baltobabes blog all about SUNscape Casa Del Mar

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DIVING INFO FOR BAYAHIBE




by baltobabe

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Dominican Republic diving is posssible all year round and offers abundant fish life, coral and dive sites. Located on the Caribbean's second largest island, the Dominican Republic occupies two-thirds of Hispaniola.

Climate:
Average annual temperature: Between 18°C and 27ºC.
Average Water surface temperature: Between 25-29°C. A 3mm “shorty” wetsuit is recommended except for rainy days and multiple diving a 3mm "full wetsuit" would be better.

Coldest time: January to March
Warmest time: October to December

Possible to dive all year round
Best time to dive: June to September
Worst time to dive:Rainy seasons which are October - May on the north coast and May - October in the south.
Visibility average: between 15 - 30m

Dominican Republic diving boasts hundreds of tropical fish, coral and plant life. The grouper and porcupine fish are frequently seen. There are brightly coloured fan corals on the reefs and you may spot whale sharks, mantas, and playful dolphins.

Manatees are found in the mangrove forests and humpback whales in the Bay of Samana end of February, beginning of March.
The Dominican Republic also has plenty of wrecks to explore including the Hickory and Limon Wrecks, in the underwater national park of Santo Domingo. The "Limon", a 115 feet tug boat, and the famous "Hickory", a 130 feet transport freighter are both lying at 60 feet.

In the region of Boca Chica cave diving can be done in the cave systems. These systems of caves and tunnels are following the former coastline of the Dominican Republic millions of years ago.

Many of the dive sites are found in the underwater park at La Caleta, which boasts brightly colored fan and Elkhorn coral. The area also attracts whale sharks, mantas and dolphins.


by baltobabe


and

this is the map at the CDM dive shop:


by baltobabe

Here are some diveshop sites in the Bayahibe area you might want to explore also:

http://www.casa-daniel.de/en/bayahibe_e.htm

http://www.scubafun.info/e_info.htm

http://www.villaiguana.de/scuba_diving_bayahibe_laromana_cdc.htm

all the best,
bb/mt

by baltobabe

Click on pic to enter album and enjoy!

Remember to send an email to FORUM FRIENDS at the Resort!


forumfriends@sunscapecasadelmar.com.do


by baltobabe

click to enlarge and enter album, contains map of resort, excursions available and more!


for Sunscape Casa del Mar
Just let them know your date of arrival and name your room is booked in.
Let them know of any special occassion like birthday, anniversary, ect!
Just another way SUNscape puts SUNsational into your vacation!



click to enlarge and enter album, map of resort, excursions, spa menu and more.

Latest shots of The Seaside Taino Garden Spa, just in from Casa Del Marvelous! 

And after!!! A clean, neat and ready to serve Hospital helped along by the caring staff of Casa Del Mar!  

As you can see Staff and Management alike pitched in to give the Hospital a new and much better face to serve to folks in Bayahibe! Sr. Daniel Hernandez can be seen in the bottom middle photo lending a hand! This is what puts the Marvelous in Casa Del Marvelous...the caring from the entire staff and managment! 

These are pictures of the Hospital in the Village of Bayahibe, a neighbor to Casa Del Mar. The staff and management of Casa Del Mar with their large hearts decided to pitch in and help them out... 

just got a note from a special friend at the resort!!!


Oh! I would like to tell you that yesterday we spend about 7 hours at the Bayahibe hospital painting and cleaning. We were a group of 30 dynamic employees who change completely the appearance of the hospital...what a satisfaction we all had! And you can imagine how happy was the doctor there and how proud was Mr. Hernández. I will share the pictures with you soon.[b][/b]

Just another reason I call it SUNscape Casa Del Marvelous! This is but one of the reasons I LOVE the people there!!!

Congratulations on a job well done to all who participated in this wonderful project!

I will post pics when I get them.

If anyone is planning to go to Casa Del Mar, please contact me at

pathtomt@aol.com

I would like to tell you about FORUM FRIENDS!

And what it could mean to your stay at Casa Del Mar, it is free and fabulous! Hope to hear from you!

Have a CASA DEL MARVELOUS TIME!

baltobabe/mt

Basically I can tell you that we are already closing the east side garden of the World Café in order to start with the construction of the restaurant to be located right beside the buffet (or probably the expansion of it). There are MANY people working for the construction of the rooms because it should be opened by December.

here are some shots of the area by the World Cafe they are referring to:

by baltobabe


and another view


by baltobabe



Our guests are enjoining our facilities since as mentioned before; we are doing all our best for those works do not disturb our clients’ vacations

All great new! Always SUNscape Casa Del Marvelous!!!

bb/mt

by baltobabe

More Info on the Romantic Dinners, just in from the resort:

The difference between both dinners is a bottle of wine and some things of the menu, please find as follows the delicious options for each dinner:



$120.00 UD Dinner:



Option 1

Shrimp and fish ceviche in coconut / puffed pastry stuffed with curried scallops/ passion fruit sorbet / lobster tail American sauce and beef fillet green pepper sauce with gratin potatoes/ banana flambee/ Caribbean cocktail/ bottle of national champagne/ bottle of Santa Rita Wine – white or read.

Option 2

Shrimp cocktail/ chicken salad in warm balsamic vinegar sauce/ clam chowder/ lobster tail, prawns, calamari, shrimp, scallops, fish fillet served with cream potatoes and steamed vegetables/ strawberry pie with chocolate sauce/ Caribbean cocktail/ bottle of national champagne/ bottle of Santa Rita Wine – white or read.



$90.00 US Dinner:



Option 1

Seafood ceviche served in a coconut / Shrimp Bisque / Lobster “a la crema” in puff pastry / snapper fillet in “Americana” sauce served with yellow rice and tomato provenzal/ strawberry hearts “al grand marnier”

Option 2

Greek salad with chicken, grapes, apples and nuts/ cream of asparagus/ mushrooms “a la crema” in puff pastry/ beef fillet with green peppercorns, potatoes provenzal and carrot mouse/ chocolate bonbons with strawberry sauce.



Concerning the restaurants, you actually have different options as I mentioned previously. The romantic or lobster dinners are other options that are not included in the package. I understand that you would like to have something special for your wife as you are celebrating your anniversary, therefore the dinner at the pier would be a great choice. Many honeymooners and anniversary couples have enjoyed it to celebrate and we’ve had nothing but great comments about it.



For our restaurants you need no previous reservations since we have no-reservations-policy. Concerning the dinner at the pier you could arrange it with me once you are here as well as other detail you would like to have for your wife such as flower for her to find in the room once you have the romantic dinner……that would be a nice touch.

Hope this helps all who are planning something special!



by baltobabe

by baltobabe

this is the booklet that travel agents give their clients that show why Casa Del Mar is really Casa Del Marvelous!

by baltobabe

click on pic to enlarge and see trips offered by AppleVacations

by baltobabe

http://www.kandela.com.do/english.htm

GREAT website with music and videos

I was taken to the Kandella Show for My Birthday! It was spectacular! I can't wait to go again in April of 2007.

by baltobabe

The area at the Taino Garden will be run by the Spa.

the charges in the Sea side Taino Spa. It is going to be a charge of US$20 to buy a pass to use the tub for the whole day, a US$50 for 3 days a US$100 for a week.

For those guests that have a massage or treatment at the Taino Spa (specifically) will be able to use the Jacuzzi with no extra cost.

There will be a Guest Service there to arrange the services.

That will be an area for adults only (we will have signs).

Someone asked about the pricing for the Seaside Jacuzzi, I thought I would add this info:

Yes you would have to pay $5 if you wanted only to use the Hot Tub in the Taino Garden Spa, it is NOT part of the All Inculsive plan, it is part of the Spa area.

There are Massage services there and the Seaside Jacuzzi.

There is a hot tub by the pool that is part of the All Inclusive Package and there for no extra charge for that.

The Spa and its services are wonderful and I highly recommend them.

But they are not part of the all inclusive.

The Spa Consists of the Main Spa and Relaxation Gardens, The Eco Spa over top the natural springs and now and newest the The Taino Gardens with the Seaside Jacuzzi.

I hope this explains a little as to why and how it is seperate from the All Inclusive Plan.

Have a SUNsational Time,baltobabe/mt

Another view of the Oceanfront Jacuzzi at the Taino Gardens Seaside Spa. 

Entrance to the Taino Gardens Seaside Spa, with its fantastic view of the beautiful Caribbean Sea. 

View of one of the Massage Palyapas in the Taino Gardens Seaside Spa 

Lovely Seaside Jacuzzi with a beautiful view of the Caribbean Sea. 

Overhead shows construction area, as you can see it only is affecting a small area of the resort.  

Walk way past building three toward the New World Cafe, the fence is up and the construction of the new building has started.  

Some of the Trees that have been moved from garden / construction area are being placed on the beach 

Construction behind the fence, they have moved the trees and transplanted them to the beach and other areas around the resort while the construction is taking place.  

Hello! Here you have some details about the horse-drawn carriage: The ride starts at the area next to the theater; it goes through the road that crosses in front of the ecological spa, passing by the tennis courts, after which they are taken in front of the lobby, going through the parking lot area and returning all the way back. The cost is $5.00 US p/person - daytime service The price for special services such as bridal ride or romantic ride during the night is $30.00 US. I hope this information help you. Best regards,
 

Baltobabes birthday bash 2006
April 8th to 15, 2006

Overview
Another wonderful trip to Casa Del Mar! Amazing how it just keeps getting better! From Management team, to staff, to grounds, to beach, to the whole “Marvelous” package of Casa Del Marvelous.

Check in

Upon arrival I was greeted by some of my Amigos and Amiga’s friends from my many trips before. Just another reason it is “Casa Del Marvelous” It is definitely the FOLKS that make the difference here! Such happy, wonderful people greeting me back home to Casa Del Mar. Touched my heart and soul!
Room
I was in 3234 one of my favorite rooms at Casa Del Mar a lovely view of both the ocean and the pool. Spectacular for sitting on the balcony in the morning with a great cup of that wonderful Dominican coffee that is provided for you in room coffee maker! What a lovely touch! Thank you CDM!
The rooms that I have had at Casa Del Mar have always been clean, spacious and comfortable! And this one is too! There is a nice large closet with iron and ironing board. A large bathroom that has a tub shower combination with a large vanity and mirror covering on wall. The bathroom door has a full length mirror, another nice touch.
The bed is a king size and very comfortable. Great placement of the TV in a lovely wicker credenza with a remote and it all works to make me very happy! There are night tables on each side of the bed with lamps on each table. There is a writing desk with the “info book” with all kinds of information and in all kinds of languages to make it easy for the guest to feel right at home at Casa Del Mar!
From here there is a sitting area that is against the wall with a lovely orchid plant on the table between the wicker chairs. A lovely setting and near the large glass doors that open up to the balcony! I LOVE that balcony and view!
The furniture is all light colored and very tropical giving the room a real vacation with casual elegance feel! I feel both at home and at peace in my room at Casa Del Mar!
Food
The FOOD is one of my FAVORITE things about Casa Del Mar! Each meal I have there is such a treat! I look forward to them when I am away and savor them when I am there!
Breakfast at the New World Café starts the day with a smile from the happy and smiling wait staff that greets and seats you, to the huge buffet with so many wonderful choices, the omelet guys, the pancake and waffle guys, fresh fruit, side dishes of fried tomatoes or grilled pineapple always changing and always good! And don’t forget those donuts! YUM!
Lunch choices here are many… from the New World Buffet to the Seaside Grill by the Saona Theater and even burgers and such on the beach! My favorite is the Seaside Grill!!! You can find me there every day around 11:45 having either the Calamari of the Catch of the day! BOTH great choices, along with a fresh delicious salad prepared at the salad bar. The wait staff and chefs at the Seaside grill are GREAT! As are all of the food and beverage folks at Casa Del Mar. The view from one of the outside tables just keeps me going back again and again to enjoy my lunches in paradise.
Dinner Choices are many and seem to be ever growing at Casa Del Mar. Of course there is the New World Café with different themes every day. Check out the Sundial to see what the theme and cocktail of the day. The Asian, The Seaside Grill by the Saona Theater, DaMarios Italian Restaurant and the Jungle Bar! Try them all! They are great!
Some of my favorites are the Seaside Grill for the Cowboy Combo Platter with the “orgasmic baby beef” wait until you taste it, you will see what I mean! DaMarios for the grilled seafood platter,mmm, so very good! The jungle bar for the surf and turf and a view of the sunset and ocean and the sand in your toes!
And let’s not forget the desserts both at lunch and dinner! Can I say I LOVE the FLAN! It is just so very delicious! And the Macaroon cookies and pies and cakes and goodies! I always try to save room for at least 1 dessert or maybe a couple! Hehehe!
These are just a few of the wonderful dining experiences that awaiting you at Casa Del Marvelous! ENJOY!
Beach & Pool
I am a BEACH Girl! Love to sit by the Seaside and hear that beautiful Caribbean Sea lapping at the white sand shore of Casa Del Marvelous! For me it doesn’t get any better than that! Except of course when I put my snorkel gear on and go visit my “fishy friends”! The snorkeling at Casa Del Mar is one of my favorite pastimes I never miss a chance to do some great snorkeling while there! I would advise bringing your own snorkel gear if you like to snorkel! The resorts water sports will loan you equipment for an hour at a time so if you are an avid snorkel person…bring your own!
There is plenty of shade at Casa Del Mar from the many Palyapas and palm trees that line the beach from one end to the other. And plenty of places in the sun if you would rather do that! Again with the choices! So many and wonderful!
The pool is large and beautiful and has plenty of seating both in the shade under some pergola type shade and seats in the sun if that is your pleasure. The bar by the pool is one of my favorites! It has this great tile mosaic of at turtle! Of course the turtle is one of the logos of the SUNscape properties and you will find him all around! LOVE the TURTLE! LOVE Casa Del Marvelous!
Spa
Ah the Spa! Now I could go on and on about Metamorphosis! It is just another one of the many reasons my heart resides at Casa Del Marvelous! There are two Spas, the Main Spa is located past the lobby to the right as you walk the pathway you will see it and it is BEAUTIFUL through and through from the lovely calm reception area, to the beautifully appointed spa rooms, the talented and lovely ladies who take you to the next level of relaxation, beyond the Main Spa Building are the gardens and the Jacuzzi and some outdoor buildings that are for treatments also. What a lovely layout they have. And so much beauty!

As if that is not enough there is the EcoSpa that lies a bit beyond the MainSpa, it is in the Jungle and has huts scattered throughout for massage and other treatments. This is my very favorite! You will find me there at 3pm every afternoon getting Lymphatic Drainage Massage, my absolute favorite! You can wander through the Ecospa and commune with nature. It is laid out by a natural spring that is full of fish, turtles and ducks. A lovely retreat from the Caribbean sun. A great place to meditate and be thankful for the beauty that abounds!

Entertainment and Activities
The Entertainment at Casa Del Mar seems to be endless, with something fun and wonderful always going on! From morning to the late night you will find one of the fun animation staff around to engage you in a game or a dance lesson, Spanish lesson, towel folding, cocktail making….always something wonderful and fun to do….or if you choose you can do absolutely nothing and just sit by the beach or pool and loll around and soak up the sun.

There is the tennis court, the bicycle tour (which I still haven’t done) you can book a golf outing with Guest Services! There is the free horseback ride, sign up down by the towel hut with Mario “the horse master”.

All kinds of fun things to do and you can find them all listed in the SUNdial newsletter that they slip under your door everynight so when you arise you can plan your day. What a great idea that is! Another great Casa Del Marvelous Service!
Excursions
The Apple Reps at Casa Del Mar are Michelle and Caroline and they are the “Dream Team” Love those girls! They are both so very helpful, Michelle is from England and Caroline is from the DR, they work hard to make sure your vacation is MARVELOUS! Their office is on the 2nd floor of Building 3 and they are there to help! Even if you do not book through Apple they can help your find and book great trips off the resort!

This past trip I took the shopping trip with Caroline, it was $25 I think and we went to a cigar factory and to Altos De Chevon!

I also got to go to the Kandella Show at Altos De Chevon, it runs several times during the year so you might want to check to see if it is indeed playing while you are there.

I have done in the past the River Adventure tour and it was great fun also!

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at:

pathtomt@aol.com

You can visit my webshots albums at:
http://community.webshots.com/user/baltobabe-date

My blog is updated with Casa Del Marvelous info:

http://www.baltobabesblog.blogspot.com/

As you can tell I LOVE Casa Del Mar and intend to return as often as I can, I go back in August and will be there to bring in 2007 in
True Casa Del Marvelous style!

Have a Casa Del Marvelous Day,
baltobabe/mt

http://amresorts.proboards84.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=suclrexperience&thread=1145489141

Just posted a photo album of a Tour of the Explorers Club at Casa Del Mar.

this is on the side of the New World Cafe, they will be expanding the restaurant for more seating and putting a Pergola type covering on the front and around the side to provide more outdoor seating to be available.

This is another view of the New World Cafe where they will be expanding and adding the Pergola type covering for outdoor seating

Patio of New World Cafe where pergola covering will add outdoor seating.

Looking out from building 2 towards the construction site. The pool will be here near the beach, to give the guests a spectacular view. During construction this area will have a wooden wall surrounding it so the guests will not be disturbed by the view or construction noises that might occur.

A view from a balcony in building 2 looking toward building 3. This is where the New Building will be constructed. There will be gardens between the new buildings and both buildings 2 & 3. Much care is being taken to move the existing plants and trees during the construction. Acrossed the gardens there are a line of palm trees and this is where a wall will be constructed to shield the guests from the construction going on.