By Guy Britton

Maybe you’ve been to the beaches of Punta Cana, the sights of Santo Domingo, or the golf courses of La Romana.

But here, hidden away among the large resorts of Puerto Plata, there is a jewel.

This isn’t the Dominican Republic you think you know.

This is VH Hotels’ Casa Colonial, and it is the best-kept secret in the Dominican Republic.

This 50-room hideaway on the golden beach in Playa Dorada is a true work of art, with astonishing designs by Estudio Sarah Garcia and the sort of boutique, cosmopolitan luxury that is so rare these days.

The rooms are beautiful, with Garcia’s inspiration touching every detail, while the spa is even more spectacular.

And then there’s the signature rooftop pool, which achieves the rare feat of pulling you away from the sand, the sort of pool scene that has you staying all day long.

There’s an uncanny ambience here, a sort of indulgent but unpretentious luxury that pervades the whole place.

It feels different, it feels special, it feels unique — because that’s precisely what it is.

For more, see the latest CJ Video at the top of the page.

Or visit Casa Colonial.