Vacation Rentals by Owner

Great location!

Guest: Pam T. (Puerto Rico and St. John US Virgin Islands)
Date of Stay: 06/18/11 Review Submitted: 06/24/11

We spent two (last minute) nights at Chalet 2 on the property. The property is very well maintained with wonderful tropical flowers and trees surrounding. Very quite location with easy access to all local attractions. Everything was immaculate, and you couldn't ask for a better host than Sarah and her husband. They wanted to make sure you were well informed of the surrounding amenities. There are wonderful restaurants in Las Galeras for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Many places to shop for local hand crafts and paintings. Sport rentals are available for atvs should you wish to adventure off the beaten track. Rincon beach is a very interesting drive...but make sure you have an suv or rent an atv for the day! through the tiny villages and wonderfully beautiful countryside....fresh fruits for sale along the way for your munching pleasure. Have breakfast at the al Pirate Restaurant! Have an taste tentilizing dinner at La Ventura Restaurant! The chef there is amazing, and the food is scrumptious. Great place to check out Las Galeras and surrounding North East area.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, age 55+, families with teenagers, girls getaway, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Guest: Georgina & Chris
Date of Stay: 01/29/11 Review Submitted: 03/03/11

Well, where do I begin? After having our trip cancelled due to snow in England in December, and after a 24hr delay on our second attempt to fly in January, we finally touched down at Samana Airport on 27th Jan 2011. Was it worth all the disappointment, all the stress, all the days spent camped out on the floor at Gatwick Airport? The answer is yes - 100%! The people we met will stay in our hearts forever, particulary Sarah - the hostess with the mostest! We were welcomed warmly and instantly felt like part of the family. We didn't arrive at Chalet Tropical Village until the evening, but were still treated to a tour of the area by our lovely host, and filled in on the best places to eat, drink etc. Sarah was also able to advise us on what trips and activites were worth doing, and the advice was faultless. Anything we wanted to do was arranged and paid for by Sarah and we settled the bill at the end of the trip. This made for a hassle-free holiday and meant we knew we were always getting the best price. We stayed in the biggest of the three Chalets - Chalet 3 - which was actually perfect for the two of us and would probably comfortabley sleep 5. We even had his and hers showers and bathrooms! The bed was actually the most comfortable I have slept in for a long time and I slept like a log every night, lulled to sleep by the sound of the crickets outside. The decor in the chalet was exactly to my taste - quirky and rustic. You wouldn't find another place like it anywhere. 5 minutes walk from the chalet, through beautiful palm trees and vegetation, you'll find La Playta, a gorgeous beach like something out of a brochure. It was lovely to lie on a beach with no beach-sellers and barely any other peaople at all - a real tropical paradise! Unfortunately we only got to spend one day there. We did manage to fit in lunch at Isabel's, a shack right on the beach, which serves the most amazing fresh fish and fried plantains. 5 minutes walk in the opposite direction takes you to the main street through Las Galeras. We instantly fell in love with the place on our first evening. Despite being tired and jetlagged we just couldn't drag ourselves away from the hustle and bustle of the town and the Caribbean beats eminating from bars, restaurants and the local discotheque. What I really love is that the town is not a typical 'resort'. Although there are bars and restaurants to suit every taste, there are no big hotels to spoil the landscape and you really do feel like you

Recommended for:

Stay at Chalet Tropical and enjoy secluded beaches

Guest: Eva (Van Buren AR, USA)
Date of Stay: 06/26/10 Review Submitted: 08/09/10

My husband and I stayed at Chalet #3 the last week of June 2010 and loved it! Sarah is a perfect host and the property is very well maintained. The cottage itself is wonderful with island decor throughout. The things I enjoyed most about the chalet were the hammock, outdoor dining table, beautiful yard, comfortable bed and the convenience of having a kitchen. No need to rent a car, just use local transportation when you want to venture beyond the village. We enjoyed our morning walks to the beach and our evening strolls to restaurants or the grocery store. There is something for everyone here - it can be relaxing, romantic, adventurous or all three if that's what you want. The many secluded beaches here are beautiful to say the beaches are not crowded is an understatement. We spent a lot of time at the nearest beach (La Playita), but Sarah arranged boat rides to Playa Fronton and Playa Rincon for 2 other days. Fronton is known as the snorkeling beach - water is crystal clear, reef is steps from the beach and we had it to ourselves for 5 1/2 hours except for one local fisherman that we saw twice. Rincon was a beautiful crescent shaped beach that we enjoyed also. Two day tours we recommend is Las Haitises National Park and El Limon waterfall tour. You will not be disappointed if you vacation at Chalet Tropical in the Dominican Republic town of Las Galeras.

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Paradise found

Guest: Mary & Dan (St. Petersburg, Florida, USA)
Date of Stay: 06/03/10 Review Submitted: 06/17/10

"Chalet Tropical was the most amazing, peaceful and idyllic place we could imagine for our vacation. My husband surprised me with a four night stay there (in Las Galeras, Samana) as part of our vacation in the Dominican Republic. All I knew was we were going somewhere in the Samana area, and we'd be near a beach. I was swept away by the setting and the set-up when we arrived at Chalet Tropical. Our cottage was beautiful: a lovely A-frame cottage with thatched roof, impeccably built with a craftman's skill and an artist's hands. Be sure to check out the intricate artistic details in every part of the cottage. The cottage has full electricity with several ceiling fans, which helped moderate the tropical heat day and night and made sleeping comfortable; screens to keep out the bugs but let in the cross ventilating tropical breezes; beautiful yard/garden with tropical trees and flowers --and humming birds!; gas stove top for cooking inside or on the porch; outside coal grill for grilling fresh fish; small fridge and sufficient hot water; wonderful shower and bath facilities; cable TV, chess board, hammock, and lounging area. In short, our cottage offered all the comforts of home yet the feeling of living simply, close to nature yet secure and with essential comforts. We took a bus from Santo Domingo to Samana, then Sara, the proprietress of Chalet Tropical had a driver to meet us and take us there (about an hour's drive). Sara met us and showed us around our cottage and then walked us down to the beach nearby and highlighted the facilities there. We enjoyed taking a few longer walks in the area, and while there was much on offer in the area, like horse riding, boat trips to other nearby beaches, etc., we chose to stay near the Chalet tropical and the nearest beaches, at we felt we had found paradise. Sara was extremely helpful and wonderful! Those looking for a romantic, natural and peaceful getaway will love this location. It's a perfect place to leave the world behind and clear one's head of the world's demands. We found peace and beauty in Chalet Tropical. The only caution is that the steps up to the bedroom loft are a bit steep and narrow and may not be easy for more elderly travelers. But with patience and use of the hand-rail, it is worth the effort to sleep up in the loft with the delicious cross breezes of Chalet Tropical. We look forward to visiting again before too long!"

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Paradise Found

Guest: Mary & Dan (St. Petersburg, Florida, USA)
Date of Stay: 06/03/10 Review Submitted: 06/17/10

Chalet Tropical was the most amazing, peaceful and idyllic place we could imagine for our vacation. My husband surprised me with a four night stay there (in Las Galeras, Samana) as part of our vacation in the Dominican Republic. All I knew was we were going somewhere in the Samana area, and we'd be near a beach. I was swept away by the setting and the set-up when we arrived at Chalet Tropical. Our cottage was beautiful: a lovely A-frame cottage with thatched roof, impeccably built with a craftman's skill and an artist's hands. Be sure to check out the intricate artistic details in every part of the cottage. The cottage has full electricity with several ceiling fans, which helped moderate the tropical heat day and night and made sleeping comfortable; screens to keep out the bugs but let in the cross ventilating tropical breezes; beautiful yard/garden with tropical trees and flowers --and humming birds!; gas stove top for cooking inside or on the porch; outside coal grill for grilling fresh fish; small fridge and sufficient hot water; wonderful shower and bath facilities; cable TV, chess board, hammock, and lounging area. In short, our cottage offered all the comforts of home yet the feeling of living simply, close to nature yet secure and with essential comforts. We took a bus from Santo Domingo to Samana, then Sara, the proprietress of Chalet Tropical had a driver to meet us and take us there (about an hour's drive). Sara met us and showed us around our cottage and then walked us down to the beach nearby and highlighted the facilities there. We enjoyed taking a few longer walks in the area, and while there was much on offer in the area, like horse riding, boat trips to other nearby beaches, etc., we chose to stay near the Chalet tropical and the nearest beaches, at we felt we had found paradise. Those looking for a romantic, natural and peaceful getaway will love this location. It's a perfect place to leave the world behind and clear one's head of the world's demands. We found peace and beauty in Chalet Tropical. The only caution is that the steps up to the bedroom loft are a bit steep and narrow and may not be easy for more elderly travelers. But with patience and use of the hand-rail, it is worth the effort to sleep up in the loft with the delicious cross breezes of Chalet Tropical. We look forward to visiting again before too long!

Recommended for:Adventure seekers, girls getaway, tourists without a car, pet owners, romantic getaway, sightseeing.

Easter holidays in Chalet Tropical

Guest: The Jenkins Family
Date of Stay: 04/04/10 Review Submitted: 04/16/10

Spent a fantastic two weeks over Easter in Chalet Tropical, a beautiful, unique and very comfortable base to explore the Samana Peninsular. We loved the village of Las Galeras and the quiet La Playita beach accessed by a short, pretty walk along a path where you can spot many different species of birds. Enjoyed delicious meals on the beach cooked by Isabel. We couldn't get over how friendly the Dominican people were - always smiling and waving at us. Sarah is an extremely helpful and informative host - nothing is too much trouble for her and she always finds the time to help out with absolutely anything you need. Thank you very much Sarah for everything. We would all love to return one day. It really was a special holiday. We hope that Kong is getting better! Patsy, Matthew, Kate and Charlotte

Recommended for:

Guest: Thom and Svenja
Date of Stay: 03/20/10 Review Submitted: 04/14/10

Chalet Tropical was a lovely home base for my wife and me while in Las Galeras for eight nights. Sarah, as you will read in every review here, is a tremendous hostess. From the moment we arrived, Sarah did everything she possibly could to make us feel welcome and at home. She booked boat trips for us, arranged deliveries of local seafood, lent us snorkeling gear, gave us tips on the local sights. The huts themselves are very cool two-story A-frame structures packed with details and charm. It is rustic—salty tap water and a water heater that takes a half hour to ramp up—but in a quaint and very comfortable way. The kitchen was surprisingly well outfitted, and we did a lot of cooking in. The hut was cleaned three times in the eight days we were there, and we were twice given fresh beach towels. Unfortunately on our second day, our bag (including camera, shoes, books, sunscreen, glasses, etc.) was stolen while were at the stunning and undeveloped Playa Rincon. So, a word of advice upfront: Don't take more than you need when you leave your hut, and be cautious. Ironically we had chosen Las Galeras in part precisely because we'd read about these gorgeous beaches where you could be alone or nearly alone. But after the theft of our bag we were sufficiently jittery not to want to be alone. I feel bad mentioning all of this in our review of Chalet Tropical, because it has nothing to do with Chalet Tropical. Though it did have a lot to do with how we felt about our stay in Las Galeras overall. But even after that unpleasant experience, Sarah helped us turn it around, and even lent us a camera, flip flops, and a cel phone for the remainder of our stay. To paint a picture of the larger setting, the three huts of Chalet Tropical are in a sort of compound with the home of Sarah and her husband, and the home of her father in law. The place is protected by two great Danes and, at night, a couple of guards. So, for as rattled as we were about having our bag stolen, we always felt secure at the hut.

Recommended for:

Guest: Thom & Nadya
Date of Stay: 01/20/10 Review Submitted: 04/14/10

Of course, in all seriousness, I do not know how Sarah and her family could have made our stay any better! My wife and I spent 5 weeks at Chalet Tropical and everyday of our stay was wonderful. Wonderful Place! Wonderful People! Wonderful Beach! Wonderful Sun! Nadya and I were married last November. This was our Honeymoon! The Dominican Republic was adventurous and restful at the same time. Also Chalet Tropical is very safe at night and there very friendly locals to speak to during our walks in the day! (of course, somebody is always trying to sell something, but when we shake our head no! that would be the end) Sarah and her family was ready to help us anytime we needed something extra. Grocery shopping, arranging guided tours, even ingredients for baking a cake! The beach is a nice 7 minute walk and the new bank (ATM) is an easy 7 minute in the other direction. (Maximum in one transaction is 4000 pesos. So extra cash is better than a transaction every other day) BUT - This is not Club-Med! No moving side walks! No Cartier Diamond Shops! No one to cater to a silly person's whims. Each person is responsible for their own fun. And we had the time of our life. We would eat breakfast, then lay in the sun, then eat lunch and then go to the beach (and lay in the sun) and swim in the world's greatest swimming pool! Oh, did I say lay in the sun! Anyway, we loved it! Nadya loves to cook so we could eat what we wanted when we wanted. (I have been to all-inclusive resorts and my conclusion is that, I get tired of eating 5 pounds of potatoes everyday.) (fried, mashed, stewed, skins or no skins) The internet service was good most of the time at Chalet Tropical and the cell phone service in the area was reliable. (We had Claro and (the green logo, I don't remember now. And when we return I want to try Orange.) We made a lot of calls to America for me and to Europe and to Kazakhstan for Nadya and the cost was very reasonable! (we already had European phones and bought the sim cards at the SDQ airport. Then you can buy more time at the local grocery store, if needed. But about 100 dollars bought hours of international calling. Anyway, Sarah and company did GOOD by us! We look forward to returning ASAP!

Recommended for:

great beaches, horseback riding and boat trips!

Guest: Rick & Sue
Date of Stay: 01/15/10 Review Submitted: 04/16/10

My wife and visited for 1 week in January, 2010. What a wonderful relaxing area and the accomodations provided at Chalet Tropical were just perfect. One can sense the hard work and love and passion put into each Chalet. Besides being in a beautiful area thats oozing with natural wonders you are treated to the kind services of the most gracious host in Sarah Paradiso. We were greeted with a walk to the most wonderful beach, La Playita, and introduced to the fine, fine cook Isabella at the beachside restaurant. If the freshest fish possible cooked and prepared while you wait is your idea of a great meal, this is it. Sarah then drove us around town and pointed out the best shops and restaurants to frequent. She even stayed with our car one day when we had rental car trouble so we could not have our day ruined. If a quiet, end of the road [literally] destination with beauty and great beaches, horseback riding and boat trips to great snorkeling locales this is the place for you. Thanks Sarah, you are the best!!!!

Recommended for:

Guest: Rick & Sue
Date of Stay: 01/15/10 Review Submitted: 04/14/10

My wife and visited for 1 week in January, 2010. What a wonderful relaxing area and the accomodations provided at Chalet Tropical were just perfect. One can sense the hard work and love and passion put into each Chalet. Besides being in a beautiful area thats oozing with natural wonders you are treated to the kind services of the most gracious host in Sarah Paradiso. We were greeted with a walk to the most wonderful beach, La Playita, and introduced to the fine, fine cook Isabella at the beachside restaurant. If the freshest fish possible cooked and prepared while you wait is your idea of a great meal, this is it. Sarah then drove us around town and pointed out the best shops and restaurants to frequent. She even stayed with our car one day when we had rental car trouble so we could not have our day ruined. If a quiet, end of the road [literally] destination with beauty and great beaches, horseback riding and boat trips to great snorkeling locales this is the place for you. Thanks Sarah, you are the best!!!!

Recommended for:

a beautiful handcrafted cottage !

Guest: Elizabeth
Date of Stay: 01/03/10 Review Submitted: 04/16/10

Sarah and her husband, Danilo, have created a beautiful handcrafted cottage which fits into its environment perfectly. It is one of the most original and unique places my husband and I have ever stayed. Sarah is a charming and helpful hostess. By all means take her advice on what to do in the area, and pay special attention to her restaurant recommendations.

Recommended for:

What a wonderful place to spend holidays!

Guest: Gary, Silvia & Lucas
Date of Stay: 12/20/09 Review Submitted: 04/16/10

Gorgeous! What a wonderful place to spend holidays. In the beginning me and my family intended to stay only for 7 days at the Chalet Tropical, but as we fell in love with it, we decided to prolong another week (staying at 3 of the available 4 houses) before we moved on to Las Terrenas. 14 days in paradis - thanks to the beautiful, hidden beach, Playita (in 7 min walking distance) and the original dominican restaurant, called "La Isabell's", which we have been introduced by Sarah Paradiso - the charming owner Sarah - with her extraordinary positive attitude - has been supporting us in every imaginable way: She not only organized a horse trip within an hour, but also let a fisherman immediatly deliver fresh fish for our dinner as well as accompanied and translated for us at the doctor's when we were in need of medical care with our son Lucas. And yes... monkey King Kong and his "father" Fulvio are also to be mentioned - they both were wonderful playmates for Lucas. Summarizing our stay is exeptionally recommandable! Enjoy your stay at Chalet Tropical...

Recommended for:

Guest: Gary, Silvia & Lucas
Date of Stay: 12/16/09 Review Submitted: 04/14/10

Gorgeous! What a wonderful place to spend holidays. In the beginning me and my family intended to stay only for 7 days at the Chalet Tropical, but as we fell in love with it, we decided to prolong another week (staying at 3 of the available 4 houses) before we moved on to Las Terrenas. 14 days in paradis - thanks to the beautiful, hidden beach, Playita (in 7 min walking distance) and the original dominican restaurant, called "La Isabell's", which we have been introduced by Sarah Paradiso - the charming owner of Ch.Tr.. Sarah - with her extraordinary positive attitude - has been supporting us in every imaginable way: She not only organized a horse trip within an hour, but also let a fisherman immediatly deliver fresh fish for our dinner as well as accompanied and translated for us at the doctor's when we were in need of medical care with our son Lucas. And yes... monkey King Kong and his "father" Fulvio are also to be mentioned - they both were wonderful playmates for Lucas. Summarizing our stay --> exeptionally recommandable! Enjoy your stay at Chalet Tropical...

Recommended for:

An unforgettable experience!!

Guest: Craig & Emi
Date of Stay: 10/01/09 Review Submitted: 04/16/10

An unforgettable experience with beautiful beaches and off the beaten track adventures in the jungles and surrounding areas, which were easily accessible on horses and quad bikes that sarah provided The accommodation was comfortable yet rustic and earthy which complimented the local surroundings. A truly romantic experience. Our hosts were equally hospitable. The freshest fruit and vegetables we've ever had in our lives were easily available from the local shops and restaurants as well as by the locals on route to the many beaches and other sights. The best highlight of our trip, amongst many, would have to be the trail that lead to a stunning waterfall that was accessible by quad bike and then horse. (What an adventure as we did this on our own, not with via a tour group!) I would recommend the above experiences to anybody.

Recommended for:

Guest: Craig & Emi
Date of Stay: 10/01/09 Review Submitted: 04/14/10

An unforgettable experience with beautiful beaches and off the beaten track adventures in the jungles and surrounding areas, which were easily accessible on horses and quad bikes that sarah provided The accommodation was comfortable yet rustic and earthy which complimented the local surroundings. A truly romantic experience. Our hosts were equally hospitable. The freshest fruit and vegetables we've ever had in our lives were easily available from the local shops and restaurants as well as by the locals on route to the many beaches and other sights. The best highlight of our trip, amongst many, would have to be the trail that lead to a stunning waterfall that was accessible by quad bike and then horse. (What an adventure as we did this on our own, not with via a tour group!) I would recommend the above experiences to anybody.

Recommended for:

Guest: John & Sally
Date of Stay: 09/29/09 Review Submitted: 04/14/10

My family (wife and 3 young boys)live in the Dominican Republic and stayed at the Chalet in December. We loved it. The chalets are neat-very unique-comfortable and aesthetically pleasing. The grounds are nice too. My boys spent lots of time playing futbol (soccer) with Sarah's (the hostess) father--who, besides being great with kids, can still play by the way. Sarah was probably the best hostess we've ever had anywhere. She went out of her way to make our stay comfortable. She even went so far as to drive me all around town to find diesel for our van when I made the foolish mistake of not filling the tank before the one station in town closed for the weekend...The walk to the beach is a few minutes longer than advertised but it's a pretty little hike and the beach at the end is gorgeous. Las Galeras and the beaches nearby are incredible! If you are looking for a unique--as in, NOT a cookie cutter all-inclusive experience-- in a beautiful corner of the world, you will not be disappointed. Highly recommended!

Recommended for:

Best place in Dom. Rep.

Guest: John & Sally
Date of Stay: 09/08/09 Review Submitted: 01/04/10

We just returned from spending a weekend (September 2009) at the Chalet Tropical with our 3 young boys and dog. It was perfect. We stayed in Chalet #3 which was a great size for us. Actually it could have fit a couple of more people if necessary. The nearby beaches which can be reached by walking are beautiful, uncrowded and very clean--especially if you are willing to hike a little farther. The grounds around the chalets are secure and well kept and made for some great soccer/football matches for our boys. Sarah, the owner, is amazingly helpful. She went out of her way to make our stay a pleasure. The chalet itself was comfortable, clean and charmingly unique. We definitely want to go back and will recommend it to all of our friends. We live in the DR and have been to many places around the island. The beaches near Las Galeras are the most beautiful, pristine and interesting we have seen anywhere--not just in the DR. If you prefer your vacations a bit off the beaten track and don't need a lot of touristy amenities, you will LOVE the Las Galeras area and, no matter who you are, you will love the experience at Chalet Tropical. Highly recommended!

Recommended for:

Guest: Arnis
Date of Stay: 06/05/09 Review Submitted: 04/14/10

Chalet Tropical is an extremely charming and lovely place to stay for a week or more and enjoy beautiful nature and beaches of Samana peninsula. Me and my wife stayed here last summer for one week. It was first time in Dominican Republic for us and we enjoyed everything here! Chalet is equipped with satellite TV and wireless internet access what is not common convenience in Dominican Republic. Plenty of place: we had a living room, kitchen and bedroom on the upper floor. It was always good to come back to the chalet after adventurous day and enjoy the atmosphere and privacy from near neighbors. They have a beautiful yard with fence and security while in our opinion there’s no need for it in Las Galeras at all. Our hostess Sarah was more than friendly and extremely helpful regarding any questions we may have. She showed us a village and beach, recommended the best restaurants and even negotiated the lowest price for boat trip. She acquainted us a different kinds of tropical plants – coffee, bananas, different kinds of flowers and trees. She was so helpful at any time we called her. We would definitely stay here again.

Recommended for:

...first guests in the third Chalet!

Guest: Charlotte and Matthieu
Date of Stay: 05/20/09 Review Submitted: 04/16/10

We spent 10 days in the Chalet Tropical in June 2009 and were the first guests in the third Chalet. Sarah, her husband and her parents in law have put so much enthusiasm and passion in designing, building, furnishing and decorating these small houses that this place really feels like home. And what a home! Within five-minutes walking distance you can reach the heavenly beautiful beach of La Playita and several other beaches all different from each other. Don't hesitate to ask Sarah about the best restaurants and beaches around, she is the best host you will ever get, friendly, funny and very helpful. If you come to Las Galeras don't miss the roasted fishes on the beach and the delicious Pina Colada prepared straight in the Pineapple. One thing is sure you won't regret your trip to this distant but unforgettable region. Thanks again for everything Sarah

Recommended for:

Guest: Jim & Jenn
Date of Stay: 05/01/09 Review Submitted: 04/14/10

We came here for our honeymoon and loved it. Being too independent to be in a blocky crowded hotel with rules and meal times we wanted our own space to relax after all the wedding preparation! There's loads of room inside the chalet, beautifully and carefully built with local materials, a nice breeze comes through the full width doors. Sarah was very welcoming and showed us everything we needed, going beyond what she had to do to help us including taking us several miles to a restaurant on the cliff just so we didn't get lost. We hired quad bikes for a couple of days which meant we could explore the local area including Playa Rincon where one day was a national holiday at the weekend and was unsurprisingly crowded but then a couple of days later during the week we had miles of pristine sand and clear sea to ourselves. On lazy days we walked to Playta, now this is a walk and not just a few steps, it probably takes 10 minutes and you need protection for your feet from the ground but nothing more than flip-flops. Bearing in mind there's plenty of shade and a local fish restaurant with delicious fresh food you can stay for hours. One of the most beautiful views was the sunset. It is another 10-15 minutes walk into the village/town. You can choose in Las Galeras between local and foreign cuisines for a range of prices. You must try the rum, the local brews are lovely but deadly! In summary: a great honeymoon/relaxing holiday. If you know the distances for walking and you're not wanting a chain/large hotel it's perfect. We had a wonderful stay and would love to go back.

Recommended for:

a great honeymoon/relaxing holiday

Guest: Jim & Jenn
Date of Stay: 04/20/09 Review Submitted: 04/16/10

We came here for our honeymoon and loved it. Being too independent to be in a blocky crowded hotel with rules and meal times we wanted our own space to relax after all the wedding preparation! There's loads of room inside the chalet, beautifully and carefully built with local materials, a nice breeze comes through the full width doors. Sarah was very welcoming and showed us everything we needed, going beyond what she had to do to help us including taking us several miles to a restaurant on the cliff just so we didn't get lost. We hired quad bikes for a couple of days which meant we could explore the local area including Playa Rincon where one day was a national holiday at the weekend and was unsurprisingly crowded but then a couple of days later during the week we had miles of pristine sand and clear sea to ourselves. On lazy days we walked to Playta, now this is a walk and not just a few steps, it probably takes 10 minutes and you need protection for your feet from the ground but nothing more than flip-flops. Bearing in mind there's plenty of shade and a local fish restaurant with delicious fresh food you can stay for hours. One of the most beautiful views was the sunset. It is another 10-15 minutes walk into the village/town. You can choose in Las Galeras between local and foreign cuisines for a range of prices. You must try the rum, the local brews are lovely but deadly! In summary: a great honeymoon/relaxing holiday. If you know the distances for walking and you're not wanting a chain/large hotel it's perfect. We had a wonderful stay and would love to go back.

Recommended for:

Brilliant, idyllic place to stay

Guest: Richard and Virginia
Date of Stay: 04/16/09 Review Submitted: 04/16/10

Brilliant, idyllic place to stay - the cabin is equipped with everything you could need for a chilled, self catering stay, and was clearly built as a labour of love by the owners; you´ll be discovering fresh artistic details and homely touches for days after you arrive. Sarah and Danilo are the perfect hosts - far enough away to let you have your privacy, close enough to be on hand for any emergency or unexpected need, and friendly and generous with their time whenever you need them. We were treated pretty much like family from the moment we arrived - a birthday cake baked for us, invited along to Xmas and New Year festivities - and we´re going to miss everybody now it´s over. My only regret is it´s likely to be a year before we can get back out here again. MOST highly recommended

Recommended for:

Chalet Tropical, your home away from home...

Guest: Cheryl & fam
Date of Stay: 03/04/09 Review Submitted: 01/04/10

After months of planning, my three children (ages 7,9,12) and I arrived yesterday in a dreamworld called Chalet Tropical. It´s more incredible than I even imagined. Sarah and her husband have meticulously worked a magical touch on every inch of the chalet. They have artistically cut, carved, painted, every last nook and cranny to perfection. It´s a beautiful gem. My children love playing on the handcarved chess game. Right now they are outside playing tag in the lovely enclosed yard. Her personality exudes the same love and care that she´s put in her home. From the moment I began email correspondence five months ago, I knew I would be in good hands. I´m traveling alone with three children, and she took me under her wing. She has offered some fabulous ideas for every day we are here. Today we woke to horses in our yard for a beach ride. We´ll be going on ATVs and a couple of private boat tours over the next few days. It´s truly like a dream vacation. I don´t ever want to leave! I wish I could stay here and work for her. Her generosity, warmth and kindness makes this trip truly extraordinary. We came from Club Med in Punta Cana, and I think this experience is above and beyond any we could have at a resort. To sum up, if you´re thinking of going anywhere else while in Las Galeras...you don´t need to look farther Chalet Tropical is your home away from home.

Recommended for:

"our" dream home!

Guest: Vicky & Jairo
Date of Stay: 02/02/09 Review Submitted: 01/04/10

The Chalet was the most artistic and unique place that I have ever stayed. Every where that you looked there was some interesting and beautiful homemade artwork, the walls, the chairs, the bathroom, the floors even. It was all wonderful to look at and very comfortable, and we felt very much at home. In fact we wished we could make it our home. A great place if you like to cook because the kitchen was like a dream with pure rock counters. The Chalet is situated away from the cute little town of Las Galeras, at the end of a red dirt road, so the only noise you hear is that of the birds. It is surrounded by the rich tropical beauty of the Dominican Republic. One of the things that made the stay even more wonderful was the duenna, Sarah, who gave us everything we wanted and more. She is one of the nicest people I have ever had the pleasure to meet, she baked me a wonderful vegan cake for my birthday, she is an excellent cook and baker, so it is a great place for vegans and vegetarians. I will never forget my stay at the Chalet and the kind owners, and I really hope that I will be so lucky as to stay there again.

Recommended for:

Better than in hotel!

Guest: gary & amanda
Date of Stay: 01/04/09 Review Submitted: 01/04/10

If you enjoy a certain level of comfort and independance and you don't want to stay in a hotel Chalet Tropical is the perfect place. It's the kind of location that's perfect for unwinding and relaxing. The Beaches are fantastic some of them do take a bit of effort to reach on foot but then you get the whole place to yourself. The chalet itself is a work of art, it's individuality increases the enjoyment of being away. Sarah and Danillo are the perfect hosts, friendly and charming people that are genuinely lovely, they manage to look after everything for you,are full of local information but give you your privacy as well....a fine balance handled beautifully. As the chalet is self catering we were more than happy to cook for ourselves: mostly with fish delivered by a local fisherman straight from the ocean. The shops and restuarants of Las Galeras are an easy 5 minute stroll away. There's also transport by boat to the furthur away beaches like Playa Rincon. If you want to stay in touch with home there is a mobile phone provided:credit can be bought in the local shops. The icing on the cake is that Sarah and Danillo have a wireless internet connection,so if you bring a laptop as we did you can send and receive emails from the chalet. We can't think of a nicer place to relax and de stress.

Recommended for:

Guest: Tim and Carol
Date of Stay: 10/10/08 Review Submitted: 10/09/08

Chalet Tropical is a beautifully crafted place to stay but what really stands out is Sarah, who is a wonderful and kind hostess. We thoroughly enjoyed the stay and would recommend meeting the cat - the dog - the giant frogs - the monkey - playing a sweaty game of football with the locals...then there's the music and atmosphere of the village. If you want a world away from the touristic parts of the DR, then you must come here - it's everything that packaged tourism isn't - it's real, authentic and down to earth...and yes, it's got some sublime beaches. Our thanks to Sarah for making it what it is...Tim and Carol

Recommended for:

Guest: Sébastien, Johanne et Elliot
Date of Stay: 08/30/08 Review Submitted: 08/29/08

A peine rentrés de Las Galeras et du magnifique Chalet Tropical, nous pouvons dès à présent affirmer que ces vacances furent paradisiaques!D'abord l'environnement, c'est un petit village de pêcheurs adorable, des plages comme on peut en rêver, un calme et une tranquilité incroyable..Le Chalet est une véritable oeuvre d'art, très confortable, vraiment paisible et plein de charme.Et enfin, Sarah, la merveilleuse propriétaire qui sait vous accueillir, vous conseiller, et qui fera tout pour rendre vos vacances inoubliables!!So thanks very very much Sarah!!For ever in our hearts.Sébastien, Johanne et Elliot

Recommended for:

Guest: Cheryl Eccles
Date of Stay: 07/03/08 Review Submitted: 07/02/08

After months of planning, my three children (ages 7,9,12) and I arrived in a dreamworld called Chalet Tropical. It was more incredible than I even imagined. Sarah and her husband have meticulously worked a magical touch on every inch of the chalet. They have artistically cut, carved, painted, every last nook and cranny to perfection. It´s a beautiful gem. My children loved playing on the handcarved chess game or playing tag in the lovely enclosed yard.Her personality exudes the same love and care that she´s put in her home. From the moment I began email correspondence, I knew I would be in good hands. I was traveling alone with three children, and she took me under her wing. She offered some fabulous ideas for every day of our stay: we woke with horses in our yard for a beach ride, we went on ATVs and a couple of private boat tours. It´s truly like a dream vacation. I didn't want to leave! I wished stay there and work for her. Her generosity, warmth and kindness makes this trip truly extraordinary. We came from Club Med in Punta Cana, and I think this experience is above and beyond any we could have at a resort. To sum up, if you´re thinking of going anywhere else while in Las Galeras...you don´t need to look farther Chalet Tropical is your home away from home.

Recommended for:

Guest: Stacey
Date of Stay: 07/10/07 Review Submitted: 07/09/07

from 5th to 17th of June 2007 There is no place more lovely than this part of the Samana peninsula and no hostess more hospitable than Sarah. I recommend not renting motorized transport and walking instead. You really get to experience the area and besides, what's the hurry? You're on frickin vacation fer cryin out loud! Get some much needed exercise and preserve the environment at the same time.

Recommended for:

Guest: Jennifer & Jason
Date of Stay: 06/11/07 Review Submitted: 06/10/07

Chalet Tropical is an enchanting little Chalet. Something of the sort that one would only realize in one’s dreams or a child’s mind or deep in the thick of a fairy forest. To describe the more than gracious hosts Sarah and Danillo or the grounds would hardly do either justice ..but I will try…Lush green land and delicate flowers and shrub surround the tiny Castle of Art- worked wood, scrolled, carved, stained, every inch meticulously placed-a display of magnificent artistry and talent. A fence of stone crowed with jewel toned shards of glass on one side and sharpened pillars of wood on the other- encloses the acre or so of manicured landscape. Beyond the fence a lush thick of native foliage and the occasional handsome cow to greet hello in the late afternoon. A hazy pastel rainbow welcomes and receives you as you ascend its rouge stairway. The front door opens like the curtains of a stage and gives way to the Chalet’s main living room and kitchen.A gas stove on stone island is strategically placed in the center of the kitchen. The dining table sits in the center of the great room and spaciously accommodates 4. It is all hand carved, with all the different types of native woods available in the country. It could easily be wheeled out to the porch. The built–in sitting area to the right is very comfortable. A Chess set is inlayed into the seating area’s corner table. Just beyond the kitchen, past the swinging doors, you will find a small dressing area, vanity and stone shower. Water is warm after 15-20 minutes at the touch of a switch and pressure is good. Just beyond that is a disco lit-private toilet area complete with bidet (a welcome for those of us Americans who have lived overseas and known it’s amenity). The screened slatted windows when accommodated in the open positions allow for a fabulous cross breeze. No air conditioning needed. The stairway to the loft should be navigated with care, as the slats are a bit narrow-- (not for the clumsy, and not ideal for small children, elderly, or disabled). The spacious loft, with cathedral-like ceiling and 2 beds which can be placed separately for friends, or together for lovers.A few tid bits about Las Galeras/Samana. 1. It’s best to fly into Santiago, rent a 4x4 and arrive 3-3.5 hours later. Locals drive very aggressively.2. The beach is a 10-15 minute walk away from the Chalet (we chose to drive there)3. Isabella is a wonderful woman who will cook you a delicious meal for lunc

Recommended for:

Guest: Vicky
Date of Stay: 04/23/07 Review Submitted: 04/22/07

19-24 August 2006 The Chalet was the most artistic and unique place that I have ever stayed. Every where that you looked there was some interesting and beautiful homemade artwork, the walls, the chairs, the bathroom, the floors even. It was all wonderful to look at and very comfortable, and we felt very much at home. In fact we wished we could make it our home. A great place if you like to cook because the kitchen was like a dream with pure rock counters. The Chalet is situated away from the cute little town of Las Galeras, at the end of a red dirt road, so the only noise you hear is that of the birds. It is surrounded by the rich tropical beauty of the Dominican Republic. One of the things that made the stay even more wonderful was the duenna, Sarah, who gave us everything we wanted and more. She is one of the nicest people I have ever had the pleasure to meet, she baked me a wonderful vegan cake for my birthday, she is an excellent cook and baker, so it is a great place for vegans and vegetarians. I will never forget my stay at the Chalet and the kind owners, and I really hope that I will be so lucky as to stay there again.

Recommended for:

Guest: Yasmine
Date of Stay: 04/23/07 Review Submitted: 04/22/07

01-08 Mars 2006 "Nous sommes aller en amoureux dans ce magnifique chalet tres paisible et vraiment en pleine nature non loin de la mer en meme temps, et malgre que le premier jour on pourrait croire que l'acces est difficile et bien non Sarah vous montrera tout, les passages pour aller vers l'une des plus belles plages de la republique Dominicaine, et d'autres chose encore. le matin vous vous reveillerez avec les chansonnettes des criquets et le Meuh des vaches ( ainsi vous profiterez pleinement de votre journee), mais c'est vraiment sympas. location: c'est une maison qui est tres agreable a vivre, si vous aimez tout ce qui est boise, tres ergonomique meme presque marrante car c'est une vrai boite a idee, rempli d'astuce de decoration et de rangement. ..Le petit plus: Sarah est exceptionnelle, toujours la pour vous encadrer vous donner les bons conseils, elle vous montrera la ville et les alentours pour bien vous montrer ce qu'on peut vous offrir."

Recommended for:

Guest: Jeff
Date of Stay: 04/23/07 Review Submitted: 04/22/07

1st-5th March 2007 We really enjoyed our stay. The house and owner were amazing. The house was a rustic/artistic masterpiece and labor of love built by the owners. The all wood interiors include all custom made, irregular and whimsical, but highly functional design. Sarah worked very hard to accommodate our needs. The town and country were great too. Unfortunately, we had misunderstood that the property was on, very close to or in view of the beach. In reality, the closest beach was reachable only by a 10 minute walk including passing a security gate and ducking under a barbed-wire fence, and the sea was not visible from the property. Additionally, the property is a single unit about a 12 minute walk from the town or any activities. Not terrible, perhaps desirable for some, but not as convenient as we had expected. Also, as is a single unit. There are no other guests to mingle with, and if Sara or her husband are not available to assist you, you are on your own. If you are OK with the independence and isolation of a 10-12 minute walk from the beach and town (or plan to rent a car or quad, or Sara had offered us a motor bike to use as well) then everything else is great.

Recommended for:

Guest: Amanda
Date of Stay: 04/23/07 Review Submitted: 04/22/07

5th Jenuary - 2nd February 2007 If you enjoy a certain level of comfort and independance and you don't want to stay in a hotel Chalet Tropical is the perfect place. It's the kind of location that's perfect for unwinding and relaxing. The Beaches are fantastic some of them do take a bit of effort to reach on foot but then you get the whole place to yourself. The chalet itself is a work of art, it's individuality increases the enjoyment of being away. Sarah and Danillo are the perfect hosts, friendly and charming people that are genuinely lovely, they manage to look after everything for you,are full of local information but give you your privacy as well....a fine balance handled beautifully.As the chalet is self catering we were more than happy to cook for ourselves:mostly with fish delivered by a local fisherman straight from the ocean.The shops and restuarants of Las Galeras are an easy 5 minute stroll away.There's also transport by boat to the furthur away beaches like Playa Rincon.If you want to stay in touch with home there is a mobile phone provided:credit can be bought in the local shops. The icing on the cake is that Sarah and Danillo have a wireless internet connection,so if you bring a laptop as we did you can send and receive emails from the chalet.We can't think of a nicer place to relax and de stress.

Recommended for:

Guest: Sophie
Date of Stay: 04/23/07 Review Submitted: 04/22/07

8-21 March 2006Tres beau chalet en bois, propre, original, joliment décoré... le depaysement est total! Entouré d'un jardin bien entretenu, le chalet tropical est le lieu idéal pour les amoureux du calme et de la nature. Bien que Las galeras soit un petit village, on y trouve tout le nécéssaire et les plages à proximité sont magnifiques. Protégé jusqu'à présent du "tourisme de masse", Las Galeras se situe forcément un peu loin des grandes villes (et donc des aéroports), mais c'est aussi son charme! Pour s'y rendre, des bus et des taxis sont disponibles. De plus, Sarah, la propriétaire (dont la maison se situe à coté du chalet) connait très bien la région et se fera une joie de vous aider à trouver le moyen de transport le mieux adapté à votre situation. elle se plie en 4 pour rendre votre séjour inoubliable!

Recommended for:

Guest: Richard
Date of Stay: 04/23/07 Review Submitted: 04/22/07

22th Dec - 4th Jen 2007Brilliant, idyllic place to stay - the cabin is equipped with everything you could need for a chilled, self catering stay, and was clearly built as a labour of love by the owners; you´ll be discovering fresh artistic details and homely touches for days after you arrive. Sarah and Danilo are the perfect hosts - far enough away to let you have your privacy, close enough to be on hand for any emergency or unexpected need, and friendly and generous with their time whenever you need them. We were treated pretty much like family from the moment we arrived - a birthday cake baked for us, invited along to Xmas and New Year festivities - and we´re going to miss everybody now it´s over. My only regret is it´s likely to be a year before we can get back out here again. MOST highly recommended

Recommended for:

Guest: Jordy
Date of Stay: 04/23/07 Review Submitted: 04/22/07

8-15 septiembre 2006El chalet es realmente bonito y acogedor, lleno de detalles para ir descubriendo día a día. La ubicación es inmejorable para visitar las mas bellas y paradisíacas playas del país, alguna de las cuales está realmente cerca, tan solo 5 minutos caminando desde el chalet. Junto al chalet, en la casa colindante vive Sarah, que es la dueña. Es una persona encantadora y siempre dispuesta a solucionar tus problemas o simplemente hacer tu estancia mas cómoda. El lugar es excelente para los amantes de la naturaleza, y la disfrutarán en primera persona desde el primer hasta el ultimo minuto. Mi mujer y yo estuvimos una semana y no tuvimos tiempo suficiente para disfrutar de todo el entorno. Agradecemos sinceramente la cordialidad y las atenciones de Sarah.

Recommended for: