Guide to the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is an enchanting Caribbean jewel that combines the breathtaking natural beauty of its diverse landscape with history, culture and year round sunshine. Christopher Columbus described this lush land as “a beautiful island paradise with high forested mountains and large river valleys”.

About the Dominican Republic

Situated in the heart of the Caribbean with 300 kilometres of the most beautiful, shimmering beaches this unspoilt, exotic country has already captured the hearts of many a cosmopolitan tourist. The spirit and charm of the Dominican Republic is captured in its Latin inspired music, Caribbean dance and mouth-watering food – all with a tropical twist and set against a backdrop of colonial architecture that embodies its rich and colourful history.

The Dominican Republic is a delight for watersports enthusiasts. The strong surf and powerful winds off the North coast make it ideal for sailing, windsurfing, boogie boarding and kiteboarding. It has incredibly clear waters with spectacular coral reefs teem ing with a variety of colourful marine life lace the coastline and centuries old shipwrecks make the Dominican Republic one of the top ten diving destinations in the world.

With many natural habitats from semi-desert to lush rainforest the Dominican Republic offers adventure seekers a wealth of opportunity to explore both land and see. Enjoy the exhiliaration of paragliding, rock climbing, hiking, mountain biking and white water rafting, or for something just a little gentler, try one of the spectacular challenging golf courses.

The Dominican Republic is a major tourist destination for sunseekers and thrill-seekers alike. There is a huge demand for hotel accommodation as it is increasing in popularity as a tourist destination. There are currently very few 5 Star resorts in the Dominican Republic.

The Dominican Republic occupies the eastern two-thirds of the Caribbean island called Hispaniola; the remaining third of the island to the west is the Republic of Haiti. Hispaniola is the second largest of the Greater Antilles islands.

It is divided into 6 regions - with 31 provinces and one National District. Its terrain is mostly rugged highlands with towering peaks plunging down into lush valleys; the highest point is Pico Duarte - 3,175 metres / 10,128 feet. The country has 1,288 km of coastline of which 300 km is golden sandy beaches.

The official language is Spanish; 1 million people are also fluent in Haitian Creole. The currency is Dominican Peso.

Economic reforms launched in late 1994 contributed to exchange rate stabilisation and reduced inflation. The president instituted austerity measures to rescue the country from economic crisis, and in the first half of 2006 the economy grew 11.7%

The total number of visitors to the Dominican Republic increased by 43% between 2002 and 2007. Visitors are mainly from Europe, USA and Canada.

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Buying in Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is a safe investment with opportunity for profit because it is far from fully-developed; property is very competitively priced compared to many Caribbean islands and property prices are set to rise.

Added to which, the Dominican Republic has tax-free status – no buying taxes, capital gains tax or inheritance tax.

“Purchasing property in the Dominican Republic is a relatively easy process. There are no particular prohibitions that block or otherwise prevent a foreign national from purchasing real estate in the Dominican Republic. Indeed, many foreign nationals invest in and own real estate in the Dominican Republic and have done so for many years.”

Property in Dominican Republic

Las Canas beach resort

The Las Canas beach resort is located on the stunning north coast of the Dominican Republic, easily accessible to the international airport.

STUDIOS STARTING FROM ONLY £75,000 WITH 100% FINANCE An exclusive development of apartments and villas are being built by the developer, which will be grouped into a boutique style hotel consisting of studios, one and two bedroom apartments and one and two bedroom cabanas. Built to the highest specification, the resort will have its own Gary Player championship golf course, sports academies and Sanctuary Spa. A beautiful resort, absolutely packed with facilities.

Two Rivers beach resort

Located within the extensive tropical gardens of the Two Rivers Beach Resort, the villas and apartments are constructed to the highest specifications, using the best quality local materials - tiles, stone and timber from sustainable sources - with oriental-style architecture to provide simple, elegant and spacious living accommodation. All the villas and apartments are furnished with stylish, modern simplicity, featuring stone tile floors and hand crafted Caribbean mahogany furniture.

This is a great time to invest here. Contact us to find out more.

Location and getting there

There are 10 international airports in the Dominican Republic. Just 20 minutes from the Two Rivers and Las Canas Beach Resorts is the Gregorio Luperon International Airport at Puerto Plata.

Flight times are 9.25 hours from London via Miami; 2 hours from Miami; 3.5 hours from New York. BA operates from London via Miami (American Airlines).