The Domincan Republic - Top 5 reasons to stay forever.
Nothing compares to the outstanding beauty and local culture of the Dominican Republic. There are many reasons to visit, but why stay? Esperanza Bevan is originally from Spain and now practices real estate law in Puerto Plata on the north side of the island. After a sunset round of golf, she sits down in the pro shop of her country club to have a drink and tell us how she ended up staying for good, in what she calls, “year-round paradise.”
“I went to South Africa but it was unstable. I went to Costa Rica and it rained for a week. Then I came to the Dominican Republic and I had to pinch myself.” Bevan describes a life that feels like one long vacation on the north coast of the island listing historical tours, casino shows, boating and local culture as just the beginning. “I walk the beach every day, and it’s always different.” she says, “I am swimming in the ocean on the first of January. This is paradise you can count on.”
Top 5 reasons to stay forever
Travel is easy
The DR is the second most visited Caribbean country by Canadian citizens on vacation so there is plenty to do when your family comes to visit. They can choose from 6 international airports in the country with less than three hours’ drive between any of them. It’s also a huge island (1900 sq. miles) with gorgeous beaches, untouched coastline and tons of services and products you’ll love.
The pace
Living in the Dominican Republic is a total change from the fast-paced life in North America and Europe. The infrastructure in the Dominican Republic has seen significant improvements including health care, roadways, power and gas, public transportation, banking, internet and supermarkets. This makes it a gorgeous tropical destination with the comforts of home.
Community is everything
The growing expat community includes retirees from 50 different countries, among them are chefs that make up an incredible foodie scene of global cuisine, including locals who specialize in freshly cooked whole fish on the beach. There is a manana attitude to everything in DR. You will find yourself slowing down, relaxing and adapting to the tranquility of island life.
Attractions and Activities
When family comes to visit there is so much to do. Beyond the white sand beaches, the DR boasts mountains, deserts and rainforests with tropical animal life such as iguanas, flamingos, and a wide range of bird life! Adventure awaits to explore local culture too! Walk the promenade, visit the museums or tour historical sites. The island has a rich history of art and architecture and agriculture. Visit our beautiful cathedrals, cocoa and coffee bean plantations, sugar cane plantations and rum factories. The island has modern amenities too like affordable spa services, Casino life, gorgeous golf courses, adventure parks and 5 star hotels and restaurants.
Local Culture, Food and Music …
You can hear bachata, meringue, or salsa music everywhere you go – in the streets, the buses, the supermarkets, and public parks. The local culture is 95% Roman Catholic, Spanish speaking and boasts some of the Caribbean’s most beautiful religious architecture and iconography.
Local real estate agent Loinas Jose Finca says most people who move here are most in love with the view and culture on the north side of the island. “The north coast is developed around villages, not commerce, so it’s culturally rich.”
“Much of the country is flat,” but he says the endless inlets, textured scenery and expat community on the North side, are his favorite bragging rights for those looking to relocate. “In Puerto Plata, you don’t have one long coastline. You have a bunch of small coves. All the beaches feel private, like your own little piece of paradise.” He also can’t get enough of the view. “You don’t just have the ocean; you have the mountains too. It’s heaven on earth.”