Natural resources, a rich history and the perfect location, make the Dominican Republic a Caribbean haven. It is a place apart, where the happy and friendly candor of the Dominican blends easily with visitors and emigrants from the world over to create a rich international atmosphere.

Boasting a true melting pot – the Dominican Republic offers a multicultural fusion cuisine which includes Spanish, French, Italian, German and Middle Eastern influences, among others. It is not unusual to find restaurants boasting international cuisine, specially in the larger cities.

About the Island

The Dominican Republic has varied terrain and an array of micro-climates, thus offering something for everyone.

The island is the second largest in the Caribbean with 76,480 square kilometers (29,529 square miles) and is shared by Haiti, occupying 48,308 square kilometers (18,651.823 square miles) of the island.

The highest point in the Caribbean—Pico Duarte, elevation 10,417 feet— is here. So is the lowest: Lago Enriquillo which lies 144 feet below sea level. Both are surrounded by lush tropical forests dripping with wild orchids and bromeliads, and alive with flocks of parrots and flamingos, dramatic dunes landscaped with cactus, thundering mountain waterfalls and quiet seaside lagoons — all framed by some of the world’s most beautiful beaches.

Whether you’re up for a stroll along a deserted beach, a hike to the Taíno caves in Parque del Este or an expedition into the heart of urban Santo Domingo—the oldest colonial city in America—there are plenty of places worth visiting.

Off the east coast of the Dominican Republic, the Mona Passage is one of the most prolific habitats for billfish. Comfortable marinas and experienced captains will take you into the blue to experience the thrill of the marlin. Be kind, release them afterwards. There are also many shallow estuaries and river mouths rife with tarpon and snook.

With three peaks over 10,000 feet, the Cordillera Central is often called the Dominican Alps. Repelling and rafting in the Río Yaque del Norte, a mild whitewater river, offers many thrills. A real challenging thrill is the climb to Pico Duarte. Guided tours that spend a night or two at shelters along the trail make the trip a little easier.

Beach, beach, and more beach. The coastline is fringed with some of the finest beaches in the Caribbean. Hammocks, beach bars and miles of palm tree shaded beaches beckon.

The Samaná Bay and the nearby Silver Banks offshore offer some of the most dependable and thrilling animal encounters in the region. An estimated 3,000 humpback whales linger here from January to March during their annual migration between the North Atlantic and the Caribbean. Nearby, The Haitises National Park is protected by the United Nations as one of the most important sources of fresh water in the world. It’s many keys are home to countless seabird habitats, hidden beaches and fresh water springs.

The island is host to surfers with Punta Cana, Encuentro and Macao being some of the hottest spots. If you are more of a Kite or Wind Surfer, the constant Caribbean winds will not disappoint you.

More than four million tourists visit the island every year and most return to the land where time passes at a slower pace than the rest of the world. This is due to the fact that for Dominicans, there is always time for fishing, playing baseball and golf, dancing Merengue, delighting in an exquisite local or international culinary masterpiece, and smoking a fine cigar, a great product of the Dominican Republic.

Getting Here

Just a few hours from the US, The Dominican Republic is very accessible to travelers from the world over with four international airports — several daily flights from Europe and major US cities. International interest for acquiring and renting beach front or golf villas has increased tremendously in the last 10 years due to the vicinity of the island to the mainland US (3 hours from New York and 2 hours from Miami).

La Romana Airport is just 10 min away from your villa, the Punta Cana Airport just 35 min away, and the Santo Domingo Airport 45 min away, making this into a very accessible spot. It’s political stability, easy currency exchange, sound investment opportunities, state-of-the-art worldwide communications, abundant and accessible airports, roadways and rental vehicles make it the perfect destination.