La Romana-Bayahibe Destination
The city of La Romana and its beach at Bayahibe and Dominicus are located along the Dominican Republic’s southeast coast. The region is home to sugar cane fields, top resorts, cultural attractions, world-class golf courses and beautiful beaches. It is also noted for its diving and world-class deep-sea fishing. In La Romana you can see how some of the world’s best cigars are produced.
La Romana- Bayahibe Key Points & Attractions
Top Hotels and Resorts for Families & Couples
Accommodation choices in La Romana include upscale properties, as well as family and adults-only resorts. The well-known resort Casa de Campo first introduced travelers to La Romana as a golf destination. The largest concentration of hotel rooms in the region is at Dominicus, in Bayahibe, one of the top beaches in the island and a 20-minute drive from La Romana city.
International Airport
La Romana International Airport (LRM), also known as Casa de Campo International Airport, is 10 minutes from Casa de Campo and 20 minutes from Bayahibe.
Cruise Port
Many cruises that come to the DR stop at La Romana Tourist Port on Romana’s River. Cruise guests can take shuttles to Casa de Campo’s attractions, including Altos de Chavón, its marina and golf courses. Also, La Romana has docking facilities in the nearby Catalina Island.
Altos de Chavón
La Romana’s hidden gem is Altos de Chavón, a replica of a 16th century Mediterranean artists’ village that relishes among cobblestone streets, coral block and terra cotta buildings, offering magnificent scenic views of the Chavón River. Altos de Chavón is a cultural center, home to artists’ studios, craft workshops, art galleries, archaeological and amber museum and the School of Design. In the heart of the village are a Grecian-style amphitheater, the Church of St. Stanislaus and many shops, bars and restaurants.
Golf
La Romana’s tourism industry began as a top-class golf destination with the building of Casa de Campo. Today guests can experience golfing on multiple award-winning golf courses designed by Pete Dye, including Teeth of the Dog. Casa de Campo offers two 18-hole golf courses and two 27-hole courses fronting the Caribbean Sea and running parallel to the Chavón River.
Catalina & Saona Islands
La Romana has two islands off its shores that are both worthy of day visits. Catalina Island is five miles south of La Romana and is popular for diving and snorkeling. Its Living Museum of the Sea is where visitors can view the historical wreck of the legendary Captain William Kidd.
Saona Island is located in the Cotubanamá National Park, the most visited natural attraction in the country. On the way to Saona Island boats will stop at Palmilla beach, known as the natural pool for the crystal-clear waters. Boats leave from Bayahibe and the trip there is as beautiful as Saona Island itself.
Watersports, Scuba Diving and Deep Sea Fishing
Resorts boast a selection of watersports and can arrange for day trips enjoying world-class deep-sea fishing. Casa de Campo Marina hosts annual sports fishing tournaments, including the popular Blue Marlin Classic, Dominican Bluefish Triple Header, and a Lionfish Tournament. Deep sea or river fishing trips are available year-round from the marina or from Bayahibe. La Romana is also a well-known destination among divers for being one of the best spots in the country. Dive operators are also located at many of the resorts.
Virgin Beaches
In addition to the white sand beaches that line the major resorts and those found on Catalina and Saona Islands, the public beaches at Bayahibe and Dominicus offer their own special stretch of sand, including good snorkeling at Bayahibe.
Bayahibe
Nearby La Romana is the local resort area of Bayahibe. It was founded as a fishing village in 1874 and is now known as a favorite destination for the beach and sun. This ecotourism-rich destination is located just 20 minutes east of La Romana and allows visitors to enjoy a tour of the surrounding nature and absorb the history of the authentic fishing village. The Bayahibe region is also home to the country’s national flower, the beautifully exotic Bayahibe Rose.
Popular Wedding Destination
Choices where brides and grooms can marry in the region include on the sand beaches that line the major resorts in Bayahibe or at the St. Stanislaus Church at Altos de Chavón overlooking the Chavón River.
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