7 days ago
Is this the Dominican Republic's next hot spot?
Meagan Drillinger
Once a modest fishing enclave on the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic, Bayahibe Dominicus has been experiencing a steady transformation.
Long overshadowed by the busy tourism corridors of Punta Cana and nearby La Romana, this pocket coastal community is now emerging as a low-key yet increasingly desirable destination, especially for travelers and investors looking for a more laid-back Caribbean alternative in the Dominican Republic.
What's fueling the growth is a combination of strategic resort investments, the opening of internationally branded properties and the latest signal of confidence: a large-scale residential development that will bring a new wave of travelers and second homeowners to the area.
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Set to break ground this year, The Don Dom, a master-planned community by real estate firm Becca and design partner Gritt, brings a residential anchor to the region's slow-burning evolution. The 1.3 million-square-foot project will blend nature-focused design with walkable infrastructure and resort-style living, a first for Bayahibe Dominicus. This marks a new chapter in how the region is positioning itself as a place to live, invest and return to.
"We chose Bayahibe Dominicus for its combination of strategic value and environmental integrity," said Frederico Castillo, CEO of Becca. "It offers exceptional natural protection thanks to the Saona Island and the peninsula, which translates into pristine and sargassum-free beaches year-round. At the same time, it remains underexploited compared to other tourist centers, allowing us to build a high-value community from the ground up."
Bayahibe's tourism roots remain closely tied to its proximity to Saona Island and the protected waters of Parque Nacional Cotubanama. The town's access to these areas has made it a key launch point for boat excursions, with local guides offering daytrips that highlight the area's ecological diversity.
Checking in
But the identity has started to shift, propelled by a string of strategic hospitality upgrades and brand expansions over the past few years.
Take Iberostar Selection Hacienda Dominicus, for example. A sweeping renovation included upgrades to all 528 rooms, featuring high-tech installations such as Chromecast, USB sockets and key systems connected to guest wristbands. The renovation has also been carried out in alignment with Iberostar's vision for sustainability, as outlined in its 2023 Agenda. The agenda is divided into three actions: a circular economy model, responsible consumption of seafood and improving coastal ecosystem health. The resort has created 3R (reduce, reuse, recycle) departments in all of its hotels, Hacienda Dominicus being one of them.
Similarly, Viva Wyndham Dominicus Palace completed its own extensive revamp, redoing common areas and food and beverage offerings while continuing to share amenities with its sister resort, Dominicus Beach. Together, these sister properties anchor much of the beachfront in Dominicus.
Most recently, Sunscape Dominicus La Romana opened its doors as part of Hyatt's Inclusive Collection. The 854-room property is among the largest in the region and expands La Romana's capacity for all-inclusive, family-oriented vacations. La Romana is 10 minutes from Dominicus.
Hilton Garden Inn recently opened in La Romana, becoming the brand's first in the Dominican Republic. With proximity to both the airport and the cruise terminal, the property introduces affordable options for pre- and post-cruise guests.
Different place, different pace
All of this is happening just a 40-minute drive from Punta Cana, but the atmosphere in Bayahibe Dominicus remains notably slower and more relaxed. The two main beaches, Playa Bayahibe and Playa Dominicus, are hubs for local life, with Sunday picnics and fried fish stalls popping up along the shoreline. In contrast to Punta Cana's megaresorts and fast-paced entertainment, Bayahibe Dominicus' allure is in its slower pace and connection to nature.
There are plenty of ways to pass the time while there, including snorkeling and diving at Catalina Island; kayaking and paddleboarding; and visiting Padre Nuestro cave for swimming and exploring.
It's this contrast that The Don Dom seems poised to tap into. As a gated, master-planned community, the project focuses on mid-density living, access to nature and mixed-use spaces rather than high-rise sprawl. Phase one, already underway, is set to deliver a mix of residences designed for both long-term occupancy and short-term rentals, which gives travel advisors the opportunity to book for their clients.
"Dominicus has a very particular identity, defined by its simplicity, close connection to the sea, and local spirit," Castillo added. "Our development approach is rooted in preserving and enhancing this identity. We prioritize the use of local labor, vendors and materials, respect the scale and aesthetic of the area, and ensure that our architecture responds to its context. In an increasingly globalized and saturated Caribbean, Dominicus stands out as one of the few places where it's still possible to develop with intention from the ground up."
