Explore on foot,get back with your driver

It is important to note that there is no sandy beach directly in front of Villa Valesta. The villa sits directly on the ocean, but the shoreline immediately in front of the property is rocky and exposed to the waves.

To find sand and go for a swim, however, you only need to walk about 400 metres in either direction.

To the east: Perla Marina Beach. A beautiful sandy beach easily accessible on foot from the villa.

To the west: our favourite. Walk toward the former abandoned resort. Just past the concrete wall, you will discover a beautiful little wild bay that is rarely crowded.

Although both beaches are beautiful and can be great for swimming, always use caution. We are on the north coast of the Dominican Republic, and depending on the day, the waves and currents can be very strong. When the sea is rough, it is best to simply enjoy the beach without necessarily going for a swim.

Just 500 metres from the villa, Natura Cabana is one of our favourite spots in the area.

You will find a yoga platform, a spa, as well as a restaurant and bar right on the sand.

Perfect for a yoga session, a massage, a meal, or simply a drink by the beach.

This is probably our favourite short walk.

Encuentro has a laid-back, almost Hawaiian surf-village feel: surfers, cafés, smoothies and beach life.

Stop for a latte or smoothie while watching the surfers, or book a surf lesson yourself.

But part of the pleasure is simply getting there: the trail through tropical forest and along wild beaches is beautiful.

And this is where our favourite formula really starts to make sense: walk from Villa Valesta, enjoy Encuentro for as long as you like, then simply ask your driver to pick you up.

For tennis lovers, a beautiful walk takes you to the Sea Horse Ranch Tennis Club.

The club features 5 clay tennis courts and one pickleball court.

The journey is part of the experience, taking you through forest and along wild beaches before arriving at the club for your match.

Upon arrival, a security guard controls access and must have been informed of your tennis reservation. Your concierge can, of course, arrange everything for you.

After your match, there is no need to walk the 2.5 km back: your driver can pick you up directly at the club.

For those who want to add a workout to their walk, continue past the Encuentro surf village, behind the Wawes condos, to the gym at Los Golondrinas.

You will find a great gym with a pool.

If you head out in the late afternoon, our suggestion is simple: walk from the villa, work out, enjoy the pool, then reward yourself with a drink on the hotel rooftop.

Your driver can then pick you up for the ride back to Villa Valesta.

For our more active guests, this is THE hike we recommend.

Leave Villa Valesta in the morning and head toward Cabarete, following beaches, small trails and stretches of tropical forest.

First stop: Encuentro, for a cappuccino or smoothie while watching the surfers.

Then continue along some of the most beautiful wild beaches in the area until you reach Cabarete.

Our favourite ritual? Lunch with your feet in the sand at Drifter, take your time enjoying Cabarete, then send your driver a message to come pick you up.

After a 9 km walk, the air-conditioned ride back to the villa is especially welcome!

One small tip: check the tides before heading out. Depending on the water level, some sections may require getting your feet wet. For us, that is simply part of the adventure!