Dominican Republic Law Provides Significant Incentives To Film Industry

Almost 40 years ago, director Francis Ford Coppola went to the Dominican Republic to film the memorable Cuba scenes for The Godfather: Part II. As hospitable as the country was to the director, his crew and the actors at that time, things have gotten even better. The film industry in the Dominican Republic has substantially expanded since then, in large measure because the country has different and diverse natural scenery, from beaches to mountains, and buildings that were constructed in colonial times as well as more recently. Costs to film and produce movies are lower in the Dominican Republic than in many other places, too.

But one of the major reasons for the film industry’s explosive growth has been the Dominican government’s interest in supporting it – in particular, the country’s recent adoption of a law to promote and encourage the industry. Read the full article by Pellerano & Herrera.

Dominican Republic: life outside the playground

"Holy Mother," shrieked my normally unflappable guide as a truck laden with cabbages careered towards us on the wrong side of the winding Caribbean road. I held my breath as we swerved; trying to ignore the precipitous drop just inches away and steeled myself for the collision that, thankfully, never came as the truck managed to squeeze, Houdini-like, through a tiny gap.

In that split second, I realised why the tiny roadside chaplagoel we had visited earlier was such an essential stop for motorists: they wanted to light a candle and pray for a safe onward journey.

It seems drivers in the Dominican Republic are not noted for caution, and I reflected that this trip to the mountains could well become far more of an experience than I had anticipated. Read the rest of this article on The Telegraph travel section, written by Sara Macefield

Incredible Beaches of the North Coast

There is no denying that one of the major draws of a vacation in the Dominican Republic is the beaches.  The thought of spending your days relaxing with your feet in the sand with the sun warming your body interspersed with trips down to the shoreline to frolic in the surf, swim, and snorkel is certainly a tempting image.  A trip to the North Coast, which features miles upon miles of gorgeous and diverse beaches, allows vacationers to fulfill this fantasy without having to compromise on their chosen accommodations during their trip.

Cabarete

The small beach village of Cabarete is a unique environment, not only because it is quaint and quiet while remaining hip and desirable amongst a younger crowd of travelers, but also because of the lay of the land. The village is shaped in a semi-circle that surrounds the beaches which are laden with sun-kissed, golden sand. Just behind the village is a shockingly blue lagoon. The steady winds make the surf perfect for a number of watersports, but most especially windsurfing.

Cabrera

Though considered by many local islanders to be home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the Dominican Republic, Cabrera is often overlooked in favor of some resort towns located nearby.  This bodes well for vacationers who are interested in enjoying their beach days without having to fight the crowds.  The beaches in Cabrera range from calm and shallow for quite a distance into the water, with soft sand on flat grounds, to small, shady coves sandwiched between striking cliffs.  Most of the beaches are safe for swimming, and snorkeling and diving can be done at Cabrera area beaches as well.

Puerto Plata

Puerto Plata is the largest town along the north coast, which lends itself to being one of the largest tourist draws – and this extends to the areas beachfront.  The beaches in Puerto Plata are clean and feature white sands dotted with coconut palms and clear waters.  An off-shore reef formation makes this area a great choice for snorkeling, but other watersports are popular as well.  Despite their popularity, the beaches are relatively uncrowded compared to other top beaches in the Caribbean, especially if you head to Guarapito, which is one of the most quiet and peaceful beaches in the country.

Bavaro/Punta Cana

The Bavaro Punta Cana region curves around the north coast and into the eastern region of the Dominican Republic and remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.  The beaches are white sand and lined with coconut palms, and feature relatively calm waters.  Though these beaches are often crowded by vacationers, the real draw to the area is all the attractions and sites that the resort town has to offer, from bars and nightclubs to shopping centers which are all located along the beaches.

Samana/Las Terrenas/Las Galeras

The Samana region of the Dominican Republic, which is home to the small towns of Las Terrenas and Las Galeras is a great location for vacationers looking to escape the crowds.  Despite the snowy white sands, crystal clear waters, and gorgeous mountainous vistas, few tourists know about the area.  For this reason, visitors who do visit these beaches should be aware that the undertow can be dangerous, and lifeguards are rarely on duty.  The best way to experience the waters in this area is by participating in a whale watching tour.  Between the months of December and March, whales can often be spotted mating and calving.  Scuba diving is another popular past time in this region, for divers who are experienced in the sport.

Sosua

Sosua is a charming fishing village that has begun to see quite a bit of development in recent years.  The beaches in this area are quite diverse.  Though all are beautiful, with their ubiquitous white sand beaches and clear waters, each is known for different pastimes.  Playa Sousa is popular amongst tourist for its calm swimming waters and beachside vendors, Playa Chiquita is quiet and perfect for a day at the beach when you don’t want to fight the crowds, and Playa Encuentro’s more aggressive surf makes it ideal for surfing, kite boarding, and windsurfing.

Build Your Own Villa in the Dominican Republic: Lots of Options

One of the most frequent questions we get is, “Can I build a house in the DR?” Absolutely! Here in Cabarete/Sosua, you have excellent options that range from multiple designs within a fully gated community, to custom construction on your own plot of land. This suite of choices covers many price ranges and can be situated beachside or up in the hills with panoramic views.

Today I will discuss four different approaches and give you an idea of the different styles and locations you can choose. Obviously this is meant to be an introduction only and a trip here to meet with Sally and me as well as with different developers is a crucial step, so let’s get started.

Option One:  Beachside Villa.  This dream is one many of us share but it requires a little insight. This north coast real estate area is a “part time residency” location as well as tourist destination for wind and water sports, so both beachfront condos and beachside villas have become mainstream option for people looking to get out of the North American and European winters.

Located on 30 acres on the ocean and with direct access to the best surfing spots on the island, one developer has cracked the code for the ultimate in tropical living. Gorgeous custom homes on spacious, affordable lots create the allure, but the quality of construction takes this opportunity to a whole new stratosphere of value. Lots begin at $85 a square meter and you can build now or wait until the kids are out of college while feeling comfortable that your hand picked lot will be waiting for you. One condo/apartment building also exists beachfront where you can stay and monitor your home’s progress. Here is a representative house; price depends on lot and size of structure of course:

Option Two:   A lovely home in the hills five minutes from beaches and town: In this north coast residency area there are two outstanding European developers offering very different choices. One is modern, sleek design with lots of glass and stone and an elegant look that makes you want to call Architectural Digest to come down and take pictures. The other is more traditional villa design but also with that modern European flair and lifestyle oriented floor plans as well as progressive energy-saving technologies.

Modern Utopia – Five different models ranging from 165K (plus lot) to 375K (plus lot); here is just one option:

This is a smaller development of only 19 building sites where prices range from $46 m2 to $70 m2 currently, so it has that intimate feel. Contact Arthur for a “Catalog of Homes.”

Tropical Utopia -   The second option in the hills is even closer to town and is now opening a gorgeous new phase of lots. This developer also offers a “Fly and Buy” program for serious buyers. Homes here range from 212K up (includes lot, house, pool, landscaping) with the average home price (which includes lot, house, pool and landscaping by the way) being around 300K. A very attractive rental guarantee option also exists for the first two years. Again, ask for a  “Catalog of Homes” and you’ll see the amazing value.

Option Three:  Build your Own Villa on your own lot.   Some people just want a little more space and also want the autonomy they find in securing their own property and building their dream villa on it. There are some great building lots around, many in gated communities that don’t have a mandated builder restriction. Take a look at this building lot, a full acre, gorgeous ocean view, five minutes from several public beaches, and half way between Cabarete and Sosua, the perfect spot to live so you have easy 5 minute access to either town’s restaurants, beaches, and services:

Here’s another acre sized lot that is beachfront:

http://www.coralbayrealestate.com/search/show.php?id=1931 listing BL6024AB

Planning a Visit:   So, as you plan your retirement or firm up those dreams for a Caribbean villa of your own, remember, you’ve got excellent choices we are here to help. Come visit and let’s take a look. Your tropical dream villa is closer at hand than you might have realized!

We look forward to seeing you soon, and please feel free to contact Sally or me anytime on Remax Dominican Republic real estate.

4 VILLAS - PERFECT B&B OPPORTUNITY OR FAMILY COMPOUND (( Investment, Real Estate, Rentals, Tourism, Cabarete, Cabarete real estate, rentals, villas for sale))

Looking for a great business opportunity? This Cabarete property has 4 separately titled villas that can be sold individually, or if you prefer, create the perfect tropical B&B – live in one villa and rent the other three. All 4 villas surround a beautiful tropical pool and gardens. Each has a very private back yard and garden area, one with its own spa/plunge pool. Includes 2 car garage, gym, large storage/work room, caretakers bedroom/bath. Visit Cabarete real estate for more property options in this area.

OPEN AND AIRY NEW MODERN DESIGN VILLA, GATED

This is an exceptional price for a brand new, modern style 2 bedroom villa, including fully equipped kitchen, private gardens & pool, AC in Sosua. The open floor plan consists of two stories. First level: living room, dining room, kitchen, terrace, balcony, garage, pool, 1/2 bath. Second level: 2 bedrooms, bath, large terrace. Gourmet kitchen, granite counters, mahogany cabinets and doors. Lot prices start at $49 m2.

See more Cabarete apartments and villas for sale and Sosua real estate for sale with Remax! Want to see more?  Check out our photo gallery with photos taken around the Dominican Republic.

Walk to semi-private Cabarete beach - Good rentals too!

A fun and easy place to live! This apartment has everything you need in a one bedroom, close to the beach, at a great price located in Cabarete. Two stories with the living room, kitchen, dining room and bath on the first floor, and a loft style bedroom on the second floor. The bedroom has a nice, private terrace area, as well as another small terrace on the main level. Come live at the beach! Visit our main site for a legal overview on real estate purchase and lawyers in the Dominican Republic. To find out more about schools in the Dominican Republic, please visit our main website. Planning to retire? Check out our FAQ’s which also includes special Incentives for Retirees and Persons of Independent means from Abroad

Luxury ocean view villa with guest cottage

A beautiful development high on a hill overlooking the ocean this secure gated community of villa town houses are a perfect place to live or use as a rental investment property situated only 3 minutes from the local beaches and shops and only 10 minutes from the heart of Las Terrenas, the property is well appointed with large rooms and open plan living areas that open onto private terrace and with jacuzzi 3 bedrooms and 3 bedrooms Italian style kitchens with granite counter tops and floors in coralina stone European windows and high quality bathroom fittings from Italy it has a very large separate guest house with bedroom bathroom and open plan kitchen living area the gardens are tropical with its own swimming pool and water features this is a large house beautifully constructed to a very high standard the ocean views are stunning the property has its own garage and parking area the development has 24 hour security and entrance system this is one of only two left for sale. For more property options, visit our main Dominican Republic real estate listings page.

All Inclusive Outlet Adds Palladium Resorts in the Dominican Republic

All Inclusive Outlet Adds Palladium Resorts in the Dominican Republic, to Its Product Line-Up -All Inclusive Outlet is proud to now offer 13 Palladium resorts to its line-up of over 275 resorts. These resorts offer vacationers deluxe all inclusive vacations in Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and two locations in Mexico. Palladium resorts are offered in complexes. Travelers can stay at one resort, but will have access to other resorts in the complex for restaurants, bars, pools, activities, entertainment, and more*.

There is no additional fee for the exchange privileges since this is part of the all-inclusive vacation package. The Royal Suites by Palladium are dedicated for those vacationers looking for adults-only accommodations. The Royal Suites offer adults-only pools, bars, and restaurants in addition to the family friendly amenities of the Palladium complex. 

In the Dominican Republic, four Palladiums are offered within a complex on the famous Bavaro Beach: Grand Palladium Palace Resort, Spa, and Casino; Grand Palladium Bavaro Resort and Spa; Grand Palladium Punta Cana Resort and Spa, and the adults-only The Royal Suites Turquesa. This complex offers 13 restaurants, 18 bars, and four pools, along with a casino.

All Inclusive Collection in Dominican Republic Launches Kids Club Partnership with HIT Entertainment

MIAMI, April 3, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- The All Inclusive Collection - the brand that's shifting the sands of the all-inclusive vacation experience - announces a partnership with HIT Entertainment, one of the world's leading children's entertainment producers and rights-owners, for exclusive rights in Mexico, the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean that brings some of the world's most popular children's brands to its resorts in the region. HIT's portfolio, including Thomas & Friends®, Barney®, Bob the Builder® and Angelina Ballerina®, will be featured in the newly designed kids clubs and interactive kids' areas opening this summer at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana, Cancun Palace (soon-to-be Hard Rock Hotel Cancun in August 2012) and Aventura Cove Palace (soon-to-be Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya in early 2013). These three properties are owned by the All Inclusive Collection, and are operated by an affiliate of the All Inclusive Collection under licensing agreements from Hard Rock International. Read the full article.

Frontier Airlines expands to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

DENVER, Apr 03, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Frontier Airlines said today that it will add new nonstop seasonal service between Denver (DEN) and Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (PUJ), taking the number of nonstop Frontier routes from Denver to a record 68. The service will operate Saturdays beginning June 9 and continuing through August 4, 2012.

“With the launch of service to Punta Cana, Frontier will be the only carrier offering nonstop service from Denver to the Dominican Republic,” said David Siegel, president and chief executive officer of Frontier. “We’re confident that travelers will love our low-fare, customer-pleasing service on their travels to this beautiful and popular destination.” He added that the additional service on the Cabo San Lucas route is the result of strong demand by customers.

Introductory fares -- which include all transportation fees, surcharges and taxes -- begin at $350* each way for Denver-Punta Cana service and $246* each way for Denver-Cabo San Lucas service. These intro fares are available at FrontierAirlines.com now through June 9, 2012, for travel to/from Punta Cana and now through April 17, 2012, for Wednesday travel to/from Cabo San Lucas.

Members of Frontier’s EarlyReturns frequent flyer program can earn double miles** for every qualifying flight they take on the new Punta Cana route. Visit FrontierAirlines.com/memberoffers for details. Pre-registration is required.

Dominican Republic offers less expensive holiday experience

Many people are feeling the pinch with the economy in its current condition, and most of us want nothing more than to escape the stresses of everyday life with a good holiday. The Caribbean is one of the most popular holiday destinations with its beautiful climate, exquisite beaches and numerous activities enticing millions of holiday goers each year.

The only problem is the price. Flights can be expensive because of the distance you have to travel from the UK and up market destinations like St Barths can also hit the wallet hard once you arrive. Don’t fret, however, as the Dominican Republic offers a great selection of hotels and resorts for a Caribbean holiday at a price that suits you.

As long as you follow some of our great money saving tips when you are there you can easily have the holiday of your life without having to break the bank.

Punta Cana

The Dominican Republic has several resorts with a good selection of low-priced all-inclusive resorts that will enable you to take advantage of the beautiful climate. Punta Cana is a resort on the Eastern most part of the Island and bargain-hunting holidaymakers are attracted by the beautiful white sand beaches and light blue seas.

Punta Cana is more of a touristy place than a taste of the authentic Caribbean experience, but the large selection of cheap sea-view hotels and delicious restaurants ensures that it is always popular.

Puerto Plata

If cheap all-inclusive packages aren’t for you then head for Puerto Plata, to the north, which offers a better reflection of local culture. Dominican Republic Holidays in Puerto Plata are perfect for travelers who want to get away from generic hotels and sample some real Caribbean spice. Visit Dominican Republic villa & apartment rentals for a true independent holiday option.

It is also a great place for activities such as water sports and spectacular sight–seeing with the thrilling Damagua Cascades, or 27 waterfalls, nearby which offers canyoning for visitors – a must for the thrill seekers.

Saving Money on your trip

Once you have selected your destination, flights and accommodation there are lots of other ways to keep the costs down on your trip. Like in many countries haggling is a way of life in the Caribbean, and whilst it isn’t encouraged in large department stores and supermarkets, in local open-air markets and food stalls it is the norm.

If you are good at it you will be able to find some great bargains.

Instead of taking taxis everywhere you go take advantage of the Dominican Republic’s public transport. They provide a great way to get between towns and villages and using the small and colorful buses offers the chance to meet locals at just one or two dollars a trip.

You should also follow the locals for your meals as the places they frequent tend to be cheaper and more authentic than those in and around the hotels that cater for those unwilling to explore. By doing a little searching you can find the perfect Caribbean holiday to fit your budget.