Fixie Lofts Hotel

Dominican Republic

The Caribbean architecture and culture of the 16th century is waiting to be explored in DOMINICAN REPUBLIC from the comfort of a beautifully restored villa in the historic quarter of Santo Domingo

The Caribbean of 400 years ago is laid bare at Fixie Lofts, in the heart of one of its oldest cities. With the gothic Santa María la Menor – the first cathedral built in the New World – as the crown of its cobbled streets, Santo Domingo’s Zona Colonial quite literally symbolises the beginning of the Americas as we know it. The 16th-century villa in the very centre of it all is a stylish retreat that holds local culture and craftsmanship at its core.

In seven lofts, earthy tones and raw textures allow layers of time to peek through minimalistic luxury. Distressed walls tastefully contrast with those whitewashed or covered in intricate tiling; tables made from repurposed roof beams complement bespoke rattan-and-steel chairs, and exposed concrete floors are offset with a touch of modernity, courtesy of large-format photography.

Step through your French doors on to a private balcony or terrace, or meander down the spiral staircase into an oasis-like courtyard, where mismatched tiles
and red brick are framed by cacti in hand-cast pots. Then there’s the pool, a monumental slice of history – hummingbirds hurry through and parrots perch in the shade of the avocado tree as you float underneath a meticulously restored, 16th-century archway, once part of the San Nicolás de Bari hospital, now holding Unesco World Heritage status.

Restored bikes hanging beneath wooden beams in the lofts beckon cycling trips to explore the striking ruins of the hospital, said to be the first to be constructed in the Americas. Pedal a little further to Santo Domingo’s seafront promenade – lined with palm trees, white sand and culinary hotspots – and to Tres Ojos National Park, where an open-air limestone cave system hidden in the heart of the city leads to three crystal-clear lakes.

There is, of course, immersion opportunity aplenty for culture vultures, too, with salsa nights held by the landmark San Francisco monastery and the chance to take an architectural trip back in time at the Museo de las Casas Reales.

Lofts from £74; villa buyout from £1,155 (sleeps 16). 00 1 829 312 9824, fixielofts.com

Words by Jas Matulewicz

This review was taken from the Reader Awards issue of Food and Travel. To subscribe today, click here.