Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the closest airport?
The closest airport is Puerto Plata airport (POP) which is only a 25-minute drive from the hotel. The airport of Santiago de los Caballeros (STI) is an 80-minute drive from the hotel. The Las Americas airport of Santo Domingo (SDQ) is a 4-hour drive from the hotel. The airport of Punta Cana (PUJ) is 6-hour drive from the hotel.
How do I get from the airport to the El Encuentro Surf Lodge?
We can arrange an airport pick-up. Please provide us with the flight number, arrival airport and approximate arrival time.
Puerto Plata airport transfer is US$ 40 (25 minutes)
Santiago airport transfer is $120 (80 minutes)
Santo Domingo airport transfer: $250 (4 hours)
Punta Cana airport transfer: $450 (6 hours)
UBER might work from Santiago and Santo Domingo.
Any other transport you may need to arrange for during your stay and your airport drop off on your departure day please contact reception upon arrival.
How can I pay my stay at the El Encuentro Surf Lodge?
We accept credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club) which are valid for international online transactions. We accept cash payments in US Dollars and Dominican Pesos.
Do I have to make a down payment?
No, a down payment is not required. To secure your booking, we ask for a credit card valid for international online transactions. The total amount of your reservation will be authorized within 7 days prior to arrival. Payment is completed upon arrival.
What happens if I need to cancel my reservation?
You may cancel or modify your reservation free of charge up to 7 days prior to arrival. Cancellations, changes made within 7 days of arrival, or no-shows will be charged 100% of the reservation amount.
Please note that group reservations (more than 4 rooms) are subject to a different cancellation policy. For group bookings, we kindly ask you to contact us directly.
Is the hotel suitable for traveling with my baby/toddler/kid?
Yes. We welcome many families and are happy to support travel with children. A crib can be provided free of charge in our Superior Studios and Beach Bungalows. The Superior Studios can also be used as interconnected family rooms. We can arrange a child car seat for airport pick-up and drop-off.
Additionally, The School House next door offers daycare for children aged 12 months and older. You can contact them directly at hello@theschoolhouse.edu.do
How far is it to the beach?
The beach is a 3-5 minute walk from the hotel, where the Superior Studios and Double Rooms are located. Casa Lela is located about a 10-minute walk from the beach. Beach Bungalows, Superior Beach Bungalows, and the Oceanfront Villa are directly in front of the ocean.
When is check-in?
Regular check-in is from 3:00 pm. Early check-in is subject to availability and available for an additional fee: USD 30 for check-in starting at 12:15 pm, or USD 75 for check-in earlier than 12:15 pm.
If you require early check-in, please let us know when making your reservation.
When is check-out?
Regular check-out is at 12:00 pm. Late check-out is subject to availability and available for an additional fee: USD 30 for check-out until 2:45 pm in Double Rooms, Superior Studios, and Beach Bungalows, or USD 75 for check-out until 2:45 pm in Superior Beach Bungalows.
If you require late check-out, please let us know when making your reservation or at least one day prior to departure.
What is included in the room rate of a Double Room?
The room rate shown for Double Rooms is the price per night for up to 2 guests. It includes a welcome drink, à la carte breakfast served from 7:00 am to 11:00 am, a coffee and tea station from 6:00 am to 5:00 pm, drinking water, Wi-Fi, on-site parking, and all applicable taxes and legal charges.
Please note that Double Rooms do not have space for an infant crib. The maximum occupancy is 2 guests including infants and children.
What is included in the room rate of a Superior Studio?
The rate shown for the Superior Studio is the price per night for up to 2 guests. (children aged 6 years and older are considered adults). A third or fourth adult staying in the room is charged an additional USD 20 per night. The rate includes a welcome drink, à la carte breakfast served from 7:00 am to 11:00 am, drinking water, a coffee and tea station from 6:00 am to 5:00 pm, Wi-Fi, secured parking, and all applicable taxes and legal charges. The maximum occupancy of this room is 4 guests, infants and children. Our Superior Studios have space for an infant crib, available upon request and subject to availability.
What is included in the room rate of a Beach Bungalow?
The rate shown for the Beach Bungalow is the price per night for up to 2 adults (children aged 6 years and older are considered adults). A third or fourth adult staying in the room is charged an additional USD 20 per night. The rate includes a welcome drink, à la carte breakfast served from 7:00 am to 11:00 am, a coffee and tea station from 6:00 am to 5:00 pm, drinking water, Wi-Fi, secured parking, and all applicable taxes and legal charges. The maximum occupancy of this room is 4 guests, including infants and children. Our Beach Bungalows have space for an infant crib, available upon request and subject to availability.
What is included in the room rate of a Superior Beach Bungalow?
The rate shown for the Beach Bungalow is the price per night for up to 2 adults (children aged 6 years and older are considered adults). A third or fourth adult staying in the room is charged an additional USD 20 per night. The rate includes a welcome drink, à la carte breakfast served from 7:00 am to 11:00 am, a coffee and tea station from 6:00 am to 5:00 pm, drinking water, Wi-Fi, secured parking, and all applicable taxes and legal charges. The maximum occupancy of this room is 6 guests in total, including infants and children. Our Beach Bungalows have space for an infant crib, available upon request and subject to availability.
What is included in the room rate of the Oceanfront Villa?
The rate shown for the Oceanfront Villa is the price per night for up to 14 adults (children aged 6 years and older are considered adults). A third or fourth adult staying in the room is charged an additional USD 20 per night. The rate includes a welcome drink, à la carte breakfast served from 7:00 am to 11:00 am, a coffee and tea station from 6:00 am to 5:00 pm, drinking water, Wi-Fi, secured parking, and all applicable taxes and legal charges. The maximum occupancy of this room is 14 guests, including infants and children. Our Beach Bungalows have space for an infant crib, available upon request and subject to availability.
Do kids stay for free?
Children aged 6 years and under (at the time of check-in) stay free of charge when using an existing bed, sofa bed, or an infant crib. Children aged 7 years and above (at the time of check-in) are counted as adults and charged accordingly. Please note that all guests, including children, count toward the maximum room occupancy, which may not be exceeded. Adequate sleeping space (bed, sofa bed) must be available for each guest.
What time is breakfast served?
À la carte breakfast is included for our guests and is served daily between 7:00 am and 11:00 am. Room service and delivery to the Beach Bungalows and Oceanfront Villa are available free of charge.
How often will my room be cleaned?
We offer daily room cleaning for all guests.
Do you provide shampoo, conditioner, and body soap?
Yes. Amenities vary by room category. Superior Studios are equipped with shampoo, conditioner, body soap, and a locally made natural bar soap. In our Double Rooms, Beach Bungalows, and Villas, we provide a locally made natural bar soap.
Which payment methods are accepted in the Dominican Republic?
The official currency is the Dominican Peso (DOP). However, US Dollars (USD) are widely accepted. Credit cards are commonly accepted at grocery stores, larger restaurants, and shops, though some businesses apply a surcharge for credit card payments. Smaller businesses and services, such as taxis, massages, local bars, and small shops, typically accept cash only, either in Dominican Pesos or US Dollars.
Does the hotel have a surf school?
Yes. Parallel Surf is located on-site and offers personalized surf coaching alongside surfskate, movement, and recovery sessions - designed as interconnected practices that support performance, well-being, and balance both in and out of the water. Guests of El Encuentro Surf Lodge receive a discount on all coaching services, as well as one complimentary ice bath. For more information or bookings, please contact the Parallel Surf team at hello@parallelsurf.com.
Is there a public transportation system?
Yes. Public transportation in the area is mainly provided by guaguas (shared minibuses) and carritos (shared cars). They run along the main road and stop anywhere to pick up or drop off passengers. To travel to Cabarete or Sosúa, wait on the side of the main road in the direction you’re heading, signal a guagua or carrito to stop, and hop in. When you’re close to your destination, simply ask the driver to stop. The fare along the road between Cabarete and Sosúa by guagua is approximately 50 Dominican Pesos (DOP) per person (about USD 1). The main road is about a 5-10 minute walk from the hotel. Please note that there are no streetlights along this route at night.
Another easy way to get around is by motoconcho (motorbike taxi). Motoconchos are available 24/7, and the fare from the hotel to Cabarete is 200 DOP or Sosúa 250-300 DOP, approximately USD 4. Prices at night are usually about double the daytime rate. Our reception team is happy to assist with any questions or motoconcho arrangements.
How much is a taxi?
A private taxi from the hotel to Cabarete or Sosúa is 15 USD, to Puerto Plata it is 40 USD.
Is there a long-distance bus operating?
Yes. We recommend Metro Servicios Turísticos, which operates long-distance bus routes between Santo Domingo, Santiago, Puerto Plata and Sosúa. To reach El Encuentro Surf Lodge, please get off at the Sosúa bus station. The fare from Santo Domingo to Sosúa is approximately 575 DOP, and from Santiago to Sosúa approximately 275 DOP. Tickets can be purchased directly at the respective Metro bus stations. Check their websites for more information. From the Sosúa bus station, you can take a private taxi to the hotel for approximately USD 15.
Where can I exchange money?
US Dollars can be exchanged at the hotel - please ask reception for the current exchange rate. For larger amounts or other currencies, we recommend Caribe Express or Wally’s Agency in Cabarete. We do not recommend exchanging money at the airport, as exchange rates there are often very low.
Is there a restaurant within walking distance?
Yes. Our à la carte restaurant Acacia is open for breakfast (7:00 am - 11:00 am) and lunch & dinner (11:00 am - 10:00 pm). Acacia offers a farm-to-table experience, featuring dishes prepared with fresh produce from our own permaculture garden. Within walking distance of the hotel, you’ll also find Coconut’s Restaurant. At Playa Encuentro, there are a few simple beach cafeterías open for breakfast and lunch. A bit farther along, the food park El Parq and the Pizzeria Pizzicleta are about a 15-minute walk through Encuentro. Some nearby restaurants also offer delivery service to the hotel via WhatsApp or the Komida! delivery app.
Is there a grocery store close by?
Yes. There are three minimarkets within walking distance of the hotel. La Bodeguita del Encuentro, Minimarket Coconut Grove, and Minimarket Furgón are all about a 15-minute stroll through the beautiful Encuentro area. Minimarket Furgón also offers delivery to the hotel.
What if I do need medical care?
For non-emergency medical care, Cemedin is a nearby option. Dr. Gideon Plaut acts as a family doctor and offers private consultations for approximately DOP 2,500. For hospital care, the closest options are CMC Hospital in Sosúa and Burnigal Clinic in Puerto Plata. Pharmacies in the Dominican Republic are easy to access, and offer delivery to the hotel. A well-known option in the area is Farmacia Carol. Our reception team will be happy to assist with directions, contact details, or arranging transportation if needed.
Where can I do my laundry?
We offer laundry service for an additional cost of USD 25 per machine load, which includes machine washing and tumble drying. Laundry is typically ready by the next day. An iron and ironing board are also available upon request.
How much is a massage?
Our massage therapists offer a range of massage techniques, such as Deep Tissue, Aromatherapy, Relaxation, and Sports Massage. The rate is USD 65 for a 60-minute session.
How far are the Beach Bungalows / Superior Beach Bungalow / Oceanfront Villa from the main hotel?
Our Oceanfront complex is right in front of the ocean inside the gated residential Hideaway Beach Resort. The hotel is approximately a 10-minute walk away. Please see the map in the "CONTACT" section.
Can a crib be provided?
Cribs are available upon request for all rooms except Double Rooms, subject to availability. This service is free of charge but needs to be reserved ahead of time.
What are the included activities?
Our guests enjoy complimentary access to selected weekly activities at Parallel Surf. For the current schedule and details, please contact the Parallel Surf team at hello@parallelsurf.com.
How do I get from Europe to Puerto Plata?
There are direct flights to Puerto Plata from Europe, including from Frankfurt with Condor, from Zurich with SWISS, and from Kraków with LOT Polish Airlines. Additionally, Iberia and Air Europa offer flights via Madrid, typically connecting through Santo Domingo (SDQ), with onward travel to Puerto Plata by a short domestic flight or ground transfer.
How do I get from the United States / Canada to Puerto Plata?
There are direct flights to Puerto Plata from major cities in the United States and Canada, including Miami, New York/Newark, Toronto, and Montreal. Airlines serving Puerto Plata may include Air Canada, United Airlines, JetBlue, WestJet, Sunwing, and American Airlines. Flight availability varies by season.
How do I get from Santo Domingo to the hotel?
You can either take a private taxi from Santo Domingo to the hotel for USD 250 or travel by bus to Sosúa (approximately USD 15). For more details, please see “Is there a long-distance bus operating?” Once in Sosúa, a private taxi to the hotel costs approximately USD 15.
Can I bring my pet?
Unfortunately, pets are not permitted at our boutique hotel, bungalows or vacation villas.
Do the rooms have a TV?
No. Our rooms are TV-free as part of our boutique hotel concept, encouraging guests to connect with nature and slow down. Instead, we offer card and board games, as well as a small library, for relaxed, screen-free moments.
Can I drink the tap water?
No. The tap water is not suitable for drinking. However, it is safe to use for brushing your teeth and showering. Filtered drinking water is provided for our guests.
Do you offer Yoga classes?
Yes. Yoga classes are offered through Parallel Surf as part of their weekly activities. Yoga sessions are included for our guests. Please get in touch with Parallel Surf hello@parallelsurf.com for more information.
Can I schedule activities?
Yes. Upon arrival, our reception team will be happy to assist you with scheduling activities and answering any questions.
Is there an ATM within walking distance?
Yes. There is a “Red ATM Triinet” located in Encuentro, within walking distance of the hotel. Please refer to the Encuentro map for the location.
Are there commercial supermarkets close by?
Yes. Larger supermarkets such as Janet’s Supermarket, Janet’s Plus, Sirena, and Playero are located in Cabarete and Sosúa, just a short drive from the hotel.