When the young surfers and night owls partying in Cabarete need a place to crash, the beachfront, four-pearl Ultravioleta Boutique is one of their classiest options. That’s because its 21 bright and contemporary apartments are a sharp alternative to the mediocre crash pads in the center of town. The location -- a 10-minute walk from the center of town and right on Kite Beach -- makes it's a quieter, upscale alternative. The hotel's sleek pool is a major draw, but there are no other features here, and the ocean here can be a bit rough for swimming. As an alternative, comparably stylish Casa Veintiuno in nearby Sosua has a restaurant and lower rates, but rooms lack kitchens and it's not right on the beach.

Extreme Hotel is an eco-friendly, three-pearl resort with tons of on-site activities that focus on fitness, adventure, and extreme sports. With an on-site kite school and endlessly windy conditions, an on-site half-pipe, outdoor yoga studio, cross-fit gym, and a full-size trapeze with available circus lessons, this is not the place where vacationers come to spend their days lounging by the pool. There’s a small beachfront bar and restaurant that uses ingredients from the hotel’s on-site permaculture garden in nearly all of its daily changing menu items. The 19 guest rooms are bare-bones, with simple wood furniture, white bedding, and teeny tiny bathrooms. The hotel’s motto “live by the sun” not only implies action-packed days outdoors, but also touches on the need to restrict electricity usage -- which means there’s no air-conditioning. Directly next door is Kite Beach Hotel Cabarete, with fewer amenities and lower rates. 

Though it’s by no means luxurious, the three-and-a-half pearl Velero Beach Resort is one of the nicest hotels in Cabarete. Its cliffside location affords awesome ocean views and is the perfect spot for sunsets. The 50 guest rooms are spacious and bright, with large bathrooms and oceanfront balconies. Although a bit small, the hotel’s gorgeous, mosaic-tile infinity pool is surrounded by pillow-topped day beds and slightly worn lounge chairs. Victor’s, the on-site restaurant, serves international cuisine with a focus on fresh Dominican seafood. Velero is within walking distance of downtown Cabarete, and a full service grocery store, but is secluded enough to remain quiet at night. A major downside is the hotel’s tiny beach, which is subject to rough waters and lots of wind. Travelers who would prefer to be directly on Cabarete Beach should check out the nearby Kite Beach Hotel or Hotel Villa Taina.

Millennium Resort & Spa is a modern, beachfront resort within walking distance of downtown Cabarete. The upscale rooms, gorgeous infinity pool, and on-site spa make Millennium more than just a kite-surfer crash pad. Millennium has several room types, including units with separate bedrooms, full kitchens, and living rooms. Aqua, the on-site restaurant, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but guests are better off looking else where for good food. And although the infinity pool is beautiful, there aren’t many lounge chairs and both the pool and beach areas are subject to constant solicitation from beach vendors. This is the most upscale option in Cabarete, but those looking for more quiet may want to consider the charmingly rustic (but often pricier) Natura Cabana.

Hotel Villa Taina is located in the center of downtown Cabarete, right on world-famous Cabarete Beach. With 300 days of consistent wind per year, Cabarete is a wind sport enthusiast’s dream. The upper-middle-range Hotel Villa Taina sits on a lovely section of the beach, and has its own wind sports center, where amateurs take lessons in windsurfing and kite boarding. However, such a fabulous location does come with a few pitfalls: The 57 guest rooms are small and not all are updated, the pool is tiny, and the fitness center is an afterthought. Serenade, the beachfront bar and restaurant, serves reasonably priced drinks and mediocre food, but the incessant wind makes dining outside a challenge (think flying napkins and spilled drinks). Travelers looking for a hotel with bigger rooms and an infinity pool might prefer nearby Velero Beach Resort.   

The tranquil Sea Horse Ranch stands on the northern coast of Cabarete and spans over 250 acres. The resort features sophisticated luxury villas, each with private pools and a slew of pampering services -- like a private chef and maid service. The grounds also house an equestrian center, tennis academy, and a stunning ocean-front restaurant with live music nights every month. While there are two lovely pools and two beaches within a short drive, the property lacks its own truly swimmable shoreline. There's really nothing that even comes close to comparing to the level of luxury in the area, but younger couples wanting sleek rooms with more of a social vibe might prefer Ultravioleta Boutique Residences down the road -- rates there will be far lower. 

A three-pearl beachfront property subject to some major wind, Kite Beach Hotel is the ideal spot for kite boarders and windsurf enthusiasts. The on-site kite school is the perfect place for amateurs to learn the sport, or for pros to brush up on their skills. It’s definitely more of a kite surfer crash pad than a family-friendly resort, and the constantly whipping wind makes it hard to enjoy the beach, pool, or restaurant areas without getting pelted by sand. There are a wide range of room options, including budget studios and multi-bedroom apartments, but the no-frills decor could use some updating -- or at least a visit from an interior designer. For those who want to relax, consider Natura Cabanas for a calmer beach and cute bungalows (though expect pricier rates). 

The only all-inclusive resort in Cabarete, the mid-range Wyndham Tangerine stands out for its location; it's on one of the D.R.’s best beaches for water sports, and is just a 10-minute walk from downtown’s shops, restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. Rooms are basic but beachy, and there are annoying fees for extras such as Wi-Fi and use of the in-room safes. Nonetheless, this calm property attracts budget-minded couples and families who don’t mind skimping on luxe decor in favor of affordable rates.

The 120-room, one-and-a-half-pearl Celuisma Cabarate, is a beachside all-inclusive property, but it's memorable for all of the wrong reasons. From the trash-filled parking lot to the poor sanitation in the restaurants, it's a stretch to call this place a resort, mostly for the lack of functioning amenities. The website lists two pools, but only one was working when we visited, and despite the promise of multiple bars and restaurants, there’s just a buffet serving sub-par food and small bar with limited hours. Rates are low for the area, and budget travelers only concerned with having a roof over their heads may be fine, but UltraVioleta Boutique Residences is a far nicer option up the road.