Velero Beach is an Oasis that is simply the best for so many reasons, while staying in Cabarete. I actually used this site as a review tool while researching where to plan or destination wedding.

First, the resort, the location could not get any better, it is up the beach from the bars and restaurants that means no loud noises at night (not that it is that bad to start with)... You have a complete view of the crescent shaped Cabarete bay The grounds are kept spotless during the day, its there is a leaf on the ground you can bet in an hour you will not see it again. That is a reflection of the attention to detail the resort maintains. There are plenty of pictures, so I will not describe it too much, but the rooms are quite nice. They have air cond. and of course windows. It is somewhat of a humid environment so the balance can be tough to achieve. (we have always stayed in the Deluxe Jr suite.) though our guests stayed in a number of different style rooms, and everyone loved what they had. (we had 30+ people at our wedding and they all stayed at Velero). Just about all of the rooms have some sort of great view, the second and third floors all have complete ocean views, but of course you have to go up and down stairs. (that is the price you pay I guess. :) So all in all the grounds and facility are very well maintained. Most of the units are privately owned and rented to us (visitors) so there is also something to be said for people buying in this resort. The resort has probably one of the most reasonable restaurants in the area. The breakfasts are pretty good. But the lunch and inner menu (recently expanded menu selections) are great. A few people from our wedding party mostly ate at the resort. Even though there is a plethora of great restaurants down the beach.

Secondly, the staff is terrific. (if you have never been to the Dominican Republic, you have to understand the locals (of all nationalities are very friendly), but also very laid back. But with that being said, if you have something you need taken care of, the Velero staff will do there very best to help you out. All you have to do is ask. They are very security conscious. The cleaning staff and anyone else allowed in your room, has to be escorted, that way they work in pairs, if you are at all worried about your personal property. On top of that, they do have safes in the room, which you set your own code for. After a few stays we were not, all that concerned with locking everything down. Velero also has 24-hour security on the grounds. The beach is accessed by one set of stairs; the property is elevated from the beach by an 8-10 foot wall, which makes the views even more spectacular. Finally, we have to add that Mario M. the resort manager was wonderful in helping us both visit the resort and helped plan our wedding on the grounds of the resort. It could not have been more perfect. For example, the morning of the wedding Mario, concocted a great scheme in which, my bride, was shielded from the crowd by umbrellas held by the staff and she was unveiled about mid way before she got to the “isle”. He is creative friendly and generally a great guy to know and call a friend.

We absolutely recommend Velero for a group wedding. All of our guests were very pleased with the location and the entire arrangement. I have to say, as most people probably are, we were a little worried about how everything would work out. What wedding couple doesn’t worry about such things? But everything came together and went off with only one minor hitch, our translator mispronounced our names during the ceremony, through no fault of his own, he speaks Spanish so his pronunciation was a little off. But we loved it, my brides last name Braunwarth was pronounced brown and my last name Cochrane, was Coltrane, so we are now a blues/Jazz family. We don’t sweat the small stuff though so it wasn’t a big deal to us. (couples need to determine how they want the ceremony to run. The judge was really nice and quite funny, but he does his thing and then it’s up to you to figure out, i.e. exchanging of the rings and anything else you want in the ceremony. We had a best friend’s fiancée mc the ceremony and had the mothers read poems and from scripture, meanwhile the best girl described the sand ceremony we did. Be fore warned that things will take longer than you plan, again go with the flow and you will just fine. Remember everything runs on island time through and through.

With the help of Mario and the in-house chef, they prepared just and outstanding menu of “Dominican Samplers”, were foodies, and we didn’t even get to the second flambé dessert, which was fine, we were all happily stuffed. The cake was HUGE! Bigger than we wanted but it turned out for the better cause everyone in the resort got some cake. It looked just like the picture we sent to them. However, we were more about creating smaller desserts rather than serving cake, which we ended up doing anyways after the first dessert. The jazz band Mario arranged for us got acclaimed reviews not only from us, but also from people walking down the beach the next day, and the Vela windsurfing staff who were also listening to it. As for the decorations were gave Mario input as to what we thought we would like and they turned our general ideas into magic!

We also got to know some owners at the resort who helped us immensely with getting to know people, and giving us invaluable insight in making the two weeks we there, just indescribable. See “An undiscovered gem!” review.

We have also reviewed some other locations through Cabarete in trip advisor.

Finally, each and every one of our guests expects us to renew or vows next year, so we can all go back.

mandyandscott.weddingwindow.com

Mucho Gracias to Velero and the Staff with everything.
See you soon
Scott & Mandy Cochrane

We Loved Velero. The large suites have great kitchens and good views. At Velero part of the charm is the neighborhood. There is restaurant Elvis, little more than a stand, for beer, and simple fish or chicken dishes. Its located across from the Velero entry. At Supermarket Janet, a short walk away, shop for extra virgin olive oil or a good selection (for the Carribean) of fresh fruit and rum. Otra Cosa, a restaurant a few steps away, offers well dressed patrons carefully done upscale food at international prices. Enjoy smoothies and breakfast pancakes with the "surfer" crowd at the crunchy (breakfast and lunch only) restaurant Claro. At Velero you will also meet Scooby, the charming wire haired dog who runs the beach. He will gladly join you for a swim, a ball game, or work to protect you from vendors or other friendly beach dogs. The Velero staff is warm, and he place is child friendly without feeling like a preschool. The seaside bar--restaurant offers good coffee and frozen drinks.

Velero is amazing. This hotel is fantastic and relaxing. The beachfront is perfect and the rooms were immaculate. I hope to stay here again next year.

Everything was amazing. Velero Beach Resort on the eastern end of town was the best hotel - 4 stars. The staff was excellent -especially Jose at the front. Breakfast on the beach front - so-so - but at least you're on overlooking the ocean and it was included in the room. You don't have to fight for chairs in the morning around the infinity pool and their are beds/canopy's overlooking the ocean - can't beat it!! It's the last hotel on the "beach strip" so it's quiet but 5 minute walk to all the restaurants/nightlife. Also - very close to Janet's supermarket. Very clean, helpful hotel - worth every penny!

Restaurant - Casanova has a great happy hour 5-6 50% off pizza/pasta beer. Great happy hour at Lux as well. Both have great atmosphere and feet in the sand:)
the best restaurant is Ali's fish camp - great steak and seafood - great prices. Ask where it is - a little confusing to get to.

Iguana Mama - very helpful. Whalewatched and went Cascading. Cascading totally worth it - up to 30ft jumps so a little scary - and only $75. Whalewatching I would pass on. If staying in Cabarete it's a 3 hour drive to Semana and you have to get up at 5:30am. Only saw 1-3 whales - not too exciting and not worth the money - $125.

Must try kitesurfing if you have time. Allot 3 days to learn and enjoy it.

Overall - very laid back town and cost effective!!! Love the weather and the people.

Enjoy