14 July 2006
www.londoninternationalproperty.com
It looks like Heaven, but it’s easier to get to.
The Dominican Republic is enchanting, exotic, and magical. Its combination of sugar-white beaches, rich natural beauty, excellent cuisine and arguably the friendliest people in the Caribbean, make this island a heavenly place to be. There is no simpler way to describe it. The moment you set eyes on your oceanfront property, you'll know you've made the right choice to buy here. Here, you will be surprised to discover, is the increasingly rare combination of low property prices and beautiful surroundings making it one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean. The Dominican Republic has its own distinct cuisine and cultural heritage. Its Latin flavor, too, is in sharp contrast to the character of the nearby British and French influenced islands.
Columbus came upon the Dominican Republic's coral-edged coastline on his first voyage. "There is no more beautiful island in the world," he wrote, naming it La Espanola or Hispaniola. The first permanent European settlement was founded shortly afterwards on November 7, 1493. You can still see its ruins near Montecristi in the northeast part of the island.
Today, the Dominican Republic shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti, a former French colony, but much of what Columbus first sighted still remains in a natural, unspoiled setting.
"More sun for less money" In an article about vacation destinations titled " More Sun for less Money", Condé Nast Traveler magazine rated the Dominican Republic as one of the 25 best locations in the world. The island's northern, Atlantic coast bustles with activity. In the centre of the country, three main mountain ranges run roughly parallel to each other in an easterly/westerly direction. The East Coast has beaches that stretch for miles. It's already a favoured location for resort hotels. The southern coast is the quietest. With crystal clear, calm waters, it's perfect for snorkeling and other water pursuits.
Santo Domingo, the capital, and a UNESCO world heritage site, is the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the Americas and one of the most vibrant cities in the Caribbean. Here you'll find old world charm rubbing shoulders with contemporary Latin flair. The capital's medieval palaces and fortresses mix with nightlife and shopping to rival any modern town. Discover, too, pristine beaches and hidden gems like a salsa/merengue club set inside a huge underground cave.
Bored by beaches?
Of course not everyone wants to laze on a beautiful sun-drenched beach every day. If you're a sports lover, or even an explorer, the Dominican Republic won't disappoint. There's no shortage of bike and horse riding trails. Not to mention mountains to climb. Just about every kind of water sport can be enjoyed here. Dive, snorkel, windsurf, kite surf, or, go white water rafting. You may even make friends with humpback whales. It's possible in the Dominican Republic. Prefer a nine-iron to flippers? Well, the island boasts one of the top 100 courses in the world at Playa Dorada. Another course, designed by Robert Trent Jones at Playa Grande is rated as one of the best in the Caribbean. These challenging 18 holes are shortly to be joined by golf courses created by Nick Faldo and Jack Nicklaus. If you prefer a round that's decidedly exotic as well as testing, why not play nine-holes amongst tropical fruit trees at the Los Mangos course.
Where the smart money is going.
The Dominican Republic is changing. Free Trade Zones have recently been created. The Government is also investing heavily in infrastructure. Tourist visitor numbers are rising. The Dominican Republic is now one of the Caribbean's major vacation destinations. All of which has created an outstanding climate for investment.
Property purchase for foreigners is no longer a lengthy procedure. Under new legislation outside investors can enjoy the same rights and privileges as Dominicans. Property prices here are competitive, too.
Investment experts predict property prices will rise in the short-to medium term and rental potential will increase dramatically because of the islands growing profile and popularity with tourists. The Dominican Republic is where the smart money is being invested in the Caribbean.