La Romana Destination Guide

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Why La Romana, Dominican Republic

La Romana city is located on the Caribbean coast of the Dominican Republic, it was originally a major sugar-producing region before turning into one of the DR’s most coveted, luxurious beach destinations. La Romana is best known for Casa de Campo, a Leading Hotel of the World, offering one of the most upscale and complete golf resorts in the Caribbean. Whether newbie or experienced, players can enjoy playing on multiple Pete Dye-designed golf courses here, teeing right along the sea. 

Just east of La Romana is the eco-adventure area of Bayahíbe offering a perfect beach complemented with the adjacent Cotubanamá National Park, replete with outdoor activities–from cave exploration to offshore island hopping at Saona and Catalina.

10 Reasons to Visit La Romana

1) Cotubanamá National Park

As of October 2014 the “Parque Nacional del Este” was formally renamed to “Parque Nacional Cotubanamá” in honor of the taino chieftain Cotubanamá who governed the area and resisted the Spanish conquerors. Located between the provinces of La Romana and La Altagracia this protected territory includes the Saona Island and the maritime zone around it. This is one of the most cave riddled and adventure-packed national parks in the DR counting more than 500 flora species, 300 types of birds, and long stretches of white beaches and islands. Only about 10% of the park’s land surface has been explored, and so far 48 archeological deposits have been uncovered in the different caves in the area. This archaeological heritage is an exceptional testimony of different prehispanic cultures that inhabited the Island. Being here is like walking down the past of our Taino ancestors.

A guided hiking tour will take you through the dry forest until you reach the impressive Cueva Del Puente. This cave is known for its large size and spacious interiors. Get ready to be surprised by a gigantic centenary tree that crosses the cave's ceiling in search of the rays of the sun.

2) Saona Island

Saona Island’s picture-perfect beaches attract more visitors than all the DR’s national parks combined. This protected site is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in the Dominican Republic and is part of Cotubanamá National Park. Hop on a fun catamaran voyage to visit the island; during the trip you will enjoy drinks, snacks and learn to dance to the infectious beats of the Merengue music.

3) Catalina Island

After Saona, it is the second largest island in the country. It is a dream place which many consider as having some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. 

Catalina’s coast is dotted with coral reefs swarming with fish, starfish, and other colorful species which make it for water sports, especially for diving and snorkeling. 

Portions of the beach welcome cruise ship excursions, but the entire stretch is open for the public to enjoy.

4) Casa de Campo

Besides a Leading Hotel of the World, this tourist complex also has several internationally recognized golf courses, ranking among the best in the world including the world-famous Teeth of the Dog, the #1 rated course not only in the Dominican Republic, but in the entire Caribbean. Whether you are an avid golfer or a newbie the experience of playing the sport on the exclusive golf courses of the Casa de Campo has no comparison.

5) Altos de Chavon

Located within the Casa de Campo complex is Altos de Chavón, a replica of a 16th century Mediterranean village built over the Río Chavón, adding even more allure to the area with its enigmatic cobble-stoned streets, stunning riverfront terraces, historical sights, restaurants, and shopping facilities overflowing with ancient and contemporary art.

At the edge of a canyon that flows dramatically into the Chavon River, there's an impressive Greek-style amphitheater with 5,000 seats and captivating views of the Rio Chavon and the Caribbean Sea. This open-air amphitheater is host to concerts and performances from major Dominican and international artists year-round. Seeing a concert here, under the stars, is a bucket list item.

6) Casa de Campo Marina

Casa de Campo Marina is ideally situated where the Chavón River meets the Caribbean Sea. Within the marina complex are a wide variety of shops and some of the best restaurants in the country with stunning views of yachts lining the Marina. Strolling along the Marina promenade you will find the Latin Major League Hall Of Fame displaying information and memorabilia of the Latin American Baseball Idols that played in the American Major leagues through the years.

7) Friendly People

The people of the Dominican are some of the nicest in the Caribbean. They are always friendly, very willing, approachable, charismatic. Because of the above, and a blessed nature and suitable facilities, Dominican Republic has it all!.

8) Outstanding Hotels

The wide variety of accommodations in La Romana and Bayahíbe, ranging from boutique luxury to resorts, provide more than 4,000 hotel rooms and conference facilities for up to 750 delegates, ideal for medium-sized events. 

9) Airport Connectivity

The main gateway for international arrivals is La Romana International Airport (LRM), located 30 minutes’ drive from the La Romana city center. The International Airport of La Romana, also known as Casa de Campo International Airport, ranks fifth in passenger traffic behind Punta Cana Airport, Las Americas, Puerto Plata, and Santiago.

10) Bayahibe

The scenic fishing town of Bayahíbe is an attraction in and of itself; Bayahíbe retains its Dominican pulse, from its local restaurants and bars to its street side arts and crafts stalls, and fishermen who bring catch daily. Bayahíbe is truly an earthly paradise with shores of white sand and crystal-clear waters, so beautiful that it is hard to believe that this place exists.