La Romana Holidays

Golden sands, warm waves, and a relaxed, palm-fringed vibe – Bayahibe is everything you want in a Caribbean beach and then some. It’s a hub for water sports, with some of the region’s best diving and snorkelling thanks to nearby coral reefs and clear-as-glass water. Take a dip, sip a cocktail from a beachfront bar, or just stretch out and let the sunshine do its thing. Looking for adventure? Book a catamaran trip to Saona Island and float your way to paradise.

If you’re in search of pure, untouched beauty, Catalina Island is your spot. Just a short boat ride from La Romana, this tiny island serves up powdery sand, crystal waters, and coral reefs teeming with tropical fish – ideal for snorkelling or scuba diving. Most excursions include a lively beach BBQ, rum punch, and plenty of time to swim or snooze under the palms. It’s postcard-perfect, minus the filter.

Perched high above the Chavón River, this handcrafted village looks like it was plucked from Tuscany and dropped into the Caribbean. Built in the 1970s as a replica of a 16th-century Mediterranean town, it’s all cobbled lanes, charming courtyards, and artisan boutiques. Visit the Archaeological Museum, browse local galleries, or catch a concert in the 5,000-seat amphitheatre, which has welcomed the likes of Frank Sinatra and Shakira. Don’t forget your camera – sunset here is pure magic.

La Romana’s culinary scene is a love letter to Dominican flavours. Feast on fresh grilled lobster, zingy ceviche, or crisp pescado frito, served beachside with a splash of lime. Traditional dishes like La Bandera Dominicana, rice, beans, and meat, mofongo, garlicky mashed plantains, and sweet-savoury pastelón offer a hearty taste of local culture. Wash it down with an ice-cold Presidente beer or a frosty piña colada under the palms. And for dessert? Don’t miss dulce de coco or habichuelas con dulce – unexpected, but delicious.