Cabarete Guide 2022 by The Mariposa DR Foundation

CABARETE GUIDE 2022

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CABARETE is an annual publication put together by the dedicated staff at The Mariposa DR Foundation, a local nonprofit (and US 501c3) dedicated to educating and empowering girls. All of the articles are written by our team who have lived and worked in Cabarete for many years and are proud members of the local community. Advertising in this magazine is not only great exposure for your business, more importantly, 100% of proceeds go directly to support school scholarships, uniforms, healthy meals, safe transportation, medical care and more for Cabarete’s most vulnerable population - girls. Advertising in CABARETE is a great investment for your business and for our community. Join us!

On the Cover Ana - Cabarete’s Iconic Fruit Lady Photography by Amy S. Martin

MEET OUR TEAM

Patricia Thorndike Suriel

Pamela Cuadros

Editor-in-Chief & Director of Advertising Sales

Graphic Designer & Advertising Sales Associate

Jessica Lawson

Amy S. Martin

Writer & Editor

Photographer

EVERY YEAR WE ARE LUCKY TO WORK WITH OTHER CONTRIBUTING TALENTS TOO! THANK YOU ALL!

Fran Afonso

Photographer

Sara Bruins Editor

EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: (809) 817 4974 promo@mariposadrfoundation.org

Jianca Lazarus Photographer

Sebastiano Massimino Tatianna Suriel Photographer

GENERAL INQUIRIES: (809) 571 0610 info@mariposadrfoundation.org

Editor

Mark Tuschman Photographer

@Mariposa DR Foundation

Deadline for submissions and payment for 2023 issue: June 15, 2022.

CONTENTS

CABARETE

THE ADVENTURE CAPITAL OF THE CARIBBEAN

THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

THERE’S NOWHERE LIKE IT IN THE WORLD

TO TRAVEL IS TO EAT!

OUR FAVORITE RESTAURANTS IN TOWN

LOVE OUR OCEAN

WE ARE ALL PART OF THE SOLUTION

SUPPORTING THE LOCAL ECONOMY

SHOP LOCAL

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MARIPOSA MOUNTAIN SCHOOL

SPREADING OUR WINGS TO JARABACOA

EAT LIKE A DOMINICAN! POWERED BY PLANTS

BUSINESS DIRECTORY

CALL FIRST AND LEARN HOW TO GET AROUND IN TOWN

PHOTOS FRAN AFONSO

Welcome back! The world has changed, and will continue to change, but a lot is still the same. This bustling beach town where people from all over the world work, rest and play is settling into a new normal and we’re excited to see people coming back. In a country that thrives on tourism, coming back (or for the first time!) to Cabarete means everything to the people that live here. During an incredibly difficult time, the businesses featured in our guide still chose to support The Mariposa DR Foundation through advertising. No matter how slim the margins have been, they know that investing in girls is the best thing they can do for this community. While you’re here in Cabarete please make an extra effort to patronize the businesses you’ll see in the following pages. Eat out (or get delivery!) at restaurants, shop in boutiques, go on a guided adventure, take lessons and learn a new sport, and pay the local vendors a few more dollars than what the goods may be worth. Also consider donating to the local nonprofit organizations here that have been working tirelessly to support the children and vulnerable families in Cabarete. We could not be more proud to be a part of this amazing community. There’s nowhere in the world like Cabarete!

Patricia Thorndike Suriel Founder & Executive Director, The Mariposa DR Foundation

PHOTO SEBASTIANO MASSIMINO

CABARETE GUIDE 2022

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FIND YOUR COMFORT ZONE

PHOTO AMY S. MARTIN

Many people come to the Dominican Republic to relax on the beach and work on their tan. Those who come to Cabarete will find this and much, much more. Cabarete is the ideal place for action-sports and adventure. As the kiteboarding and windsurfing mecca of the Caribbean, Cabarete offers a wide array of activities for thrill-seekers. Ranked among the top ten sites in the world for water sports, this little strip of paradise is drawing more and more enthusiasts from around the globe. Many of the expatriates who have taken up residence in this small town came here seeking an adventure and never left. Whether on land or sea – from kiting, surfing, windsurfing, paddle boarding, and foiling to hiking, canyoning, and mountain biking, Cabarete has it all.

CABARETE GUIDE 2022

PHOTO SEBASTIANO MASSIMINO

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WATER SPORTS ENTHUSIAST, VICKI GALLEGOS, LEARNS TO WING FOIL. THIS POPULAR NEW SPORT IS TAKING OFF IN CABARETE.

PHOTOS FRAN AFONSO

CABARETE IS FOR ALL AGES & STAGES Cabarete offers endless opportunities to go on excursions, learn new water sports and enjoy highly nutritious, organic food at attractive prices. It’s easy and cost-effective to eat out at your favorite restaurants several times a week. Cabarete is easy to get around and there is something here for everyone at every stage in life.

HOW ABOUT CABARETE AT NIGHT? This town is legendary for it’s party scene and there’s nothing like a night out in Cabarete. Around 10pm the music starts cranking and you can dance the night away on the beach at VoyVoy or Lax Ojo. You might even happen upon a local party at one of the Dominican bars on the street or your neighborhood colmado. No matter where you go, people are fun and friendly and love to have a good time. 16

CABARETE GUIDE 2022

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CABARETE GUIDE 2022

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LA BOCA PHOTOS AMY S. MARTIN

La Boca (the mouth), where the Yásica river meets the sea, is located just east of Cabarete. Tucked away a few kilometers off the main road, it’s a popular hidden spot for locals and tourists to relax, eat and play. People come to La Boca to swim in the brackish water, kitesurf, windsurf, paddle board, fish, wakeboard, eat fresh seafood and have a great time!

CABARETE GUIDE 2022

Where the river meets the sea

HOW DO YOU GET THERE? It’s a bit of a hike but if you have a car you’ll head east on the main road and hang a left at Camino Del Sol and just follow the road about 15 minutes till you reach the beach. It gets sandier as you get closer so you’ll know you’re on the right track. If you need directions just ask a friendly local. Taxis will also drop you off and arrange for pickup. One of the best ways to get there is to take the Jungle River boat tour from Islabon. You’ll travel down the river, through the thick mangroves and enjoy a spectacular view as you arrive at the beach. Kids are sure to love the ride.

When you get to the beach, enjoy some local fare at Wilson’s Restaurant, serving up fresh caught seafood, chicken and traditional Dominican fare. The restaurant is on the other side of the river, not accessible by foot, so just stand on the beach and wave and they will zip over and pick you up! theguidecabarete.com

PHOTOS FRAN AFONSO

CABARETE GUIDE 2022

ENCUENTRO

PHOTO SEBASTIANO MASSIMINO

Only four kilometers from downtown Cabarete lies Playa Encuentro, one of the best surfing beaches on the north coast of the Dominican Republic. Surfers, kiters, boogie boarders, and stand up paddle enthusiasts of all levels flock to the spot in the early morning hours to ride the waves. Dotted with surf schools in small huts, Playa Encuentro is home to one of the most famous reef breaks in the Dominican Republic. The conditions at this spot are perfect for beginners, intermediates, and experts alike. One of the greatest features of Encuentro is its consistency. It is one of the most consistent surfing spots in the Caribbean. Very rarely will it be flat. Wave sizes vary from shoulder high to double overhead. Encuentro Beach is a must see in Cabarete, go check it out and take a surf lesson!

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PHOTO AMY S. MARTIN

CABARETE GUIDE 2022

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE IT.

MADE UP OF SANDY BEACHES, FERTILE SOIL, VALLEYS AND MOUNTAINS, THE DR IS ONE OF THE MOST GEOGRAPHICALLY DIVERSE COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD AND A PARADISE FOR MEMORABLE VACATIONS AND ISLAND LIVING. • The island of Hispaniola is shared by the Dominican Republic and Haiti. It is the only island in the world that is composed of two nations. • The Dominican Republic is ranked the 10 most vulnerable country in the world to climate change. • The Dominican Republic is the only country in the world with the Bible on its flag. • The Dominican Republic was the first permanent settlement for European colonists. The old town of Santo Domingo, known as the Colonial City, is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. • The Dominican Republic is home to the only raftable river in the Caribbean - Rio Yaque del Norte. th

• The Dominican Republic produces 55% of the world’s banana market. Bananas are mainly produced in the North West and in the South of the country. • The Dominican Republic is the 10th biggest cocoa manufacturer in the world and the largest exporter of organic chocolate.

PUERTO PLATA

CABARETE

SANTIAGO SAMANÁ

SANTO DOMINGO

PUNTA LA ROMANA CANA

PHOTO FRAN AFONSO

BARAHONA

POPULATION 11 MILLION

48,670 SQ KM LAND & WATER (This is slightly more than twice the size of New Jersey)

85% OF DOMINICANS LIVES IN URBAN AREAS theguidecabarete.com

• 80% of the world’s Humpback Whale population returns to the Dominican Republic to mate and give birth every year from mid-January to late-March. • The Dominican Republic is the only place in the world where you can find larimar, a blue, precious stone that resembles turquoise. • The Amber Museum in Puerto Plata houses the famous amber stone with a prehistoric mosquito preserved inside that was featured in the movie Jurassic Park. PHOTO AMY S. MARTIN

THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC IS THE MOST VISITED DESTINATION IN THE CARIBBEAN. ABOUT FIVE MILLION PEOPLE VISIT IT EVERY YEAR.

CABARETE GUIDE 2022

• 13% of Dominicans live abroad. The city with the second largest population of Dominicans, after Santo Domingo, is New York City. • Members of the armed forces and police are not allowed to vote. • As one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of avocados, the Dominican Republic was one of the top 15 countries in 2020 to export the highest dollar value of these delicious fruits. • The size of the Dominican Republic is about the size of New Hampshire and Vermont combined or the entire country of Denmark.

FROM ATHLETES TO MUSICIANS, ARTISTS TO ACTORS, THERE’S AN ABUNDANCE OF TALENT AND CREATIVITY COMING FROM THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC. HERE ARE JUST A FEW NOTABLE STARS WITH DOMINICAN ROOTS: JHARREL JEROME Actor and rapper best known for his roles in academy award winning film, Moonlight (2016) and Netflix miniseries, When They See Us (2019). JUAN LUIS GUERRA Musician, singer, composer, and record producer. He has sold 30 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling Latin music artists. ZOE SALDAÑA This dancer-turned-actress started her career in films like Crossroads, Drumline and Pirates of the Caribbean. She later landed leading roles in blockbuster hits like Star Trek, Avatar and Guardians of the Galaxy. CARDI B Rapper, beloved social media star whose music, unusual career path and “no filter attitude” skyrocketed her to megastar status. KARL-ANTHONY TOWNS A professional basketball player for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Otherwise known as KAT, he was named NBA Rookie of the Year in 2015 and has received two All-Star selections.

JULIA ALVAREZ Poet, novelist, and essayist, she is regarded as one of the most critically and commercially successful Latina writers of her time. Alvarez rose prominence with the novels How the García Girls Lost Their Accents (1991), In the Time of the Butterflies (1994), and Yo! (1997). In 2013, she received the National Medal of Arts from President Obama.

PHOTO AMY S. MARTIN

ALBERT PUJOLS Played baseball for 19 years as a first base hitter with the St. Louis Cardinals and Los Angeles teams. Named the greatest Dominican-born player of all time, a three-time National League MVP and nine-time All-Star.

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To Travel is to eat! One of the best parts about exploring a new destination is trying the local cuisine! For a small town, Cabarete is filled with great restaurants ideal for the traveling foodie. You will find traditional Dominican dishes to global flavors from across the world. One thing that makes Cabarete unique is that the community is made up of residents and business owners from nearly 40 countries. There is an impressive variety of dining options for all diets and budgets. French, German, Spanish, Indian, Mexican, American, Thai, Japanese, Chinese, gluten- free, vegan - you’ll find it all in Cabarete.

CABARETE GUIDE 2022

PHOTO FRAN AFONSO

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PHOTO AMY S. MARTIN | LOCATION BLISS RESTAURANT

For a beautiful sunset happy hour, Cabarete Bay has a variety of restaurants that offer fantastic Caribbean cocktails. Enjoy your refreshing drink right on the beach at Lax Ojo, VoyVoy, Drifter, Mojito Bar or pair it with flavorful tapas at Yalla located within the beachfront of Millennium Hotel. PHOTO FRAN AFONSO | LOCATION VOY VOY

WITH AN ABUNDANCE OF FRESH, LOCALLY GROWN PRODUCE, DAILY SEAFOOD SPECIALS AND AMAZING CULINARY TALENT WITH INTERNATIONAL FLAIR, YOU’LL DEFINITELY WANT TO TASTE YOUR WAY THROUGH TOWN. 30

CABARETE GUIDE 2022

LOOKING FOR A ROMANTIC VIBE? Transport yourself to the streets of Paris at Le Bistro, hidden away on paseo Don Chiche. For unmatched scenery, the Beach Club at Sea Horse Ranch is a favorite among many. For a dinner centrally located in Cabarete, Bliss is tucked away at the entrance of Callejón De La Loma, where you can indulge in elegant Italian cuisine served poolside by candlelight. Another favorite can be found by walking through the lobby of Cabarete Morning Breeze on the east end of Cabarete, where you can listen to the waves crash over a gourmet meal at Nectar. For a peaceful, eco-conscious option stop by Natura Cabana located in Perla Marina. The delicious food and tranquil ambiance provides a relaxing meal for all.

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Head to La Casita de Papi and enjoy their world famous shrimp or langoustines “papi style”. Chef’s kiss to the homemade pastas, pizza and fresh salads at Pomodoro.

One of the best things about Cabarete is that you can dine al fresco with your toes in the sand. This is a quintessential Cabarete experience that is not to be missed. Enjoy sophisticated Italian food in a quiet atmosphere at Tuva. Check out the Wednesday night Mongolian buffet at Serenade in Hotel Villa Taina for an all you can eat array of fresh vegetables and meats made just how you like it.

EVERYONE IN THE FAMILY IS CRAVING SOMETHING DIFFERENT?

PHOTO AMY S. MARTIN | LOCATION LA CASITA DE PAPI PHOTO FRAN AFONSO LOCATION GORDITO’S

PHOTO AMY S. MARTIN LOCATION YAMAZATO

CABARETE GUIDE 2022

We recommend heading over to Plaza Ocean Dream where you can find tacos at Gordito’s Fresh Mex, the freshest sushi at Yamazato or gourmet charcuterie, fine wines and specialty grocery items at Rebelde Gourmet. For the early risers, the aroma of fresh ground organic coffee will draw you in at Cabarete Coffee Company. Stay for a great American breakfast or a multitude of vegan meal options. Downtown after an early morning beach walk, enjoy a traditional Dominican Breakfast and fresh baked pastries from Dick’s Bakery.

Beach

Pool

Spa

NATURA CABANA An Eco-Conscious Escape www.naturacabana.com

Yoga

Bungalows

Restaurants

+1.849.214.7010 / info@naturacabana.com Perla Marina, Cabarete

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Other favorites right in the center of Cabarete include Fresh Fresh Café where you can grab a salad, smoothie or sandwich for lunch. We also highly recommend their delicious brownies! Pizza & Spaghetti House is a family favorite for a variety of pizzas and pastas.

PREFER TO HAVE YOUR MEALS DELIVERED TO YOUR HOME OR CONDO? Many of the restaurants in Cabarete offer takeout and delivery. For catering or private chef services, definitely check out Arsenio’s Kitchen, Claro Café and Taste of India.

OFF THE BEATEN PATH?

GOT A BIG GROUP? Organize a scenic ride up to Blue Moon for a traditional Indian dinner served on banana leaves while lounging on colorful cushions in a secluded mountain retreat. Guaranteed to be a trip highlight for sure!

Encuentro Beach Plaza is a newly developed hotspot with a bustling bakery, cute cafes and specialty stores. Hop (carefully!) across the street to Encuentro Food Park, where you will find many delicious options including hamburgers, pizza, barbeque, sushi, Mediterranean, and ceviche. The kids will tire out with the popular bounce house and if you are really lucky you will catch a night of live music! For those of you who have worked up an appetite before or after kiting, definitely stop by El Cocotazo Cafe on Kite Beach. Speaking of Kite Beach, check out Kite Club for live music, and fun dancing!

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PHOTO AMY S. MARTIN LOCATION BLUE MOON

thebeachclubshr

Travel to far away lands with our distinctive gastronomy and enjoy our ocean view savoring delicious cocktails

CABARETE GUIDE 2022

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CABARETE GUIDE 2022

PHOTO JIANCA LAZARUS

“We cannot simply recycle or reduce our way out of the plastic pollution crisis. If we don’t act now, by 2050 there could be more plastic than fish in the oceans.” - The Ellen MacArthur Foundation theguidecabarete.com

DID YOU KNOW THAT 80% OF POLLUTION TO THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT COMES DIRECTLY FROM THE LAND? PHOTO JIANCA LAZARUS

• Eating out? Ask your server what kind of straws they have. If they’re plastic, order your drinks “sin sorbete” or without a straw. Many business owners in town do spend a lot of extra money to have organic and compostable products. Thank them for going the extra mile to be environmentally friendly. Or, bring your own metal or reusable glass straw! • Forget your reusable grocery bags? Skip the plastic bags and ask the clerk for a cardboard box! • Bring your own full reusable water bottle when going out to eat to avoid purchasing a plastic bottle.

CABARETE GUIDE 2022

• Picking up takeout from a local restaurant? Bring your own containers and ask if they’ll pack up your order in those to transport home instead of using plastic or styrofoam. • Going to be in town for a while? Stop by Cabarete Coffee and pick up one of our reusable shopping bags for all of your goods. The upcycled bags are handmade from discarded sails and all proceeds go to support local girls at The Mariposa Center for Girls. You can also purchase reusable coffee mugs and reusable water bottles that will keep your beverage cold for up to 38 hours and hot for up to 12.

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FEEL GOOD ABOUT EATING FISH PHOTO FRAN AFONSO

Most restaurants in Cabarete buy from local fishermen and not commercial fleets. Many of these families fish responsibly and depend on selling their daily catch to the restaurants in town. By enjoying local, responsibly caught seafood, you’re supporting small-scale fisheries and sustainable aquaculture practices run by people who have deep cultural ties to the land. Lobster fishing is an integral part of the fishing economy here in Cabarete. However, in recent years, the dwindling catch has both governments and fishermen concerned. Since 2010 the government has placed a ban on lobster fishing during the species’ reproductive season, March 1st to June 30th. The regional closed season is an important step forward in guaranteeing a flourishing lobster population for the future. If you’re here between July and late February, enjoy these local, succulent crustaceans guilt free!

PHOTO AMY S. MARTIN

CABARETE GUIDE 2022

THE ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT IS ALIVE & WELL IN CABARETE

CABARETE GUIDE 2022

Supporting the Local Economy Shopping with small businesses and independent vendors is the best way to support the local economy. Here are some goods that are unique to Cabarete and the Dominican Republic!

BEACH & STREET VENDORS

PHOTO FRAN AFONSO

Grab a chair on the beach and within minutes, you’ll be approached by vendors selling their wares, musicians looking for tips for a serenade, women offering massages and demonstrating the creative braids they can weave, coconut sellers climbing trees to offer you a refreshing local drink and people carrying bundles of tropical fruits piled high on their heads. The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in Cabarete! Businesses come in all different forms in this town and buying things from vendors is one of the best ways to stimulate the local economy. For you, this may at first seem like a bit of a nuisance. For the locals it’s their livelihood. A sale that day may mean the ability to put dinner on the table that night for their family. While visiting Cabarete, know that shopping with vendors, enjoying restaurants and supporting artisans keep this vibrant community we all love thriving.

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Note that most of the independent vendors will indeed try to overcharge you, but haggling a fair price is all part of the cultural experience and part of the fun! When negotiating a sale, keep in mind the economic situation of the vendor and how just a few extra dollars from you will make a big difference in how they support their family. Buying a whole pineapple at the big grocery store may be cheaper, but only on the beach will the “fruit lady” cut it up in an expert fashion and serve you the refreshing snack right in your beach chair. It’s a win-win and totally worth it!

Not interested? That’s ok too. A smile and a polite “no, gracias” will send them on their way.

PHOTO FRAN AFONSO

COLMADOS A colmado is a small, locally-owned convenience store that carries everything from rice, eggs, and produce to toilet paper, personal care products, rum, and beer. Anything you need, can probably be found at the colmado! Colmados are an integral part of every Dominican community and nearly every street has at least one. Many of the locals make decisions on what they will buy that day depending on how much money they bring in. At the colmado, one can purchase daily necessities at a low price, within close walking distance to home. It’s common to see children out with a few pesos running to the colmado to buy just a few eggs, one roll of toilet paper or a diaper for their younger sibling. The colmado is also where people gather and enjoy each other’s company. PHOTO AMY S. MARTIN

CABARETE GUIDE 2022

PHOTOS AMY S. MARTIN

You’ll hear loud music blasting, roaring laughter and all the gossip as people of all ages sit out front in plastic chairs, sip beer, juice or coffee and play dominoes. Dominoes, the popular Dominican pastime, involves groups of four people sitting around a small square table, strategizing and competing for victory bragging rights. The basic game is simple but the local pros spend countless hours outside of the colmado mastering their game. A set of dominoes makes a great souvenir! Although most colmados carry the same basic products, each one has its own unique flair and regular customers. We recommend stopping in at colmados all over Cabarete for a chance to practice your Spanish and enjoy a truly authentic Dominican shopping experience!

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PHOTO AMY S. MARTIN

PHOTO FRAN AFONSO

WHAT CAN I BUY THAT IS UNIQUE TO CABARETE & THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC? 48

CABARETE GUIDE 2022

HIGÜERO (GOURD) PRODUCTS At first the higüero (gourd) tree looks just like any other, but when you get closer, you might spot its large oval shaped fruits. They can sometimes grow even larger than a watermelon! Though the pulp of the gourd is solely used for medicinal purposes, they are readily used to make all types of useful and decorative items like lanterns, dishes, maracas and more. Traditionally, the Taino people were the first to use higüeros as containers to hold water and goods. It takes a skilled artisan to transform a higüero into a beautiful, useful item. Higüeros in any form are definitely a great, authentic souvenir.

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PHOTOS AMY S. MARTIN

AUTHENTIC DOMINICAN STONES

MAMAJUANA

Amber is a gemstone made of petrified tree resin, dating back millions of years. There is a large quantity of amber in the Dominican Republic, and Cabarete and the rest of the north shore is often referred to as “The Amber Coast.” Keep your eyes open as you are beachcombing the Bay, as you may find a piece floating along the shore or tangled in the seaweed!

Offered at nearly every restaurant in the Dominican Republic, Mamajuana is a rum-based beverage that’s extremely popular. The exact ingredients vary a bit as everyone has their own recipe. The smooth and slightly sweet concoction generally consists of a variety of herbs and bark, macerated with dark rum for a few days then mixed with red wine or honey.

Larimar is the native stone to the Dominican Republic and it’s the only place in the world where you can get it! Its beautiful blue color is sure to always remind you of the breathtaking beaches here. From local vendors, to the higher end jewelry stores, you are purchasing an authentic, native Dominican treasure!

Often served as a digestif, Dominicans swear by the health benefits and will say that just one shot provides relief from many common ailments and serves as an aphrodisiac.

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CIGARS Did you know that the DR has a longer history of producing high quality cigars than Cuba? The DR’s fertile soil and lush climate (ideal for growing tobacco), make the Dominican Republic the number one hotspot for cigar production in the world!

ARTISAN MARKETS Most Saturdays and Sundays, there are pop-up artisan markets all around town. Our personal favorite is the monthly Natura Cabana market that features a large number of artisans selling their wares and creations. You can find everything from natural peanut butter to locally made bathing suits to handmade jewelry. The markets are a wonderful place to spend time learning about local crafts, participating in natural healing practices, listening to live music and enjoying yummy treats. Look for markets at Natura Cabana, Seahorse Ranch, Encuentro Food Park, Villa Taina or LAX Cabarete to name a few! PHOTO COURTESY OF NATURA CABANA

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ORGANIC COFFEE AND OTHER UNIQUE GOODS AT MARIPOSA’S CABARETE COFFEE COMPANY Cabarete Coffee Company is a local coffee shop owned by The Mariposa DR Foundation! In addition to good eats, you’ll find some unique items that you’ll definitely want to take home. The Dominican Republic has some of the best coffee in the world and CCC’s beans are sourced straight from local, organic farmers. Organic coffee is fundamental in protecting our waterways. At Cabarete Coffee Company, you’ll also find mugs, t-shirts, upcycled goods, books and other fun souvenirs and gifts. All proceeds go directly to programs educating and empowering local girls.

CABARETE GUIDE 2022

PHOTO JIANCA LAZARUS

Julia Alvarez’ newest book, Already a Butterfly is a gentle picture book tale about self-soothing practices and self-confidence beliefs. This latest work was inspired by her volunteer work in helping to develop the meditation and mindfulness program at The Mariposa DR Foundation.

PHOTO SEBASTIANO MASSIMINO

CABARETE GUIDE 2022

YOUR VACATION SPA DESTINATION

ANDARI SPA ONLY AT ANDARI

LUXURY SPA SKIN CARE Driven by the exclusive spa cosmetic brand, Germaine de Capuccini, we offer award winning skin care for both face and body.

MANI/ PEDI Get your hands and feet beach ready in a calm relaxing environment.

EXCLUSIVE!

MASSAGE THERAPY Restore balance, relieve pain and relax in luxury.

EXPERIENCE THE BENEFITS OF OUR EXCLUSIVE MEMBERSHIP

THE MARIPOSA MOUNTAIN SCHOOL Finca Alta Gracia, Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic

In partnership with Julia Alvarez, renowned Dominican-American author and Mariposa Honorary Chairwoman, The Mariposa DR Foundation opened a second campus in 2021, The Mariposa Mountain School at Finca Alta Gracia. Finca (farm) Alta Gracia is a magical place high (alta) in the mountains of Jarabacoa, a place of gratitude and grace (gracia). It is where Julia Alvarez has gone to write some of her most well-known novels, offering an incredible opportunity to teach about her impact and celebrate her legacy for generations to come. For many years, Julia and her husband Bill Eichner nourished, educated and employed many in the community of Los Marranitos. The farm flourished with organic fruits, vegetables and coffee. The library and community center welcomed groups of international tourists and volunteers who embraced and engaged with the local community.

PHOTOS FRAN AFONSO

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PHOTO FRAN AFONSO

PHOTO AMY S. MARTIN

PHOTO FRAN AFONSO

In 2019 we began the process of transforming Finca Alta Gracia, expanding upon Julia and Bill’s work. Through generous donations from the Acronis Foundation and RNT Rausch, we were able to create The Mariposa Mountain School. With the vision of sustaining our organization, we have planted over 10,000 plants including coffee, lemon trees, celery root, bananas, platano and many more.

CABARETE GUIDE 2022

Spanning nearly 230 acres, the atmosphere of the farm captures Julia’s creative spirit and is a tremendous asset to the Los Marranitos community. Our future plans include creating a women’s agricultural co-op where community members will have the opportunity to teach ecotourists and educational groups about organic polyculture agricultural practices that are alive and well in the Dominican Republic as well as the incredible tropical and mountain ecology that is unique to the country.

PHOTOS FRAN AFONSO

In addition to academic support, programming for the children at The Mariposa Mountain School will feature special opportunities to work with local and visiting teachers and artists as the arts continue to be a thread that runs throughout the work of the Foundation. Transforming Finca Alta Gracia into a community engaged learning and ecotourism hub for Mariposa is a natural extension of the work that we do here in Cabarete. As the owners of Cabarete Coffee Company, we are seamlessly closing the circle that connects the farm to the coffee shop, and to the overall organization. Enjoy a farm to table meal and sip organic coffee at Cabarete Coffee knowing that not only are you helping protect the planet, but you are also supporting the world’s most powerful force for change, girls!

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PHOTOS FRAN AFONSO

Finca Alta Gracia is a one-of-a-kind resource both environmentally and culturally in the Dominican Republic. The land offers a refuge for wildlife, like the threatened Bicknell Thrush, which winters in the DR and mates in New York’s Adirondack Mountains in the summer. 60

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Please contact us at info@mariposadrfoundation.org if you are interested in learning more about supporting The Mariposa Mountain Campus!

CABARETE GUIDE 2022

EAT LIKE A

DOMINICAN POWERED BY PLANTS!

The Dominican Republic is considered the breadbasket of the Caribbean because everything that makes it onto your plate was grown, farmed, or caught right here on the island. From sidewalk cafes to five-star restaurants and hotels, the best eats in the country all feature a variety of fresh, local ingredients.

PHOTO AMY S. MARTIN

Globalization and factory food production has deeply affected the health and wellbeing of many marginalized communities. With more foreign influence and commerce comes more processed and packaged foods. At the Mariposa DR Foundation, we are committed to developing life-long, healthy habits, protecting the environment and respecting the abundant resources the Dominican Republic has to offer. We are proud to announce that as of this year, all of the food that is prepared and served at our Center is entirely plant based! Shifting to a whole-food, plant-forward diet is not only beneficial to our Mariposa students’ health, it’s a tribute to their culture and an acknowledgement of the extraordinary life-giving resources that their country has to offer. The Dominican people have lived off the land for generations and our cooking classes focus on learning new and exciting ways to prepare familiar, local produce (and some new ingredients!) to expand their palettes and further equip them with the skills they need to influence the people closest to them and improve their eating habits.

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PHOTOS AMY S. MARTIN

We know that when girls take ownership of their health, it will have a ripple effect throughout the entire community. As large contributors to household responsibilities, most young girls in the Dominican Republic are at least partially responsible for preparing meals for their families. In an effort to focus on creating healthy habits that last a lifetime and pay homage to the incredible place they call home, we have revamped our food program and now The Mariposa Center for Girls is entirely powered by plants!

Mariposa is proud to have been awarded a Community Grant from the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies (CNS). The Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization committed to increasing awareness of the extraordinary impact that food has on the health of our bodies, our communities, and our planet. Learn more at nutritionstudies.org To sample some of our new plant-based creations, stop by Cabarete Coffee Company during your stay!

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PHOTOS MARK TUSCHMAN

Cocoa has been a large part of the Dominican economy for over a century. The Dominican Republic is the largest exporter of organic cocoa in the world. Most people who visit the Dominican Republic would never know this, as nearly 90% of Dominican cocoa is exported for commercial purposes. Dominican cocoa is very popular in European markets as it is considered of the finest quality in the world. The cocoa industry employs over 500,000 people in the Dominican Republic and comprises more than 2% of the GDP. Cocoa and chocolate not only taste great but they have a host of health benefits as well. Throughout history, cocoa has been consumed to help decrease blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels and prevent heart disease. Cocoa is high in flavonoids, which are powerful antioxidants most commonly found in fruits, vegetables, tea, wine, and coffee.

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PHOTO SEBASTIANO MASSIMINO

Cabarete Coffee Company purchases this organic cocoa from local farmers. You can sample it in the hot chocolate and in other menu items, or buy a log to take with you.

Cocoa comes from cacao beans that are grown in a fruit-like pod. •

First, the white seeds are harvested from the pod and dried in the sun. Ripe pods of cacao are typically dried for five to seven days before they are roasted.

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Next, the shelled beans are poured into a large wooden mortrar and crushed with a pestle, releasing the natural oils and turning them into a thick paste.

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Then, the beans are roasted over an open fire for 20 - 30 minutes until they are crackling and crisp, but not burned.

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Once they are cooled, the thin, paper-like shells are removed by hand. If you like bitter, dark chocolate, you will love eating pure, freshly roasted cacao beans.

Lastly, the paste is formed into small logs and dried for an additional two to three days. Once dry, the 100% pure chocolate is grated and used to make traditional Dominican chocolate, known as the “Drink of the Gods”.

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Doesn’t it feel great to be back? For nearly 18 months, many of us changed our daily routine and remained at home. We worked from home, we cooked and ate at home and our children attended school virtually from home.

FON NA FRA PHO

Together with donors, volunteers and community partners, we developed a plan to support our families while following necessary health guidelines. During this extended period of uncertainty, Mariposa continued to innovate and fulfill our mission of developing creative solutions to end generational poverty.

At Mariposa DR Foundation, we were on the front lines. From the moment things began to change, we got to work. We knew we couldn’t shut down. Home is not always the safest place for girls living in extreme poverty. We knew that to keep girls safe in our community, we had to act faster than we ever had before.

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Leaders from the United Nations and the World Health Organization addressed the impact of COVID-19 and the disproportionate impact on women and girls, noting that school closures would exacerbate existing gender inequalities, particularly for the poorest girls.

PHOTOS AMY S. MARTIN

• School closures meant that millions of girls all over the world would take on more household responsibilities. This often leads to them dropping out of school before they complete their education. Especially those living in rural, more isolated locations. • Evidence from past epidemics showed that adolescent girls are at higher risk of not returning to school even after a crisis is over. • Keeping girls engaged in learning and factoring in gender considerations into school reopening plans was critical to the recovery plan right here in Cabarete and for communities across the globe.

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From the very beginning, our staff was deployed in the local community assisting more than 100 families. Through an international village of generous donors and volunteers, we were able to support in the following ways:

KEEPING A SAFE DISTANCE We engaged our girls to create public health posters illustrating the importance of social distancing. The posters modeled recommended practice and were posted outside of their homes, essential businesses and around their communities. FEEDING FAMILIES We created accounts for families at local grocery and corner stores (colmados) to purchase food. We wanted them to have ownership over what to buy and how to best take care of their families during this time. In addition to providing necessary food, creating these accounts was critical in helping stimulate the devastated local economy. PHOTOS SEBASTIANO MASSIMINO

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DISTANCE LEARNING Our girls were given access to technology in their homes and were paired with international volunteers to assist in completing remote school work. Many of the parents are unable to read and support their children with homeschooling. This helped to keep them on track during the closures. We downloaded 30 hours of books on tape to the iPads and distributed headsets so the girls could have a quiet, peaceful escape. In partnership with local schools we coordinated the delivery of over 1,000 workbooks created by our team at Mariposa.

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WOMEN’S HEALTH We partnered with local clinics to offer support and resources including sanitary pads, soap and other personal care products. HOUSING ASSISTANCE Several of our families experienced housing insecurity and we were able to assist with relocation assistance. MAKING MASKS Through our Upcycled program, our seamstresses made hundreds of masks out of old spinnaker sails to deliver to families.

PHOTOS SEBASTIANO MASSIMINO

CREATIVE OUTLETS With help from generous donors, we distributed sewing machines, musical instruments, visual art supplies, journals and books so that our girls and their families could nurture their creativity and relieve stress. Several of them have since created income producing projects! VACCINE ROLLOUT As vaccines became available we helped distribute information about the rollout so that families could make informed decisions about their health. We also provided transportation stipends to appointments. We are proud to report that 97% of our eligible program participants, staff and families have chosen to be fully vaccinated. theguidecabarete.com

CHAMPIONING EARLY LITERACY WITH THE CREATION OF THE MARIPOSA PRIMEROS LECTORES SERIES

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PHOTOS SEBASTIANO MASSIMINO

THE MARIPOSA PRIMEROS LECTORES SERIES IS AN INNOVATIVE, DOMINICANCENTERED APPROACH SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR THE NEW READER. USING FAMILIAR WORDS MAKES THEM FUN AND EASY TO READ, AND STUDENTS READ ABOUT THINGS THEY SEE IN THEIR DAILY LIVES.

School closures meant that many children in the Dominican Republic were at risk of falling even further behind in their education - especially those who were just beginning to learn to read. After many years of searching for fun and engaging books where kids could see their language and culture represented, the Mariposa team got to work on this urgent need and created our own! They were written, designed and created by our team and illustrated by Mariposa program graduate, Detiny Mejia. Our first edition of the book series includes 10 titles and a matching memory card set that has been distributed to local schools in our community and across the region. theguidecabarete.com

With fierce determination to jump over the hurdles in front of us, we were agile, efficient and effective. Our innovation and drive to become even more self-sustaining prevailed and we are grateful that throughout the pandemic, we achieved a 98% retention rate with our program participants and pushed forward with some exciting community-based projects!

PHOTO SEBASTIANO MASSIMINO

REDUCING SINGLE-USE PLASTIC POLLUTION WITH ECO-BRICKS Aside from health and wellbeing, the pandemic brought on a huge threat to the environment. The consumption of single-use plastics skyrocketed and trash was piling up faster than anyone could manage. For years, we have been developing “eco-bricks” and conducting various feasibility studies through building sound structures to repurpose plastic trash. The Mariposa environmental group called on the community to bring in bottles stuffed with compacted single-use plastic trash, being compensated 20 pesos for each “brick”. The enthusiasm and support for this project has been unbelievable. With the completed bottles, we built a small pavilion and several benches at The Mariposa Center for Girls and in all of the public schools in town.

SINCE 2019, OUR ECO-BRICKS HAVE CLEANED UP OUR COMMUNITY AND SAVED OVER 9,000

POUNDS OF PLASTIC TRASH FROM GOING INTO LANDFILL OR EVEN WORSE, OUR OCEANS! 76

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