The Dominican Republic’s largely undeveloped southwest coastline stretches for miles, a wide open playground hailed for a series of pristine beaches that dot this vast swath of powdery white sand.  Among them is Paraíso serving an otherwise sleepy town backing the shoreline. 

Sunday afternoons, when it seems the entire community converges on the beach, is great day for cultural exploration.  You’ll know you’ve arrived at Paraíso when the coastal road that otherwise hugs a cliff suddenly runs parallel to the shore and a row of colorful informal fish shacks pop up along the shoulder.  Do as the local do and ignore the local rhythms playing at ear-shattering decibels.