I was traveling for 8 days along the south coast of the Dominican Republic with an old friend of mine, Ursula, who was once my roommate on Semester at Sea 5 years ago. We found it comforting to stay near the ocean since we once floated around the world together for 4 months.

Our favourite beach, Juan Dolio

This resort in Salina’s was quite an upgrade from room 4083 on the MV Explorer, the tiny inside berth me and Ursula once shared. The fact that it was complimentary and included personal caretakers/bodyguards was even more luxurious, thanks to some very generous Americans we met there.

Salina's Hotel & Restaurant, one of the more secluded and personal resorts I've ever visited. Jorge, the owner, welcomes you there as if its his own house, and you're part of the family right away.