BARAHONA. – In the early hours of Monday, December 13, 2021, an uncontrollable fire consumed the emblematic Casa Bonita Tropical Lodge tourist complex located in that southern province of the country.
According to the local firefighters, it was completely consumed by the fire, due to the type of construction, as they were unable to arrive in time because of its distance from Barahona.
The tourists staying at the resort were evacuated from their cabins and taken to safety, so there were no casualties.
Four fire department units responded to extinguish the fire, in addition to those from the municipality of Polo, Enriquillo.
Casa Bonita Tropical Lodge is the former manor house of the Schiffino family, beautified by tropical vegetation, coconut groves, palm trees and mahogany trees.
Multiple units of the Fire Department were unable to control the flames in time in the infrastructure that was reduced to ashes.
What used to be Casa Bonita
Diario Libre highlights today the architectural and commercial merits of the establishment. "Elegance, comfort, majesty, and a rustic yet modern structure were among the characteristics that made it a favorite, especially among foreign tourists. Its popularity was so high that, before the COVID-19 pandemic, it was difficult to get a room. It had been open to the public for about 20 years," the newspaper notes.
One of its attractions, according to the review, was its swimming pool, located in front of the bar, from which one could contemplate Bahoruco beach, the municipality where the establishment was located. "You would sit there and the view of the pool would blend into the sea, even though it was very far away. It was something very impressive and one of the most beautiful and majestic landscapes one can see; that feeling was incredible," José Medina, a local resident, told the media.
Casa Bonita had 18 rooms or cabins built with rustic wood, roofed with cane, all had air conditioning and the modern amenities of this type of establishment.
It featured a tennis court, a jacuzzi, a sauna, and a spa housed in villas located on a river. Bicycles were available for rent to explore the area.
The hotel was about 10 kilometers from downtown Bahoruco and offered easy access to San Rafael, Barahona, and Paraíso beaches. It had access to a river and offered a variety of activities.
