Beyond the Ordinary: Exploring Hacienda Los Guayacanes on Ocoa Bay
Step into the tranquility of an extraordinary Airbnb that sits on Bahia de Ocoa or Ocoa Bay, where a desert landscape has been transformed into a serene waterfront retreat. Picture yourself swaying gently in a hammock beneath a palm tree, overlooking the bay, surrounded by the embrace of majestic mountains. The only sounds you hear are soothing waves lapping against the rocks, creating an atmosphere that feels like a genuine escape from the everyday hustle. Join me as I delve into the details of this hidden gem - a firsthand account that invites you to savor the peace and beauty of this idyllic garden oasis. Discover how you can make this retreat your own and immerse yourself in the calm allure of Ocoa Bay at Hacienda Los Guayacanes.
What is the Story of Hacienda Los Guayacanes?
In 1994, driven by a desire for a secluded oceanfront retreat conducive to water sports, the visionary behind Hacienda Los Guayacanes discovered an arid piece of land in a remote, desert area near Azua. Recognizing its potential, inspired by the vineyards in Chile, they implemented an irrigation system and began cultivating the lush trees that now grace the property, providing much-needed shade.
How the property began in 1994
How it looks today
Hacienda Los Guayacanes evolved into a life passion, with every aspect meticulously chosen to harmonize with the natural habitat. A testament to their commitment to sustainability, the property embodies a philosophy of embracing the basic joys of life while integrating modern comforts without disrupting the essential balance. From producing fertilizer from garden clippings to cultivating crops and pollinating them with resident bees, the hacienda stands as a green oasis, dedicated to reforestation and preserving endangered trees.
The owner of the property now graciously extends the invitation to enjoy the peace that the Hacienda has to offer to guests from all over the world. What is a stay like at this unique Airbnb?
A Review of Our Stay at Hacienda Los Guayacanes
Boscolo and I, along with another couple, had the pleasure of experiencing a truly relaxing stay at Hacienda Los Guayacanes. As a self-proclaimed Airbnb specialist, this place had been on my radar for quite some time, and let me tell you, it absolutely lived up to the hype and more. Nestled a bit off the usual path and hidden behind a charming stone wall, it turned out to be the most tranquil spot I've encountered in the Dominican Republic. Depending on your vacation style, Hacienda Los Guayacanes may or may not be your dream vacation. Let me take you through the incredible offerings of this property so you can envision and decide if a stay here is in your future.
THE GROUNDS
Welcome to Hacienda Los Guayacanes. Hacienda is a term signifying a property with vast grounds, and that's exactly what awaits you here. Near the town of Hatillo, between Azua and Bani, the breathtaking grounds of the property have been carefully curated where each plant, tree, and blade of grass has been thoughtfully selected, planted, and maintained. The result is an impeccably landscaped property that transports you to paradise.
As you journey along the gravel-lined road, you'll encounter an array of cacti, more diverse than you've likely ever seen. A small farm graces the landscape, providing a variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. And then, there are the trees – majestic and captivating. Palm trees and tropical plants remind you that you are in the Caribbean, while an assortment of other trees provide soothing shade.
The strategic placement and diverse selection of trees and plants affirm that every inch of this property has been lovingly designed, promising a stay that transcends the ordinary and captivates your senses at every turn. You can even enjoy the grounds at night because of the placement of outdoor lights. In the evening, it truly turns into a magical experience.
THE BAY
Honestly, just exploring the grounds alone would be enough to make your stay enjoyable here. However, this property goes a step further by nestling itself right on Ocoa Bay. Exiting the soft grass, you’ll find a gate that leads you to a pathway that guides you to the water's edge on your private beach. On the left, beach chairs are neatly lined up, ready for use, while directly in front awaits a dock leading to a covered palapa area—the perfect spot to sit back and soak in the breathtaking view.
The beach, made up of smooth grey stones, looks very similar to something you would see in the Greek Isles. The sea boasts gentle waves, as you wade in, a few feet beneath the surface soft, dark grey sand appears. The most captivating part of it all is the ocean's panoramic backdrop of surrounding mountains. Gazing straight ahead you’ll find the mountains between Barahona and Azua. Closer to the shore, the peaks of Ocoa and the mountains leading to Bani create a truly enchanting panorama.
THE COTTAGE
The accommodations at Hacienda Los Guayacanes is a charming cottage equipped with all the essentials. The eclectic coastal furnishings in the cottage harmonize seamlessly with the overall vibe of the property. While the cottage and its design may not exude luxury, that's precisely in line with the authentic charm that defines this unique place.
The interior living space seamlessly extends to the outdoors, where an additional living and dining area awaits. The cottage features two cozy bedrooms with full-size beds, complemented by a futon in the living room that accommodates two more guests. There is a small indoor bathroom off of the living room. Connected to one of the bedrooms is a surprising outdoor bathroom, offering a large and entirely private space to connect with nature. Each bedroom and the living room are equipped with air conditioning for a cool and comfortable night’s sleep.
There is a small, modern kitchen, accessible through a side door of the cottage, that provides everything needed for those who wish to prepare your own meals. Alternatively, the on-site staff is available to whip up delicious dishes for a truly hassle-free stay.
THE STAFF
While the host of Hacienda Los Guayacanes will most likely not be there during your stay, rest assured, you're in capable hands with their attentive staff. Our warm welcome came courtesy of Dora and Jiffet. Though we missed the chance to savor Dora's culinary creations, the glowing praise from previous Airbnb guests assures her skills are nothing short of exceptional. Jiffet swiftly addressed any requests, fostering a sense of safety and comfort throughout our stay.
THE EXTRAS
If you thought the property alone was impressive, brace yourself for the extraordinary extras that elevate Hacienda Los Guayacanes to a league of its own.
Watersports - Enjoy the bay with provided snorkel gear, kayaks, and laser sailboats.
Picuzzy - Unwind in this fusion of a pool and jacuzzi. It’s a great hang-out spot.
Wood-fired Brick Pizza Oven & Grill - Make your culinary dreams come true with these amazing outdoor cooking options. Enjoy eating your meal in a screened-in patio next to the outdoor kitchen and picuzzy.
Games & Books - There is an assortment of board and video games available as well as a collection of books to read as you relax on one of the hammocks.
Beach Bonfire - The staff will put together an epic fire on the beach to enjoy stargazing and s’mores at night.
Surround Sound Music - Enjoy your favorite tunes from the house to the beach, with an expansive Sonos system set up all over the property.
In-House Massage: The host can arrange for a local masseuse to pamper you right on the grounds.
The Perfect Sunset View: You get front-row seats to the sun setting directly over Ocoa Bay for the most amazing sunsets
Planning a Trip to Hacienda Los Guayacanes
Escape the traditional type of vacation, and choose something unique. Unlock this unique paradise with just a click—follow this link, choose your travel dates, and book your escape. To guarantee an extraordinary stay, we've got a few tips to share with you.
PRIVATE TRANSPORTATION
Private transportation is highly recommended to ensure a smooth arrival at Hacienda Los Guayacanes. The host extends a unique offer, allowing a chauffeur to meet you at Santo Domingo Airport and seamlessly drive your rental car to the property.
MEALS & GROCERIES
Groceries are a must to bring to the Hacienda, and the owner simplifies the process by providing a curated shopping list and menu based on your stay duration. Along the route from Santo Domingo, large supermarkets offer a convenient stop to stock up on all your food and beverage favorites. The on-site cook takes care of breakfast, lunch, and dinner, accommodating to your preferences if you provide your preferred recipes translated into Spanish. Limited nearby dining options make this preparation essential, but don't worry—a large supermarket is a 40-minute drive away for any necessary restocking.
THINGS TO BRING
Water shoes for the beach and comfortable shoes to explore the property
Mosquito repellent, citronella candles, and coils to ward off bugs
Marshmallows (plus graham crackers and chocolate for the s'mores enthusiasts) are a delightful addition to bonfire evenings
Pizza ingredients for the incredible brick oven pizza to make your custom pies