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How often have you promised yourself that you would take that much-needed vacation and head for some place warm and tranquil? It's time to stop procrastinating! Call the dog-sitter, pack your bags, and head to Sousa, Dominican Republic.

Sousa is located on the north coast of the Dominican Republic, and with its turquoise water, white sand and abundance of local restaurants, you are sure to have a spectacular time. Nestled in a crescent-shaped bay, the waters in Sousa are calm, and the towering cliffs create an exotic backdrop, perfect for a relaxing getaway. The incredible sunsets will take your breath away. So will the rum.

Sousa was settled by Jewish refugees during World War II. They established a dairy community and created a thriving dairy market. Soon the wealthy from nearby cities began building vacation homes in Sousa. While few descendents of the original Jewish refugees remain in Sousa, many Canadians, Americans, Austrians and Germans now live in Sousa year-round, alongside the Dominicans that have made Sousa their home. The people of Sousa are very friendly, with wide smiles welcoming you to engage in conversation. The town has a decidedly Spanish influence; however, many locals speak English, and enjoy the opportunity to brush up on their English-speaking skills, especially when they're trying to sell you souvenirs.

Getting to Sousa is fairly easy, with daily flights from many major US cities. New York's JFK, Miami and Houston, to name a few, all have daily flights to Gregorio Luperon International Airport of Puerto Plata. Puerto Plata, the province's capital, is just 15 miles to the west of Sousa and a short taxi ride away (around $25, if I recall). To the east are Cabarete, known for its kite boarding competitions, and Rio San Juan, a quaint seaside town. Minibuses (Guaguas) travel to Sousa all day long from Puerto Plata, Playa Dorada and Cabarete; however, renting a car is a more convenient means of travel and worthwhile if you will be exploring out-of-the way places. For a more adventurous experience, the Motoconcho is a motorcycle which you can ride on the back of. Talk about getting to know the locals! I prefer keeping a little more distance from the driver than clinging to his back.

The main attraction is Sousa Beach (Playa Sousa). This is a popular beach and can become quite crowded. To escape the crowds, dip into the warm tropical waters for a swim, to windsurf or snorkel. You can see the tropical fish clearly through the calm waters as they come up and nibble on your skin! This is a new pedicure rage in some parts of the United States; although, it's been part of the Sousa experience for quite some time. The beach is full of action, with people watching or just relaxing with a local beer (El Presidente is nice) or Banana Mama with rum. The restaurants offer plenty of opportunities to sample local fare. A traditional Dominican breakfast is usually eggs and mangu. The most popular lunch includes chicken, rice and beans. Many of the restaurants reflect the diverse culture that makes up the ex-pat population of Sousa; for example, Canadian-American style cuisine.

Activities in and around Sousa include:
swimming
snorkeling
scuba diving
wind surfing
kite surfing
shopping
fishing
horseback riding
hiking
golf

Whether your interests center more on taking in the beach and nightlife, or if you prefer perusing the shops and surrounding countryside, Sousa offers a unique and lasting experience for everyone.

Learn more about this author, Stacy Kaaki.
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