Juan Dolio
During the late 1980s, Juan Dolio was the main tourist destination of the nation, attracting mainly Europeans who came to experience the first resorts on the island. After some time, the idea of all-inclusive emerged, and a major tourist boom arose, attracting over 5,000 tourists daily. Sadly, after Hurricane Georges hit in 1998, businesses decided to move to what is now Bavaro/Punta Cana. Juan Dolio hasn't fully recuperated since then but new projects are on there way to restore the town.
Places to Sleep
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Hotel Fior di Loto: Before arriving to this hotel, I never even planned to go to Juan Dolio. However, while I was traveling other parts of the Dominican Republic, other travelers kept telling me about a hotel in JD that was Indian-inspired and owned by an Italian women. I found it worth while to stop by and I'm glad I did, spending a week there.
There aren't many things to do in Juan Dolio but the atmosphere of Fior di Loto makes you want to stay there forever. I was sad I couldn't meet Mara while I was there, given the great things I heard about her, but it was a great and relaxing experience.
The hotel has a fitness room, a wraparound balcony, seating area, games and a cute staff.
Rooms are from $15 to $40 a night. Includes fridge, cable TV, safe and full-length mirror.
P.O. Box 513, Calle Central 517
Playa Juan Dolio, San Pedro de Macoris
Email: hotelfiordiloto@hotmail.com
Tel: 809-526-1146
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Aparta-Hotel Caribe Paraiso: To stay here would be like being back home, only you don't have to clean up after yourself. Starting at $56 for 2 nights includes daily cleaning, safe box, air conditioning, kitchen: stove and fridge, and cable TV (international channels) and beachfront views!
Carretera Nueva, Playa Juano Dolio
Email: info@caribeparaisojuandolio.com
Tel: 809-526-2209
Things to do
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​Eat at a German bakery: Located at the end of Juan Dolio, Fredy's Snack Panaderia makes delicious breads and pastries.​
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Let the waves turn you over: I was surprised how strong the waves were in the beach next to all the restaurants. I enjoyed it. A little aggression is always good.​
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Walk the long strip: There are several small shops with souvenirs, paintings and art, and comedores.​
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Isla Saona: The island is a wonderland. I booked the all-day getaway through Hotel Fior di Loto for $65.
The day begins at 7:30am. It is a long drive to Barahona but well worth it when a speed boat takes you to the middle of the ocean, where you can hop off, swim in the clear, blue water, and drink unlimited rounds of Cuba Libre. The speed boat, then, takes you to the small island where you can dance, swim, play beach volleyball, drink some more and eat.
On the way back, you will relax in a slow-paced ride on a catamaran while merengue and bachata plays.
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Cuevas de las Maravillas: Located in La Romana, it seems like getting there is half the adventure.​ Open Tues-Sun, 10am-5pm​
Directions:
Take la guagua from Juan Dolio to La Rotonda in San Pedro de Macrois, 35 pesos
There, take a bus to las cuevas - 50 pesos
Will drop you off on the side of the highway. Be careful crossing!
Nightlife
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Plaza Chocolate: Located at the end of Old Juan Dolio, the plaza has a bar playing typical Dominican music. It is a great place to meet locals!​ Calle Principal 127, open till 2am
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El Batey Disco: A much more lively dance space then Plaza Chocolate, popular among locals and tourists playing merengue and bachata all night. Calle Principal 84​
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Cacique Bar: One of the more popular bars in Juan Dolio, located on the beach access area.​
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Eat at El Sueño: Known to make some of the best pizza in the Dominican Republic. Come here for dinner and enjoy with a Presidente or a cocktail. Calle Prinicpal 330​
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A night in Boca Chica: Juan Dolio lacks very much in places to party hard. So while I stood in Fior di Loto, I was told it is very common for locals to travel to Boca Chica for the night. If you are not already staying in Boca Chica heading west of Juan Dolio at night might be dangerous. Make sure to schedule a time when a driver can pick you up and drop you back off.
Just like Santiago's Tolentino street, Calle Duarte is Boca Chica's strip full of restaurants, bars and clubs. The full-on partying begins past midnight as families and the older crowd start to clear out. The crowd is at its height at 3am but starts to dissipate around 4am.

*Beware that just like Sosúa, Boca Chica is well known for its over-exposure of prostitution.