architect Sergio Escarfullery, this 5-bedroom oceanfront estate embodies Mediterranean elegance with 35-foot beamed ceilings and extensive original art throughout. The villa features Mexican terracotta floors, mahogany woodwork, and marble bathrooms. Two guest suites include mezzanines with additional queen beds, allowing the property to accommodate larger groups. A covered terrace and wooden ocean-view deck create spaces for yoga, meditation, or simply watching the Atlantic.
Villa Windsong: This 5-bedroom beachfront estate opens directly onto Laguna Beach through tropical gardens and a lush lawn. The villa features vaulted ceilings with exposed wooden beams, an open-plan interior, and large sliding doors that connect the living spaces to the pool terrace. It includes a beachside gazebo, outdoor shower, and herb garden adjacent to the barbecue grill. Additional features include a home theater room with a large sectional and work desk, high-speed mesh network internet, and a Sonos sound system for indoor and outdoor spaces.
Cabarete is located on the north coast of the Dominican Republic, approximately 25 minutes east of Puerto Plata International Airport. The town sits between the Atlantic Ocean and the Cordillera Septentrional mountain range, roughly three hours from Santo Domingo and four hours from Punta Cana.
Most travelers fly into Puerto Plata International Airport, which is approximately 25 minutes from Cabarete. The airport offers direct flights from major North American and European cities. Private airport transfers can be arranged in advance. Your Rental Escapes Concierge can coordinate transportation and help with rental cars if you plan to explore the region.
Visitors to the Dominican Republic must present a valid passport. Some nationalities require a tourist visa depending on their country of origin. All travelers must complete the mandatory electronic entry and exit form (E-Ticket) before arrival. This digital form combines customs and immigration documentation and can be presented as a digital or printed QR code at the airport.
Sea Horse Ranch is a 750-acre gated residential community on the north coast of the Dominican Republic. The community features 24-hour security, an equestrian center with riding trails, tennis courts, and a private beach club. Properties within Sea Horse Ranch offer spacious lots with mature landscaping, ocean access, and a family-friendly environment. The community is home to many international residents and is known for its privacy, safety, and well-maintained infrastructure.
Cabarete villas work well for families seeking a residential beach town atmosphere, international residents on extended stays, and travelers who prefer privacy and space over resort amenities. The area appeals to those interested in nature, water sports, and authentic Dominican culture. Cabarete is particularly popular with families due to its safe, established community and long-term rental options.
Yes, Cabarete is excellent for families. The area has a large international community with families living year-round, international schools, sports programs, and child-friendly activities. Sea Horse Ranch offers a safe, gated environment with equestrian programs, tennis, and beach access. The town itself is walkable and family-oriented, with calm swimming beaches and outdoor activities suitable for all ages.
Most Cabarete villas include housekeeping services, and many also provide gardeners or property managers. Additional staff such as private chefs, drivers, and nannies can be arranged upon request. Your Rental Escapes Concierge can coordinate staffing based on your needs and preferences.
Cabarete is considered a safe destination, particularly within gated communities like Sea Horse Ranch which offer 24-hour security and controlled access. The area has a large international resident population and is well-established as a family-friendly beach town. Standard travel precautions are recommended, but the town and surrounding communities maintain a safe, welcoming environment.
The best time to visit Cabarete is from December through April, when the weather is dry and temperatures are comfortable. June through September sees increased wind, making it ideal for kiteboarding and surfing. The rainy season runs from May through November, with September and October typically seeing the most rainfall. Many long-term residents stay year-round, as the climate remains warm even during wetter months.
Ready to experience the north coast? Our Villa Specialists know Cabarete and Sea Horse Ranch and can match you with the right property for your stay. Once you've chosen your villa, your Concierge will arrange airport transfers, private chefs, activity bookings, and any other services to make your Cabarete experience seamless.
Contact us today to plan your Cabarete villa stay.
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