Luxury resorts, Café del Mar, swimming with dolphins and a marina - welcome to Cofresi!

Nestling on the splendid bay of Maimon between sea and mountains covered in tropical forest, 10 km west of Puerto Plata on the north-west coast of the Dominican Republic, the Senator Puerto Plata Spa is a top-of-the-range all-inclusive resort open 24 hours a day. The former Riu Bachata is a lively club ideal for families, sports enthusiasts and wellness lovers. The airport is 25 km away, so allow 45 minutes for transfers.

Cofresi was a Caribbean pirate in the late 18th century. Nicknamed El Pirata Cofresí, this Puerto Rican pirate eluded Spanish, British, French and American ships for years before being caught and executed on 29 March 1825 in San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico. Presented as a sort of Robin Hood who stole from the rich to give to the poor, this legendary pirate left behind numerous stories, books, plays and films.

His treasure has never been found, but many caves, beaches and other alleged hideaways bear his name in the Caribbean, particularly in Puerto Rico. He gave his name to the seaside resort of Cofresi, 5 km west of Puerto Plata. Finally, it was on the Amber Coast that Christopher Columbus landed.

The seaside resort of Cofresi benefits from its location just 5 km from Puerto Plata, along the Amber Coast, and just 19 km from the airport, a 35-minute journey. The site is renowned for its Ocean World park, one of the best-known in the Dominican Republic for swimming with dolphins.

Another must-see spot is Cofresi's Café del Mar, inaugurated on 24 September 2015. It has everything going for it: a location close to Puerto Plata, where many cruise ships dock. In particular, it attracts guests from the luxurious Lifestyle Holiday Vacation Resort, including the Cofresi Palm Beach.

Ocean World

Swimming with dolphins at Ocean World in Cofresi, near Puerto Plata, is an unforgettable experience. You can also feed the stingrays, admire the sharks and iguanas, watch sea lion shows, snorkel among the fish in an artificial pool and touch the parrots and toucans. Children are particularly pampered, with pirate pools and water slides in a tropical forest setting. In the evening, it's time for The Bravissimo Experience, a show worthy of the greatest Las Vegas shows!

The Cafe del Mar

The Cafe del Mar in Cofresi was more successful than the one in Samana, which had to close its doors. It has a lot going for it: close to Puerto Plata, where many cruise ships dock, and even better, in the heart of Ocean World, where you can swim with the dolphins. Its swimming pool, complete with Balinese beds, overlooks the marina and the sea in a chic, relaxed chill-out lounge atmosphere. Blue and white dominate. Typically the kind of place where you'd expect a star to turn up... In fact, there's nothing missing from the package: pool, bar, restaurant, cigar lounge...

When to go to Cofresi

Cofresi is around ten kilometres from Puerto Plata, so the weather is much the same. The climate is pleasant all year round, with temperatures ranging from 29°C (in January) to 34°C (in August). However, the rainiest months are November, December and January. So it's best to avoid visiting Cofresi at this time of year, and opt for the rest of the year, from February to October, to visit this seaside resort.