Dominican Republic – Heart & Soul of the Caribbean

Though still steps from the beach, the rural towns on the North Coast of the Dominican Republic are worlds away from the cookie-cutter tourist resorts. Our Home Base is an eco-lodge sustainably built completely out of local materials. It’s as much a model for rustic, ecological living as it is a place to relax — which you can easily do at one of its two swimming pools or by savoring a home-cooked meal prepared our kitchen staff.

The energy of the Dominican people you’ll meet is infectious. Get inspired by a Haitian doctor who is working to improve the health of his people. Meet organic honey farmers and taste the sweet fruit of their labors. Learn first-hand about the plight of Haitian migrants from local school teachers.

Work side-by-side with local people to construct schools and health clinics made from disposable plastic bottles, providing essential medical services to rural communities. Besides cleaning the community of waste, these bottle structures teach environmental awareness, open the community to new building techniques and provide a sense of ownership as we come together as one to work on the projects. Moreover, these schools and clinics will provide a much needed resource for the communities we work with, which lack this basic infrastructure.

Live surrounded by idyllic beaches, upbeat Caribbean music, and friendly local communities. Explore the tropical countryside by hiking to rural villages, snorkeling over the clear Caribbean Sea, and uncovering pristine beaches set amongst lush mountain landscapes. Visit an ecological park where you can explore cool swimming holes and even zip-line through the rainforest.

Travelers will be staying the duration of the trip at an eco-friendly lodge. This home base is a cluster of beautiful, rustic thatched-roof chalets around a swimming pool. This unique eco-lodge was constructed using sustainable building techniques, and the design reflects that of the indigenous Taino community from the region. The communal space includes a fire pit, a volleyball net and is tucked away down a quiet road within walking distance to the beach.