Sea Horse Ranch
The north coast of the Dominican Republic stretches over 200 miles. Because of this, both the lifestyles and the terrain vary immensely. In some areas, the ocean shore is rocky and cliff-like and therefore instills a more private and rugged feel. Some owners and vacationers prefer this because privacy and intimacy are a major concern. In other areas, the ocean shore is filled with golden sand that stretches for miles. This is great for beach combing, watersports, or being front row and center for a more active lifestyle. People who prefer this are more into the social aspect of the Caribbean and love the interaction of residents and visitors from all around the world. Sea Horse Ranch is one of the oldest gated communities in the area and is located 10 minutes east of the Puerto Plata International Airport. This exclusive residential area boasts of a private beach club, equestrian center, and tennis courts.
Cabarete
Cabarete is a popular beach town for people from all over the world. It is also know for its great wind surfing, kite boarding, small boat sailing, and of course, its long walks on the beach lined with condominium resorts and international restaurants. Because of the “highest and best use” of real estate principal, there are mostly condominium projects in Cabarete rather than private villas. If you know what you are looking for, however, you can find some small villa communities right on the beach. This area is only 20 minutes east of the Puerto Plata International Airport. Santiago, which is an hour and a half south, is a great alternate airport for Cabarete.
Cabrera
Cabrera is unique because it is not situated near an international airport, but the lifestyle this community offers has created a very loyal following. As such, you will find huge estates developed on the ocean frontage, and both small and large villas perched on the hillsides above with spectacular ocean views. Of recent interest is the new Amanera development on the Playa Grande Club and Reserve. Of interest to these investors and vacationers is the out-of-the-way feel of this quaint ocean village. Although it is 45 minutes west of the El Catey International Airport, and one-and-a-half hours west of the Puerto Plata International Airport, the short drive is well worth the experience to be had in Cabrera.
Las Terrenas
Las Terrenas is on the north side of the Samana Peninsula, which is only 20 minutes east of the El Catey – Samana International Airport. This historic tourist spot boasts of some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. Along with this is the European-style bed-and-breakfasts and the beachfront resorts that offer all kinds of accommodations. To some, the lifestyle may seem a bit funky and chaotic, but it is full of all sorts of activities and things to do. And the beach side restaurants are numerous and great for family fun. The area also has gated residential communities in the hills above with unmatchable ocean views.
Samana
Samana is a quaint village on the south side of the Samana Peninsula. The waters between the peninsula and the northeast coast of the Dominican Republic form the Samana Bay. This bay is known for fishing, whale watching during the mating seasons, and tourism. Although the eastern portion of the bay is open to the Atlantic Ocean and the easterly trade winds, it is more like a big lake than sea-going ocean waters. Thus, it is great for both yachts and sailboats. For those traveling the Southern Passage from the United States to the rest of the Caribbean, Samana Bay is a great stopover for provisions or a good night’s sleep. Inside the bay is Los Haitises National Park, which is a great place to anchor if an occasional hurricane heads up toward the U.S.
Samana Bay
An exciting new feature of Samana Bay is that it is now connected directly to Punta Cana by a modern new road that will enhance the entire northeast coast of the Dominican Republic. In addition to the new road, there will be a ferry service across the bay, so that people from the south can enjoy the Samana Peninsula, and in turn, people on the peninsula can enjoy all the lifestyles that the east coast has to offer. In addition to being able to play golf in Punta Cana and Cap Cana, there are also new resorts being planned in the Miches area. Thus, the east coast of the Dominican Republic can easily become the mecca for all types of Caribbean lifestyles.
View all of William Holden’s listings in the Dominican Republic here.
