Punta Cana Investment News and Opportunities : Real Estate Opportunities

Exciting Commercial Real Estate options in Punta Cana

Punta Cana Lifestyle Real Estate — Sat, 08 Sep 2012 22:37:00 GMT

Punta Cana has rapidly become one of the most favored tourist places, worldwide. The lush green nature, pure sparkling water, mesmerizing white sand on the beauty beaches, rich culture and of course the locals, make this place a paradise indeed. Every...(read more)

Featured on ABC News- In Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, Tropical-style American Dream Beckons Young Families, Entrepreneurs

Punta Cana Lifestyle Real Estate — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 15:48:00 GMT

Direct Link: http://finance.abc7news.com/abclocal.kgo/news/read/21027626/in_punta_cana

PUNTA CANA, Dominican Republic, April 6, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The white sand beaches, world-class golf courses, all-inclusive resorts and sparkling waters of Punta Cana have long drawn vacationers to the Dominican Republic. But now people are flocking to the Caribbean town in pursuit of something more: a better life.

Jocelyn Hernandez, founder of Punta Cana Lifestyle Real Estate (http://www.puntacanalife.com), is seeing increasing numbers of people buying homes and commercial real estate in Punta Cana. New schools and universities are drawing young families, and the burgeoning international expatriate community offers unprecedented opportunities for businesspeople offering products and services to a growing population.

Punta Cana's newfound popularity as a place to live has landed the town on Hollywood's radar. HGTV's House Hunters International recently followed Indiana native Cory St. Clair and his fiancee, Karen-Ann Peterson, former Miss Aruba and current managing director of an international multi-service company, 7 Incorporated (http://www.7incorp.com), as they worked with Hernandez to find their dream home in Punta Cana. House Hunters International episode HHINT-3508H, "Choosing Between Sand Traps and Sandy Beaches as a Young Couple Plans a Wedding," features an appearance by celebrated golf course designer P.B. Dye and aired April 5, 2012, on HGTV.

"Punta Cana is not just for vacations anymore," said Hernandez. "There is a nice expat community, and young entrepreneurs are increasingly looking to invest and take advantage of the business opportunities available in the area."

Hernandez, a New York expatriate of Puerto Rican descent, moved to Punta Cana and founded Punta Cana Lifestyle Real Estate in 2006. The agency offers real estate for sale and rent and has earned a solid reputation among colleagues and clients as one of the few fully staffed, truly full-service agencies in the Bavaro-Punta Cana area to sell only properties with clear title deeds.

"This is an exciting time to start a brand-new life in Punta Cana," Hernandez said. "Real estate prices are still affordable, the community is safe and increasingly family-oriented, and the market is wide-open for people wanting to start their own businesses."

Those interested in Punta Cana can see videos of Punta Cana Lifestyle Real Estate's exclusive properties on the agency's YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/puntacanalifestyle and learn more about the area at http://www.puntacanalife.com.

Gema Bahia B5- SOLD by Punta Cana Lifestyle Real Estate!

Punta Cana Lifestyle Real Estate — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 00:44:00 GMT

Located at the Cocotal Golf & Country Club, Gema Bahia is a resort residential, offering 2 Bedroom golf condos with stunning golf views.

Unit B5 is a 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo, SOLD for the price of us$212,000. The condo has a comfortable distribution of 138m2 (1485 sq ft) with golf views and a terrace that overlooks the golf course. This upper level unit comes fully furnished, and features a spacious combined living/dining area, open kitchen with modern flat stove top and hood range, and an adjacent laundry room with a washer/dryer. Qualities include marble flooring, dark wood trims, doors and cabinetry.

Cocotal Golf & Country Club

This active golf community provides many benefits, along with a low monthly fee that includes use of the clubhouse, hotel styled pool, sports facilities and private beach club at select Melia Hotels, and low monthly family membership at the area’s popular 27 -hole golf course.

Why should you Purchase with a Title Deed?

Over the years, hundreds of people have invested in Resort properties in the Bavaro-Punta Cana area of the Dominican Republic, many are struggling with many problems ranging from scams where their property has been resold to many buyers at the same time, to loss of rental income and high turn-over rate from tenants, due to condominiums problems as a result of not having established an HOA.

The absence of Title Deed is dangerous, especially now that many developers are struggling financially due to the economic crisis. Purchasing property with a Title Deed adds significant value to a property, which can be mortgaged at any Bank if desired, and it also attracts many more buyers, enabling a resale transaction to proceed in a far more straightforward manner.

The most important factor however, is that Title Deed gives absolute and undisputed ownership of your property.

Property Information:

Gema Bahia, B5

138m2 (1485 sq ft) 2BR/ 2Bth

Upper Level, Golf Views

Condo Fees US$ 80.00

Maintenance Fees: US$ 127.00

Listing Agent: Jocelyn Hernandez

Listing Link: http://www.puntacanalife.com/Bavaro_Punta_Cana/La_Altagracia/Condos/Bavaro_Punta_Cana/Cocotal/Agent/Listing_6823529.html

Call Punta Cana Lifestyle Real Estate at 809-552-0421 to purchase another great golf condo Cocotal Golf & Country Club. If you are looking to sell your home or condo and you list with Punta Cana Lifestyle Real Estate, your residence can be featured on our popular website and property catalogue and you too can be another SOLD by Punta Cana Lifestyle Real Estate!

Punta Cana Lifestyle Real Estate | (809) 552-0421 | www.puntacanalife.com

Another golf condo at Las Quintas del Hoyo 8, SOLD by Punta Cana Lifestyle Real Estate!

Punta Cana Lifestyle Real Estate — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 21:22:00 GMT

Located at the Cocotal Golf & Country Club, Las Quintas del Hoyo 8 is a resort residential, offering 1,2 and 3 Bedroom condos, with garden or golf views.

Unit 42, a 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo, SOLD for the price of us$155,000. The condo has a comfortable distribution of 111m2 (1176 sq ft) with garden views and a terrace that overlooks the golf course. This upper level unit features a spacious combined living/dining area, open kitchen with modern flat stove top and hood range, and an adjacent laundry room with a washer/dryer connection. Qualities include marble flooring, dark wood trims, doors and cabinetry.

Property Information:

Las Quintas del Hoyo 8, Unit 42

111m2, 2 BR/ 2 Bth, Upper Level

Condo Fees US$ 80.00

Maintenance Fees: US$ 127.00

Selling Agent: Paola Gil Fernandez

Listing Link: http://www.puntacanalife.com/Bavaro_Punta_Cana/La_Altagracia/Condos/Bavaro_Punta_Cana/Cocotal/Agent/Listing_33678307.html

Call Punta Cana Lifestyle Real Estate at 809-552-0421 to purchase another great golf condo at Las Quintas del Hoyo 8, or any other community at Cocotal Golf & Country Club. If you are looking to sell your home or condo and you list with Punta Cana Lifestyle Real Estate, your residence can be featured on our popular website and property catalogue and you too can be another SOLD by Punta Cana Lifestyle Real Estate!

Punta Cana Lifestyle Real Estate | (809) 552-0421 | www.puntacanalife.com

Golf villa offer at us$550,000 in Bavaro - Punta Cana

Punta Cana Lifestyle Real Estate — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 20:14:00 GMT

Designed by Dominican architect Federico Marchena, this contemporary luxury villa is located within a gated community with on-site security, only minutes from fantastic restaurants, world class golf courses and glorious beaches.

Villa Sevilla offers 3 spacious bedrooms, all with en-suite baths, and a large separate kitchen with open dining and living areas overlooking the lush tropical landscape of this popular Caribbean golf course. This amazing home is distributed over 300 m2 (3228 sq. feet) of living space and boasts impressive features such as marble flooring, high ceilings, large roofed terrace and private pool.

Equipped with beautiful views of the golf course, large open areas and luxury finishing, this Villa creates the kind of soothing, modern space we know that many of our clients yearn for. Uninterrupted tranquility and undisturbed views make this the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Amenities and Services

Located in Bavaro’s gated community-“Palma Real Villas”- a Resort Development built around a 27 hole golf course, offering 24 hour security and exclusive Owner Benefits such as access to 5 star hotels, use of pools, sports facilities and private beach club. Contact us for more information on this community and its benefits!

This is another quality listing, marketed by Punta Cana Lifestyle Real Estate, SRL under exclusive terms. Contact us at (809) 552-0421 or visit our office at Plaza Arenal Caribe Nº5, in Bavaro. Our office hours are between 10am to 3pm. For this or other exclusive listings visit us at www.puntacanalife.com

Listing link

http://www.puntacanalife.com/Bavaro_Punta_Cana/La_Altagracia/Homes/Bavaro_Punta_Cana/Cocotal_Golf__Country_Club/Agent/Listing_34027276.html

Reference number: Nº 01-H447

James and Eileen look ahead with great Investment & Future Retirement Property!

Punta Cana Lifestyle Real Estate — Tue, 15 Mar 2011 01:51:00 GMT

After witnessing the changes in the infrastructure and increased area development in the Bavaro-Punta Cana area during the past 5 years, James and Eileen Foster were confident this would be the right place -and the right time- to invest in their future retirement property.

All this, and the current market conditions, they knew this would be the perfect time to make the move. They wanted a property that would generate rental income to offset all expenses, in a quiet and gated community with hotel styled amenities.

Having traveled the world, looking for that special place, they chose Bavaro – Punta Cana- the perfect place away from the hustle and bustle of their home back in the States.   After two days of reviewing the best properties on the market, we found the perfect property to suit their needs. At us$240,000, the Fosters settled on a spacious (143.6m2 / 1550 sq feet) 2 bedroom condo with panoramic Golf views at Las Quintas del Hoyo 8.

Las Quintas del Hoyo 8 is located at the Palma Real Villas community, built among the Cocotal Golf & Country Club in Bavaro. A residential apartment complex is made up of 2 and 3 bedroom units with garden and golf views, it features marble flooring, treated wood trims and excellent quality for the value. Their efficient on-site staff takes care of all maintenance issues and repairs, while enrolled in their profitable “Rental Pool” program.

Ownership at Las Quintas del Hoyo 8, provides exclusive beach access through the Melia Hotels, located just across the golf course. Owners enjoy access to the hotels and discounts on day and night all-inclusive passes, and an opportunity to learn to play Golf at a discount!

A smart move!
Lately, I’ve had more and more clients looking for a home for future retirement, despite the fact that there is no wrinkle or gray hair in sigh! What’s going on?

These 40-somethings are planning ahead. Buying a second home now may not only help them duck against future higher real estate values but perhaps more importantly, they are building an equity cushion for their retirement years.

Here’s how it works. The buyer purchases a property now that can be rented out for an amount that will cover the mortgage, property taxes, insurance and any other assumed costs of owning the property.

Buying a Vacation Home & Future Retirement Home
Buying a vacation home that doubles as a future retirement home requires thorough investigation. You may want to settle on a desired location and then look for the least expensive house in the best possible area -but buying a future retirement property demands additional consideration, especially in Bavaro – Punta Cana.

Since the purchase of Vacation & Future Retirement Home may be one of the most important and financial rewarding decisions you make, simply, the decision comes down to establishing a conservative financial boundary, drawing up a wish list and employing a real estate agency to find a property that will serve your needs now and in years to come.

Agency: Consider an honest and knowledgeable agency. The area is full of properties that have no titles and have no effective, on-site management- some have poor quality and construction. You need a reputable company to help you through and avoid a future financial nightmare.

Rental Income: A factor to consider is whether your vacation property can provide rental income before it becomes your full-time retirement home. If so, you would be able to deduct a portion of your mortgage interest payments, taxes and maintenance costs against the rental income. In other words, it is a great way to build equity and create additional cash flow. It should come as no surprise that an increasing number of people have taken advantage of this strategy. Take a look at our Property Management information.

Wish List: After defining your financial boundaries, it's time now to come up with your wish list.
•   What do you want in a home?
•   How many bedrooms and baths?
•   Do you want to live in a private gated community or out in the country?
•   Does it have potential as a rental property?
In addition, the right location should be established to ensure that all aspects of your vacation home experience are amenable to your current and future retirement lifestyle. For example,
•   Are there reliable property management services to protect your investment while you are away?
•   What about local conveniences such as transportation, shopping
•   Healthcare facilities?
•   Beach and Golf Access?
Remember, this is your vacation and future retirement home.

With a bit of good luck, buying a vacation and retirement home can yield some interesting financial benefits including long term capital appreciation and additional cash flows. Thorough planning can help mitigate future uncertainties and make the property buying process into a truly rewarding experience.

At the time of making any investment decision, also get well informed about all the risks factors associated with it. See Guzman Ariza Attorneys at Law’s web page at www.drlawyer.com for important information on taxes and the buying process in the Dominican Republic.

To see this listing visit: http://www.puntacanalife.com/Bavaro_Punta_Cana/La_Altagracia/Condos/Bavaro_Punta_Cana/Cocotal_Golf__Country_Club/Agent/Listing_33686888.html

Jocelyn Hernandez Irizarry
Sales, Rentals and Property Management
Punta Cana Lifestyle Real Estate, S.R.L.
Office: (809) 552 0421 | USA: (305) 600 4852 | Skype: puntacanalifestyles
Fax: (305) 428 2722 | Email: jocelyn@puntacanalife.com | Web: www.puntacanalife.com

Stunning Golf Villa sold at Cocotal Golf & Country Club!

Punta Cana Lifestyle Real Estate — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 20:56:00 GMT

We knew this listing would not last long on our list. Villa 237 is one of the finest properties within the exclusive gated community named Palma Real Villas, built within the 27 hole golf course of the Cocotal Golf & Country Club.

This private, single family home features 3-bedroom, 3.5 baths, large open living area access the large, lushly landscaped yard with outdoor Jacuzzi, pool with swim up bar, and gazebo with lounge area for great outdoor entertaining.

Ownership at the Palma Real Villas community provides exclusive beach access through the Melia Hotels, located just across the golf course. Owners enjoy access to the hotels and discounts on day and night all-inclusive passes, and an opportunity to learn to play Golf at a discount!

The Palma Real Villas residential complex, was conceived and developed entirely by Sol Developments, S.A., a company created in the Dominican Republic as part of Meliá Inversiones Americanas (Melia American Investments) owned 100% by Sol Meliá Hotels and Resorts.

For many years, Sol Meliá has been considered one of the leading hotel chains in the service and tourism industry, it is the ninth largest chain in the world, third largest in Europe. Listed in the major stock exchanges, Sol Meliá is property of a group of Spanish investors, headed by natives of Palma de Mallorca in the Balearic Islands.

Despite slower market conditions and fewer buyers, the Bavaro – Punta Cana area remains a top researched Real Estate destination. We continue to receive leads and visits to tour our select properties. Visit our website at www.puntacanalife.com to see how we can help you Find your Dream Home today!

View this listing at:
http://www.puntacanalife.com/Bvaro/La_Altagracia/Homes/Bavaro_Punta_Cana/Cocotal_Golf__Country_Club/Agent/Listing_29562849.html

Jocelyn Hernandez Irizarry
Sales, Rentals and Property Management
Punta Cana Lifestyle Real Estate, S.R.L.
Office: (809) 552 0421 | USA: (305) 600 4852 | Skype: puntacanalifestyles
Fax: (305) 428 2722 | Email: jocelyn@puntacanalife.com | Web: www.puntacanalife.com

Flight boost for Caribbean property markets

Punta Cana Lifestyle Real Estate — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 14:57:00 GMT

Friday, 28 August 2009 08:11 Ray Clancy Caribbean - Caribbean Property News

google_protectAndRun("render_ads.js::google_render_ad", google_handleError, google_render_ad);

The real estate Idustry in the Caribbean has welcomed the start of new airline services from London to several islands as a much needed boost to the region's property sector.

Like many parts of the world the Caribbean has seen dwindling property sales particularly since US real estate investors have fallen away and many perceive the region as being too pricey.

The new British Airways services begin on 25th of October which will see a twice weekly service from London Gatwick to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, an increase in the number of flights to St. Lucia from three a week to five and Barbados will see double figures for weekly flights.

Paolo De Reniz, area commercial manager, said it is positive news for Caribbean property markets with more flights meaning increased access for holiday renters over the winter getaway period.

'The Caribbean tends to be a popular destination with our leisure customers seeking a relaxing winter break. From October, we will fly 45 times a week to the Caribbean and be servicing 13 destinations in the region, more than any other UK airline,' he pointed out.

Real estate agency Experience International, who sells property in the Dominican Republic as well as other Caribbean destinations, said it will be a breath of fresh air amidst the more gloomy property news.

'The Caribbean has always been a desirable location for property hunters seeking their investment in the sun. Over the last few years interest has spread from the likes of the Bahamas to other islands which are more affordable for buyers, without compromising on the quality of property available and the relaxed lifestyle,' said Steve Worboys, MD of Experience International.

He said it was a myth that property in the Caribbean is very expensive. Two bedroom apartments with sea views can be found for £70,000 with the added appeal of golf and exceptional resort facilities, he explained.

Yacht Cana International comes to Dominican Republic

Punta Cana Lifestyle Real Estate — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 23:07:00 GMT

Punta Cana.– The Dominican Republic, still a virgin market when it comes to the rental and sales of luxury yachts, with multiple maritime locations, great beauty and excellent natural conditions, has caught the interest of Yacht Cana International for the offering of their services, which will intensify the country’s tourism potential making it a de rigueur point for luxury yacht lovers.

Yacht Cana International, which has its headquarters in Puerto Rico and is the exclusive distributor of worldrenowned brands Marquis, Carver and Scout, began its operations at the Cap Cana marina.

With an ample variety of sizes and styles and a service that represents the manufacturer’s after-sales guarantee, the company offers an exceptional maintenance program, taking care of all the little details involved with the ownership of a luxury vessel.

Yacht Cana Charters includes transportation services from the villa or hotel, Captain and crew, fishing equipment and accessories, gourmet lunch, unlimited drinks, refreshments and bottled water, fishing license, all the required slip fees and taxes, as well as an unforgettable fishing adventure aboard a luxury yacht.

FROM THE SCRUB COMES A BEHEMOTH

Punta Cana Lifestyle Real Estate — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 22:26:00 GMT

January 7, 2001

FROM THE SCRUB COMES A BEHEMOTH

By SCOTT NORVELL

IT'S the next Cancun.The label has stuck on Punta Cana. In the travel trade press. On the tongues ofagents. Even in the popular press, it's all you hear about the formerly barreneastern tip of the Dominican Republic. That, and phrases like ''hot spot of theCaribbean'' and ''top emerging international destination.''

It's too bad, becausePunta Cana and Cancun, in Mexico, couldn't be more different. Except maybe intheir histories and, if a handful of major tour operators have their say, intheir growth patterns.

Thirty years ago Cancunwas a fishing village with about 100 permanent residents. Thirty years agoPunta Cana was a handful of fishing huts fronting a gold sand beach shelteredfrom the treacherous currents of the Mona Passage by a small barrier reef.Cancun now gets upward of 2 million visitors a year. Last year, the Punta Canaairport served 1.3 million passengers.

There end thesimilarities.

Turn-of-the-centuryCancun is high-rises and chain restaurants. Punta Cana circa mid-October 2000is hotel buildings no higher than the palm trees shading them (by law) and ahandful of pleasantly seedy eateries.

Cancun is dozens ofhigh-rise hotels crammed on a narrow sandy strip. Punta Cana is nearly 30resorts spread out over hundreds of square miles of still scrubby former cattlefarms. Cancun is crowds and urban mayhem. In Punta Cana, 15 minutes ofmeandering on the sand will get you to a semideserted beach.

But things are changingquickly in Punta Cana. Signs of an encroaching Tropical Paradise -- golfcourses, time shares, beachfront vendor villages -- are everywhere, and thereremains plenty of room to grow. Julio Iglesias and Oscar de la Renta have puttheir names and money behind a 55-lot shoreside residential development calledCorales de Punta Cana, where construction of high-end houses and a boutiquehotel is already under way.

During a recent longweekend, I discovered what appears to be a tourism juggernaut in the making,but one not quite ready for the North American mass market and one sorelydevoid of the character that makes the rest of the Dominican Republic soenchanting.

Europeans have knownabout Punta Cana for more than a decade, and at the thatched-roof airport therecharter airlines with names like Hapag Lloyd, Britannia and Condor disgorgethousands of pale Europeans each week, scooping them up a week or two later,lobster-colored and sporting braids.

The European-ownedresorts cater mostly to that audience in both large and small ways. In additionto Spanish, the staff is more likely to speak French or Italian than English.Meals tend to be served late, and the dance clubs (still called discos) don'topen until 11:30 or midnight. Washcloths are few and far between. Breakfastbuffets are heavy on cold cuts, hard rolls and soft cheese. Expect to see farmore skin on the beaches and at the pools than one would in, say, FortLauderdale.

Most of Punta Cana'sresorts are all-inclusive. The big ones are remarkably similar, usuallycomprising a collection of two- or three-story lodges buffered by immaculategardens of bougainvillea, hibiscus and yellow allamanda. Huge, meanderingswimming pools and some form of a swim-up bar with an adjacent restaurant arestandard. All meals are included, and rum, beer and wine flow freely at allhours of the day.

The resorts' beaches arealso fairly consistent: about 30 yards of light sand pocked with lounge chairs,open-air masseuse huts and palm trees, bordered by waveless blue-green water.The beaches themselves are not as dazzling as some in the Caribbean but offer amix of shade and sun because of the trees, and are spotlessly clean after theresort workers have scraped up the seaweed that washes ashore each morning.Beach amenities consist of a few sailboats, a dive shack, some wind surfboardsand waverunners. Only nonmotorized activities are included in a resort'spackage price.

A consequence of allthis inclusiveness, intended or not, is that it ends up being all-exclusive,too. Minibuses whisk visitors from the airport past scrawny dogs, livestock andclapboard shacks through the resorts' guarded gates to a soulless Anywhere,Caribbean. If guests are content with poolside aerobics, beach bumming andbuffet dinners, they never have to leave until it's time to go home. They don'teven need to exchange money.

That's a shame, becausethe D.R., as it's affectionately known, warrants more than that. This countrycan be exasperating, infuriating even, but seeing it is worth the effort. Whileit doesn't produce the awe of the Andes or have the color of Guatemala or thecuisine of Oaxaca, the Dominicans make up for all that with an unparalleledsense of fun. No one in Latin America knows how to celebrate like theDominicans.

I attended a universityin the D.R. for several months in the mid-1980's and developed a strong tastefor it, for its aged rums, its rice and beans (which I ate for lunch almostevery day for six months) and the magical merengue of Juan Luis Guerra. Goingback every few years, for work or play, is like visiting an old friend, and anopportunity I never pass up.

The Punta Cana airportis off-putting at first, but turns out to possess an ingenious design in thesehurricane-prone tropics. It has no walls, and reinforced steel beams are toppedoff with the dried cana leaves from which Punta Cana gets its name. In highwinds the thatch blows off, leaving a skeleton that offers no wind resistance.I had plenty of time to admire the design since it took the porters 30 minutesto move the luggage from our flight 100 yards down the runway and into theterminal.

A chipper tour companyescort, Robert Roosevelt, steered me and a dozen or so others to one of severalminibuses waiting outside. Then, as we whizzed through the countryside, Robertwarned against drinking the water lest we wanted to spend our vacation ''in arumble.'' He also let us in on another secret: pina coladas are made withcoconut milk, which is a laxative. Think about it, he said.

The Barcelo Palace,about a 20-minute drive north of the airport and one of five hotels inBarcelo's 1,300-room Punta Cana complex, was my destination. Three of thehotels -- the Palace, the Beach and the Garden -- overlook the beach; theCasino and Golf hotels sit slightly inland. Each has its own pool andrestaurant and shares discos and beach amenities.

In all five hotelsopen-air lobbies and restaurants are clustered around pools, and guest roomsare scattered in several low, U-shaped buildings. All the rooms have privatebalconies or terraces overlooking the gardens or the beach, but theground-floor terraces hardly seem worth the effort.

My room at the Palace,the priciest of the Barcelo bunch, was done up in mass-market tropic, with arattan dresser, pastel-striped bedspreads, and balcony offering a stunning viewof the coastline. The minibar was crammed with free soft drinks, beer and water(which was restocked daily), the air-conditioning did its job swiftly, and toucheslike a gift-wrapped bottle of rum, terrycloth robes and an electronic safe madea pleasant first impression. An intact king-size bed was a surprise; usually Iexpect to get two singles scrunched together when I ask for a double bed inLatin America.

The satellite TV hadalmost as many German, Italian and French stations as it did English andSpanish ones. And there is one channel that by day broadcasts benign fare butin the evening switches automatically to the soft-core Playboy Channel.

But I didn't spend muchtime in the room. Everything at the resort was wide open to the elements, mostof the buildings wall-less and topped with thatch. The bright green lawnsbetween the six buildings felt like wrestling mats underfoot, and wereseparated from the beach by a wide sidewalk equipped with showers. The focalpoint was a pool that meandered over what seemed like acres, incorporating afountain, whirlpool, a couple of islands and a swim-up bar. Dinner alone at aresort is never fun, and attentive service usually makes it worse. Such was thecase at the Palace. From the hostess: ''When will your companion be arriving?''From the waiter: ''And what will the senora be drinking?'' From another waiter:''May I light your candle please, senor? Muy romantico.''

The food wasunremarkable. There was a full grill with chefs cooking unappealing-lookingbeef cuts and a pasta station that seemed a little better, but I stuck with thesteam tables (brochettes, mutton, fish fillets, chewy calamari and only one ortwo vegetables) and a salad bar with pretty slim pickings. At the door, thehostess handed me a Hall's cough drop for an after-dinner mint.

There is an a la carteFrench restaurant on the grounds, but it costs extra (heavy on seafood, withentrees in the $15-to-$25 range and an exclusively French wine list) andreservations are difficult on short notice. (During my stay it was full onSaturday and closed on Sunday.)

The evening show at theCasino resort, called Tropicalissimo (entrance and a rum drink free, ofcourse), was a riot of Carmen Miranda props and bare buttocks. Beautiful womenin feather headdresses and trim men in tights paraded around slowly to oldDominican folk songs or did that merengue thing where they swing their hipsinto a blur while keeping their backs and torsos immobilized. It wasembarrassing to watch the guests try to do the same thing in the disco later.

The breakfast buffet wasan improvement over dinner. While heavy on Euro-fare like cold cuts and cheese,there were also waffles, crepes and pancakes, cereal and fresh fruit galore.The best part was the first real Dominican fare I had seen at the resort, thebatido. It's basically a smoothie made with milk or water, ice, sugar and freshcantaloupe, pineapple, watermelon or papaya.

For resort aficionados,there is no lack of activities at any of Punta Cana's hotels. The offshorereefs are colorful but not breathtaking, although they are treacherous enoughto have brought down a few boats over the decades, making scuba diving arewarding way to while away a morning or two. The afternoon breezes areconsistent enough for windsurfing, but snorkeling off the beach everywhere butin the roped-off swimming areas can be terrifying because of the constantmotorboat traffic.

As one easily bored bysuch fare, I vowed to get off the reservation one day and find the D.R. I knowand love. That's when things get tricky for the noninitiated. Even if you don'tspeak a word of Spanish beyond cerveza, in the resorts you will get by. Butonce you're off the resort, it's a different story.

Punta Cana is not quiteready for nonpackage tourists. There are plenty of canned tours -- ''safaris''to sugar cane plantations; excursions to the capital, Santo Domingo; catamaranrides to offshore islands, and whale-watching trips in Samana Bay during themating season (from January through March) -- but none of them put you more intouch with the Dominican Republic than would a ride at Epcot.

For that, I persuaded arepresentative of the travel company to take me to a whitewashed dive of arestaurant he knew about near what passes for the center of Punta Cana, downthe road from the Plaza Bavaro shopping center. Named for the fisherman whoowns it, Matru, the place was quintessentially Dominican -- down to thestraight-backed chairs, tatty plastic tablecloths and jar of toothpicks on thetable. You had to drive over a horrible, unpaved road to get to it.

We ordered by marchinginto the kitchen in an adjoining building, smelling the shrimp to make surethey were fresh (they were), picking out a snapper longer than my forearm froma pile on ice and snatching a couple of ice-cold Presidente beers from acooler. Retiring to the open-air dining room, we waited. And waited. Andwaited.

Food rarely arrivesquickly in the Dominican Republic, but in this case the wait was worthwhile. Aone-pound pile of huge boiled shrimp came first, then the snapper, splitlengthwise, sprinkled with spices and broiled whole. Outstanding. The onlything missing was the beans and rice, an omission for which the white-hairedcook on duty that day apologized profusely.

At the resorts, I neverfound a meal like this. I scoured the buffets of three Barcelo hotels over thecourse of three days without seeing the fried plantains known as tostones orbeans and rice at any of the steam tables. ''And you won't,'' a travel companyemployee told me.

Luckily, he was wrong.On my last morning at the Palace I asked the waiter at the poolside bar whatthe staff ate for lunch every day. The answer was what I had hoped: arroz and habichuelas(soupy red beans, simmered with garlic, oregano, onions and cilantro, thenladled over white rice), tostones and hard bread.

When I asked for it thewaiter looked at me oddly but seemed genuinely pleased. ''Buen provecho,'' hesaid. Indeed.

Guide to rooms and ratesin a tropical spot

Reservations

Two wholesalers, AppleVacations and Travel Impressions are the main purveyors of vacation packages inPunta Cana, Dominican Republic. Since both sell only through travel agents,they do not provide phone or fax numbers, but they offer general information onthe Web about visiting Punta Cana and other destinations. Apple Vacations, 7Campus Boulevard, Newtown Square, Pa. 19073; www.applevacations.com. TravelImpressions, 465 Smith Street, Farmingdale, N.Y. 11735;www.travelimpressions.com.

Prices below are perperson for all-inclusive vacations (except at the Punta Cana Beach Resort,where meals are not included) through January -- through April in the case ofthe Barcelo Palace -- from Kennedy Airport in New York with Travel Impressionsand from Newark International with Apple. Air fare and tax are included.

Hotels

The Barcelo Palace,(888) 228-2761, fax (809) 686-5680, is part of the Barcelo Beach Resort, whichhas five separate hotels differing in caliber and price. The Palace has 594rooms, the best overlooking the beach from the east end of each of its sixthree-story buildings. With Apple, rates run from $1,029.99 for a three-nightpackage to $1,559.99 for a seven-night package, including golf.

The landscaping at the522-room Melia Caribe Tropical, (809) 221-1290, fax (809) 686-7699, stands outas the lushest, sprinkled with dozens of small, man-made lagoons, but many ofthe guest rooms seem too far from the beach, and the Greek-Roman decor gives itan out-of-place Las Vegas feeling. Three- to seven-night packages from $629.99to $929.99 are available through Apple. Seven-night suite packages from $1,326are offered by Travel Impressions.

At Melia's more upscaleoption, the 434-room Paradisus, (809) 687-9923, fax (809) 687-0752,all-inclusive extends to drinks in the bars, horseback riding (extra feeseverywhere else) and scuba diving. The spotless lobby bathrooms have freshorchids next to the washbasins. Apple's packages of from three to seven nightscost from $789.99 to $1,299.99. Travel Impressions has a seven-night packagefor $1,490.

Natura Park, (809)221-2626, fax (809) 221-6060, is billed as the area's eco-friendly hotel,apparently because its developers decided not to drain the adjacent mangroveswamp. The grounds are more compact than the others, which means more of its524 rooms are closer to the beach, but the hotel uses European-style 220-voltoutlets while everyone else in the country is on 110. There are threerestaurants, four bars and a swim-up bar. Three- to seven-night packages arefrom $599.99 to $879.99 through Apple. With Travel Impressions, three to sevennights cost from $728 to $1,207.

Punta Cana Beach Resort,(809) 221-2262, fax (809) 687-8745, is a 400-room resort on its own beach, withfive restaurants and several bars. All rooms are scheduled to be renovated byyear's end, and an 18-hole golf course is scheduled to open this month. Apple'sthree- to seven-night packages are $449.99 to $699.99, Travel Impressions' $565to $735. To both must be added tax plus $35 a day for breakfast and dinner.

Local Haunts

El Pescador Matru, arestaurant, sits at the base of a dirt road in the El Cortecito neighborhoodnear Playa Bavaro. It is open Thursday to Sunday for lunch and early dinner; atother times at the whim of its owner, a local fisherman. The menu depends onthat morning's catch. Those who don't speak Spanish would be well advised toseek a guide. Lunch for two with an appetizer and several beers is about $35.

Another favorite ofoff-duty hotel managers in the area is the Huracan Cafe, also in El Cortecito,(809) 221-6643. An open-air dining room and bar overlooks the beach. The menuis a curious mix of burgers, Tex-Mex staples and local seafood. Dinner for twowith drinks and dessert will cost about $40. SCOTT NORVELL

Trump plans $2 billion development in Dominican Republic

Punta Cana Lifestyle Real Estate — Sun, 24 May 2009 03:47:00 GMT

It comes as nosurprise that The Donald's (Trump, that is) latest Caribbeanventure happens to be one of the largest in the region.

Trump already has hisname on the golf course and casino at the high-end Raffles Resort on Canouan inthe Grenadines, but the Cap Cana project inthe Dominican Republicwill go beyond putting and roulette.

The 30,000-acre Trumpat Cap Cana project in the Dominican Republic will feature a $2 billion luxuryresort with a golf course, villas, a beach club, a condo-hotel and privateresidences.

Cap Cana,located adjacent to the Punta Cana International Airport, will be developedin stages.

The first stage,called Trump Farallon Estates at Cap Cana, will include 68 private estates,each set on lots of at least 1.5 acres.

When the master planis completed, Cap Cana will offer more than 5,000 residential units and fourluxury hotels, three Jack Nicklaus-designed golf courses and a marina with1,000 slips for yachts up to 150 feet long. The marina's first phase will openthis spring.

Additional resortfacilities will include boutiques, restaurants, spas, membership clubs, watersports, polo and horseback riding.

Cap Canais part of the Abrisa Group, one of the primary financial and holding companiesin the Dominican Republic.

To contact the reporter who wrote this article, send e-mail to Gay NagleMyers at gmyers@travelweekly.com.

YOUR SECOND HOME | RENTING OUT: Bright Spot in a Bad Economy

Punta Cana Lifestyle Real Estate — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 22:04:00 GMT

August15, 2008 | The New York Times

ByBILLIE COHEN

IN these tough times, with gasprices setting records and airfares skyrocketing, many people are lucky to havejobs, let alone time to take a vacation. And yet there’s some good news forsecond-home owners hoping to rent out an investment property: vacationers areturning to these rentals more than ever.

“As the economy sours, demandfor vacation home rentals increases, as rental homes are seen as inexpensivealternatives to luxury hotels,” said Douglas Pope, a founder of HotPads.com, a real estate search engine. “Also,people are now beginning to divert their vacations to more local spots whererental homes are an option.”

Not that you should run outand buy an investment property with the hope of getting rich on rentals or ashort-term flip.

“If you’re going to flip it ina year or two, this is not the thing to do,” said Anne-marie Boyer, a brokerwith San Diego’s Finest Real Estate. “You need to plan to be in it for the longhaul.”

But if you’re already in it,there is room for hope.

“Vacation rentals as acategory are growing well in the U.S.,” said Justin Halloran, managing directorof United States brands for HomeAway, a group of vacation-rental Web sites.“They are taking shares from hotels because they give more space, freedom andamenities than hotels” — like kitchens, private pools and more bedrooms forless money.

Mr. Halloran said that bothsupply and demand are going up, particularly in what are called “drivemarkets,” regions that vacationers can reach by car, like the Hamptons in NewYork or Ocean City, Md.

In the second quarter of 2008,inquiries about vacation rentals in Las Vegas on HomeAway.com increased67 percent from the same period in 2007, and the supply of properties was up 31percent. Similarly, in Palm Springs, Calif., demand went up 58 percent andsupply 31 percent; and in Manhattan, demand grew 166 percent and supply 108percent.

So if you bought a secondproperty to rent out, you’re not necessarily in for a dry spell. And while yourfirst thought might be to hire a property manager to find tenants, that’s notnecessarily your best option.

“You need to be very cautiousin choosing your property manager, and be sure to have a firm understanding ofwhat is expected from their services,” Mr. Pope said. “You should also notnecessarily leave all the marketing up to the property manager. They generallyhave a lot of properties in their portfolio to worry about; you may want togive your own property special attention.”

To do that, look to onlinevacation-rental listings you can publish yourself, which can give you a wideaudience with little effort. Some of these sites, like HotPads.com and Craigslist.org, offer free listings, while others,like VRBO.com andHomeAway.com, provide a number of services based on a subscription fee.

“My first recommendation, tothe extent that your budget allows it, is to buy multiple subscriptions,” Mr.Halloran said. “You’ll reach different audiences.”

And don’t ignore the overseasmarket. “I wouldn’t recommend that someone, say, with an apartment or condo onthe Texas Gulf should advertise in the U.K.,” Mr. Halloran said, “but if you’vegot a place in Orlando, you’re probably going to get some good demand from Germanyand the U.K.”

The next step is to make surethat your listing stands out from the rest, by doing things like “taking theright photos, writing compelling titles and making sure your availabilitycalendar is updated,” Mr. Halloran said. Photos, he said, are the mostimportant factor.

You might also think aboutfinancial incentives to draw renters.

“A lot of people have ownedtheir property for a while,” said Robert Boyer, a real estate investor adviserwith San Diego’s Finest Real Estate. “They can drop their rates a little bitand still come out with a positive cash flow, or at least not a negative cashflow. Whereas people who’ve bought more recently have a more difficult time.”

If you aren’t having muchluck, consider offering a different kind of incentive. On HomeAway.com, Mr.Halloran has seen people offer a free eighth day on a seven-day stay or nocleaning fee. “There was one in Maine that offered a free bucket of livelobsters and a bucket of beer,” he said.

Clearly, with a little onlinesavvy, a little creativity — and maybe a little beer — you can still findrenters.