The Dominican Republic's Canoa Coral

Just the Getaway Your Family Needs!

by Audrey Langerman

Picture your family at a fabulous, all-inclusive tropical resort that caters to you 24 hours a day while nestling you among miles of beautiful white sand beaches and sparkling blue Caribbean Sea. This place you dream of is the Canoa Coral by Hilton. Located in the picturesque Dominican Republic, the Canoa Coral is just a thirty-minute car ride from La Romana International Airport.

Upon arrival, we were warmly greeted and given a complete explanation of the property and all the activities available at the resort and in the area. The Canoa Coral boasts 532 rooms and suites, each with an ocean view or tropical gardens outlook. Our room was comfortable and very tastefully decorated with the unique beauty of the region. All rooms also had easy access to the swimming pool, social areas and the beach.

The best part of an all-inclusive resort is that there are always delicious drinks and food at the ready. There are five restaurants on site, including a 24-hour snack bar that always has something tasty to nibble on. When we were looking for a quick, yet satisfying, meal on our way to the pool, beach or nightly show, we enjoyed a wide variety of delicious foods at La Piragua, served buffet style, and always with a smile from the gracious staff.

However, our favorite restaurant by far was the Rigoletto Pasta Club. They had a wide variety of sumptuous Italian favorites all offered in a smoke-free environment. The service was impeccable and the ambiance was romantic and inviting. As wonderful as the Canoa Coral is, <,city>> parents should note that the Rigoletto Pasta Club is the only non-smoking location on the site.

Whatever your preference is, the Canoa Coral has your perfect place to get refreshed and relaxed. Whether it is the panoramic free-flow pool that adorns the property with grace and fluidity or the luxurious white sand beach and glistening warm blue sea, there is definitely something for everybody. Our favorite way to relax was spending a soothing afternoon getting massages at the spa.

We highly recommend taking advantage of the activities the area has to offer: parasailing, swimming with dolphins, and our personal favorite, a helicopter tour that gives you a birds-eye view of the magnificence of the surrounding landscape.

The best way to end each day is in the open-air theatre for the nightly show. Whatever your desire, whether dancing, comedy or a musical extravaganza, each night has a brand new show that caters to every individual interest.

The Canoa Coral by Hilton is located in Bayahibe, La Romana, Dominican Republic. Reservations: 1-809-682-2662 or 1-800-HILTONS. Website: www.hilton.com.