Tubagua Ecolodge is an award-winning, ecologically-sensitive lodge located on the panoramic highway that crosses the Northern Mountain Range between the port town of Puerto Plata and the Dominican Republic’s second largest city, Santiago.
Set atop a mountain, Tubagua rewards you with spectacular ocean views. Our views give you a whole new perspective as you relax and ponder life with a fresh local coffee or delicious rum cocktail.
A stay at Tubagua promises a truly unique and authentic way to experience the culture, the local cuisine, the friendly people and the natural beauty of this, the second largest island of the Caribbean.
More About Tubagua - FAQs
Who runs Tubagua?
Tubagua is owned and operated by a Dominican-Canadian family. Dad built Tubagua. He is a former journalist from Montreal and is the Honorary Consul for Canada in Puerto Plata. Mom was born and raised in Puerto Plata and is an accomplished macramé artist whose work adorns the lodge. She raised the kids, including Tasha, our lodge manager, and Perla Taina, who designs and manages our menu.
What are the excursions like?
- Most of are tours are private for our guests. There may be another couple or two participating but usually it will just be you.
- Remember, your hotel credit includes the cost of your excursions.
- For a seven-day vacation we recommend you allocate up to $1000 for excursions.
- For a four-day vacations we recommend you allocate up to $600 for excursions.
- The balance of your hotel credit can be spent at the bar, on special meals or in the gift shop.
- We include a daily picnic selection so you can take lunch with you on your excursions
What are the Casitas like?
- We have three spacious Casitas, each with at least 300 square feet of living space.
- Each has a queen bed and at least two additional single beds. Some have futons on a mezzanine.
- Each has a private bathroom and hot shower.
- All have wide open windows looking out over the ocean.
- Each has a balcony and/or sitting area to enjoy the view. All are equipped with complimentary room safes and wi-fi.
- Electricity is 120 volts and we have a back-up power system.
- There are no air-conditioners at Tubagua. Our mountaintop location provides fresh, cool breezes most of the time and all the Casitas have fans to enhance the fresh breeze.
Is Tubagua way out in the wilderness?
- Tubagua Ecolodge is privately situated on a 12-acre farm on a panoramic highway and surrounded by a small community. It's a convenient, 20-minute ride to Puerto Plata City, airport and beaches; and we are about one hour from the City of Santiago
- You will hear activities from neighboring farms and houses. That includes roosters who crow at dawn and other sounds, like barking dogs, braying donkeys and sometimes people arguing. Or partying.
- Hint for light sleepers: when reserving, try to get Cabin 4 as it is the most quiet Casita. We also supply earplugs upon request.
- We think you will enjoy the authentic sense of country life that surrounds Tubagua.
What about mosquitoes and other critters?
- Mosquitoes are not much of an issue at Tubagua. We sit atop a mountain and benefit from fresh breezes almost all the time. That's not to say, however, that highly motivated mosquitoes don't seem to always find the people who are "mosquito magnets" - and for this we offer repellent - but there are never swarms of mosquitoes or bugs here.
- We maintain a monthly pest control system. But here in nature, you never know what neighborly species might show up unexpectedly. There are local species unfamiliar to you that may surprise you at first glance. But don't worry, none are out to attack and none are fatal. Some people find them fascinating! If you see something unusual, just say hello and step around.
Who might not like Tubagua?
- Tubagua is an ecologically sensitive lodge where we have chosen to maintain a natural relationship with nature. We tend to our gardens and lawns more in a permaculture way than trying to stay perfectly groomed. We are a rustic lodge where the buildings have been hand-crafted by local artisans. We do not offer a pristine, groomed, polished, modern resort environment. But if you enjoy nature and local culture, you'll love Tubagua Ecolodge.
- Our stone steps and flagstone paths are not appropriate for wheelchairs
- Babies and toddlers require parents' full attention due to the "adult" design of our bannisters and railings
How does Tubagua support the community?
- 10% of Tubagua’s income supports a community food program grown on our farm and managed by staff.
- Part of the crop is donated to local families and some of it is purchased by the lodge.
- We make every effort to hire staff from the community. This has helped local people to build their houses, get surgery, go to school and train their children to participate in the tourism income stream
- Tubagua Ecolodge is a Gold member of Trip Advisors Green Leader Program and has won the national Atabey Environmental Award in Dominican Republic