I’ve been giving some thought to how I wanted to write my next DR post. Honestly, there was so much goodness going on, including amazing new friends and fun adventures, that my head is still spinning at the awesomeness of it all. Hate me if you must for bringing this up but it’s summer and it seems like all my friends have one thing on the brain: wedding season. Their planning and celebration must have rubbed off on me because while I was in the Dominican, I couldn’t help but think about how perfect the north coast would be for a destination wedding. The scenery is epic, the weather is predictable throughout the different seasons and because this area is still largely under-visited, you won’t have to deal with many tourists. I’ve put together a guide to help you decide if this Caribbean paradise might be a good fit for you.

The north coast of the Dominican tells a far different story than it’s more well-known beach sister to the south, Punta Cana. By day, travelers and locals bask in the lush greenery and underground caves, giving in to their adrenaline seeking sides as they try their hand at kite-surfing, waterfall-jumping, and snorkeling. By night (or, also by day, if you happen to be there during the World Cup), the beaches turn into high-powered party zones that get going late and stay packed with sweaty bodies ‘til dawn. Here’s a few things to consider:

Lodging

Sea Horse Ranch: This oasis, located on the beach between Sousa and Cabarete, is 15 minutes from the Puerto Plata International Airport. A collection of 150+ villas that sleep between 6 and 14 people, Sea Horse is a luxury property that allows you and all your guests to stay in close proximity to one another, while simultaneously providing you with all the comforts of home. Each villa offers a private pool, daily chef and maid service, high-speed internet, a fully equipped kitchen and washer/dryer. The property also boasts around the clock security, an equestrian center, a high-end restaurant and tennis courts. If you choose to get married at the Ranch, the marketing department can help you find the perfect team of planners, florists, photographers and stylists to ensure that your big day goes off without a hitch. While this option isn’t the cheapest on the north coast, tell dad that your wedding day is the best time to splurge.

Activities

As I said before, the north coast is packed with activities for you and your guests. Get physical on a waterfall jumping tour of Damajagua’s 27 waterfalls with Iguana Mama, go snorkeling or diving with Northern Coast Aquasports or take a day hike (or the tram!) up Mount Isabel del Torres for breathtaking views. For those less interested in getting their heart rates up, hit up nearby Puerto Plata for some of the best amber shopping in the world, take a tour of the Brugal Rum Factory or grab a bite to eat at one of the many outdoor restaurants dotting the Cabarete beach.

Things to Consider

First, as with any legal ceremony, there are certain steps that need to be taken before getting married in the Dominican:

1. US citizens must write the American Consulate in Santo Domingo for permission to marry in the DR


2. You’ll need to bring your passports, original birth certificates and single status affidavits (documents will need to be translated in Spanish)


3. You must be at least 18 years old


4. Two witnesses must be present

Secondly, be respectful of the culture and the people. The DR is a wonderful place but it’s probably vastly different than where you live. Be aware of your surroundings and belongings while you’re there, don’t get drunk in strange places and keep in mind that work styles, communication and customs may be not be what you’re used to. Above all, don’t forget to go with the flow and have a great time.

For more information on getting married in the Caribbean, including fees, check out About.com’s page.

Photo credit (folded swans): Jodi Ettenberg

My most recent Dominican Republic adventure left me a little worse for the wear. After an amazing day walking the caves and swimming in the river at Los Haitises National Park, a sharp rivet on our boat had it out for me. I ended up in the ER, with 7 stitches in my left calf. Luckily, Jodi Ettenberg of Legal Nomads, no stranger to illness on the road, was prepared for an emergency with a first aid kit. Without her, I would have been in the middle of nowhere with a cut exposed to the elements. While travel safety is not the most exciting planning activity, there are definite steps you should take before, during and after a trip.

1. Before leaving, spend a few minutes refilling or putting together a basic first aid kit:
   

   • Antiseptic
   
   
   • Gauze
   
   
   • Small scissors
   
   
   • Medical tape
   
   
   • Hand sanitizer and/or latex gloves
   
   
   • Band-aids
   
   
   • Bite and sting treatment (Epi-pen, Benadryl)
   
   
   • Aspirin
   
   
   • A list of any allergies to medication and any medications you’re currently taking (include the active ingredient as well as the brand name)
   
   
   • A watertight bag for everything above
   
   

   Usually, these essentials will get you through until you can make it to a medical facility. When traveling a bit more off the beaten path or for longer periods of time, consider expanding your kit to include items such as cold/cough and prescription medicines, syringes, probiotics, SteriPEN and Temparin (a quick fix for a broken tooth/filling).



2. Research travel insurance. The small cost of travel insurance – usually $60 – $300 – pays for itself immediately if you require medical attention. Unfortunately, I didn’t have travel insurance and my ER bill was over $600. In more developed countries, that number could easily climb into the thousands. World Nomads provides instant quotes and customizable plans for travelers so there’s really no excuse to be uninsured.


3. If you do get hurt, stay calm. Panicking and/or hysterics will only escalate the issue and make anyone that’s trying to help you nervous and frazzled.


4. If you don’t speak the language, try to find someone to translate between you and the doctors. While a bloody gash speaks for itself, an internal injury or head trauma requires more detailed explanation.


5. When you get home, make an appointment with your primary care physician. This step isn’t necessary for every injury but serves as a good follow-up to alleviate any concern about infections or abnormalities.

Before your next excursion, take a few minutes to check yourself and your supplies. Accidents happen – no matter how careful you are – but preparedness is invaluable.

Have you ever injured yourself or been sick while traveling?

Sidebar: Yes, I know I look like I’m 14 years old in that photo. No, I am not actually 14.

(Photo credit: Jorge Santiago)

Last week was the opening of the new medi-spa at the Woodmark in Kirkland. The Northwest Face Spa offers a full range of spa treatments in addition to skin analysis from medically trained aestheticians. To put it simply, you can have a complete facial analysis, your toenails painted and a hot rock massage, all within the Woodmark.

I was invited over for a treatment and to tour the remodeled facility just prior to their grand opening and I chose to have a Body Wrap. It was a good choice because 1) not only did I get to experience something new, but 2) I had a conversation with the therapist, Nancy, that has stayed with me for 2 weeks now.

First, about the body wrap. For the uninitiated, this is where your body gets slathered up with a series of scrubs, butters and oils to hydrate your body. You’re then wrapped in mylar (yes, like the balloons) and left to absorb all the hydration from either the fruity-smelling or chocolate lathers (I went with the fruits preferring to eat my chocolate). You lie on a heated bed so it’s all quite warming (and not far from burrito-like).

Once you’re unwrapped, all those oils and scrubs are gently rubbed off. Somewhere in there I received a head massage too. It was truly relaxing and my skin felt great afterward.

The lasting effect, however, came from the conversation I had with Nancy during the wrap process. We got to talking about eating healthy including the benefits of raw foods and coconut juice. She eats raw meals (nothing cooked) for breakfast and dinner and has a big (meat) lunch. She went into some detail about special herbs she buys in the International District. I was really impressed with her knowledge and she explained that she’s part Chinese and grew up surrounded by this sense of which herbs, vegetables and juices were good for you.

She also mentioned the guru of the raw food movement, David Wolfe, and suggested that I look him up on Youtube. Which I did.

And now, I’m hooked on coconut water and have been incorporating raw food meals into my diet. It’s not something I will likely eat 3 meals a day, but I’m intrigued enough by the health benefits that I’m now doing more exploring. Thanks, Nancy!

So, would I recommend a wrap? Well, it’s pricey at $125 for 60 minutes though I’d pay that for a full-on body massage. But, if you wanted to treat yourself, it’s worth the price. Plus the whole experience at the Woodmark Spa is first class all the way including staff and facilities. Drop by and see for yourself!

Woodmark Hotel, Yacht Club & Spa
1200 Carillon Point
Kirkland, WA 98033
425-822-3700

Travel Well!