Hostería and Spa La Sevillana, Santo Domingo

My husband and I were there for two nights in Sept '04 and had a delightful experience. From our room we had the soothing sound of a (small) waterfall that I located nearby outside. The interior courtyard was full of healthy and well-maintained tropical plants: lush green ferns, orchids in bloom, bouganvilla draped over trelisses.....all very, very pleasant. The food (a very complete breakfast is included in the price) was very good and dinner is extra but wonderful and well worth the small price; no lunch is served on the premises unless they order for you from a nearby restaurant, which they gladly do for you, if asked. I took advantage of the spa with a wonderful massage (including hands, face and feet all for an incredibly reasonable price!), a mud bath and sauna. The sauna was built up gradually and Gerardo, the owner's adult son, explained it all to me about tolerance being greater if the temperature rises slowly and you can cool down several times. Nothing is hurried, meaning if the massage took longer than 30 minutes (which it did), that was fine and no hidden charges anywhere. I tipped the masseuse but it wasn't necessary. I was just so thrilled with it all! Everything was very clean, the location is secluded so no city noises, only nature surrounded us. My husband took a long hike in their back acreage while I enjoyed the spa, so we were both happy. What else can I say other than it was a wonderful experience in every way. A friend stayed there for a week and was also very happy. It's one of many delightful places in Venezuela, the overall value is fantastic and I can't wait till we return, as we shall as soon as we can.