El Encuentro Surf Lodge & Restaurant

As a couple stayed for one week and overall had a nice time but there are some things for improvement: 1. We really are supportive of the children at the school next door having their swimming lessons at the pool, however it appeared to be Monday to Friday 10-12pm and then again 1-3pm. As a pool getaway holiday were unable to use it while the children had their lessons. When we asked what their schedule was we got a shrug of the shoulders (carribean time). 2. If you want to see places you’ll need to hire a car or bike. In the village there was nothing to do, but the 2 min walk to the beach was good. 3. A big shoutout to Anna and Gale who were the most incredible staff as well as housekeeping and the gardener. Unfortunately a couple of the waiting staff had an attitude problem most of the time. So, the lodge was indeed beautiful, pool was immaculate, access to filtered drinking water and restaurant food was pretty good. However for the above reasons we wouldn’t be back and would try elsewhere.

One of the best family vacations thanks to the incredible staff at the lodge! Special thanks to Carlos in the restaurant! The food was incredible, the service amazing and awesome facilities! Thanks also to our driver Winton who picked us up at the airport! Thoroughly recommended and will certainly be back!

Awesome lodge! Amazing staff and beautiful food! Special thanks to Carlos, made our trip so enjoyable! Also huge thanks to our driver Winton! We can’t wait to return!

My experience at El Encuentro Surf Lodge & Restaurant was absolutely exceptional from start to finish. From the moment I arrived, I was warmly welcomed by the staff, who consistently went above and beyond to make sure I felt comfortable, relaxed, and well taken care of. Their professionalism, kindness, and genuine hospitality made all the difference in my stay. The atmosphere of the lodge is peaceful and inviting — the perfect place to unwind, connect with nature, and enjoy the beauty of the Dominican Republic. The rooms were cozy, clean, and thoughtfully designed, providing just the right mix of comfort and style. The restaurant was another highlight of my experience. The food was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented, with a menu that reflected both local inspiration and international flair. Every meal felt like a special moment, and the service was always attentive and friendly. But what truly stood out was the people. Every member of the team was not only professional, but also genuinely warm, approachable, and ready to help with anything I needed. Their energy and positivity created such a welcoming and relaxed environment — it truly felt like a home away from home. Thank you so much to the entire team at El Encuentro Surf Lodge & Restaurant. You made my stay unforgettable, and I am deeply grateful for your care and dedication. I can’t wait to return and create even more memories with you all.

Always such a great experience and stay. Last stay I got upgraded to their ocean front villa! What a treat! I highly recommend.

Stayed here to be near the surf school across the road. Great accommodations to be close to the beach. Stayed in a superior studio, really great value. Spacious with AC and comfy furnishing. Staff and service was great!

A Perfect Retreat for Families – Relaxing, Beautiful, and So Welcoming We stayed at El Encuentro Surf Lodge for two weeks and honestly wish we could have stayed longer. It was the perfect combination of relaxation, beauty, and community, making it one of the best places we’ve ever stayed. From the moment we arrived, we felt completely at ease. The lodge is peaceful, surrounded by nature, and impeccably clean with everything we needed. The staff went above and beyond to make us feel at home—especially the manager, Line, and the entire team, including Carlos, Angelo, Luisa & Gael. Their warmth and hospitality made our stay unforgettable! One of the biggest highlights for us was having The School House right next door. Our kids were able to join and take part in incredible outdoor activities, learning and playing in a way that felt completely natural and fun. It was such a gift to have a space where they could thrive while we relaxed and enjoyed the surroundings. Another bonus is that just across the road, the Parallel team offers yoga, mobility classes, skateboarding, and, of course, surfing—since the beach is only a five-minute walk away. There’s truly something for everyone, making it easy to enjoy both adventure and relaxation. Staying here is a little slice of paradise. El Encuentro Surf Lodge is not just a place to stay—it’s a place to connect with great people, unwind, and experience the best of this beautiful area. We can’t wait to come back!

I almost hate to tell people about this place, because it's so special and I plan on coming back over and over again! The food is fresh and delicious, the rooms beautiful and it's easy to use the kitchen, and the location is so fair for the price. You can walk to great lunch options and the surf beach is beautiful. The yoga class offered was lovely and the pool is beautiful. Prepare to spend ~$25 roundtrip to get in and out of downtown, but for the price of this hotel it's easy to add to the budget. One of my favorite place to stay!