Why Go to La Romana
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
La Romana is the Dominican Republic's more refined side, a relaxed stretch of coast where sugarcane fields give way to quiet, beautiful beaches. While nearby Punta Cana is known for big resorts and big crowds, La Romana offers a calmer, more private piece of paradise.
Its showpiece is Altos de Chavon, a re-created 16th-century Mediterranean-style village perched on a cliff above the Chavon River. Wander its cobblestone lanes past artisan studios and shops, and see the grand open-air amphitheater where stars like Frank Sinatra have performed. Golfers come from around the world for Teeth of the Dog and the other courses at the luxury Casa de Campo resort. And the sea is never far away. The nearby fishing village of Bayahibe is the jumping-off point for boat trips to Saona and Catalina islands, with brilliant water, excellent snorkeling and even a shipwreck linked to the pirate Captain Kidd.
La Romana has its own airport and is a popular Caribbean cruise stop. I'll match you with the right resort or villa and plan your island day and golf tee times.
BEST FOR
Golfers, families, beach lovers, divers and cruise travelers
BEST MONTHS
December to April
EXPLORE
- Casa de Campo: A gated resort community with golf, a marina and villas.
- Altos de Chavón: The hilltop artist village above the Chavón River.
- Bayahibe: A fishing village and the departure point for island trips.
- Dominicus: A resort area with long beaches east of Bayahibe.
- La Romana Town: The working city with markets and local life.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
La Romana
North America › Greater Antilles › Dominican Republic › La Romana
Island day trips, a hilltop artist village and the Caribbean's top golf.
Sophisticated
Golf
Secluded
Diving
Luxury
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Book a Saona Island trip that leaves from Bayahibe and stops at the natural pool on the way back, when the morning boats have gone and the water is calm.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Choose a smaller tour for a quieter beach experience.
Saona Island
Part of Parque Nacional del Este, Saona is a classic Caribbean postcard of palm-lined beaches, reached by speedboat or catamaran from Bayahibe.
Bring reef-safe sunscreen and snorkel gear.
Catalina Island
A small protected island with powdery sand and excellent snorkeling along a coral wall just offshore.
Visit at sunset for views over the river and a drink at one of the terrace restaurants.
Altos de Chavón
A re-created 16th-century Mediterranean village above the Chavón River, with cobblestone lanes, galleries, an amphitheater and a church.
Book tee times well in advance, especially in winter.
Casa de Campo Golf
Home to Pete Dye's famous Teeth of the Dog, consistently ranked among the best courses in the Caribbean.
Guided tours explain the art's history; plan about an hour.
Cueva de las Maravillas
A cave system with hundreds of Taíno rock paintings and carvings, with lighted walkways and an elevator for easy access.
A legendary 7,000-acre resort with golf, a marina, private beach, villas and the Altos de Chavón village on site.
Casa de Campo Resort & Villas
Casa de Campo
Beach · Family
An all-inclusive resort on a beautiful beach, with separate adults-only and family areas.
Hilton La Romana
Bayahibe
All-Inclusive · Adults-Only · Beach
A family-friendly all-inclusive on a long beach near Bayahibe, with pools and a kids' club.
Dreams Dominicus La Romana
Bayahibe / Dominicus
All-Inclusive · Family · Beach
An adults-only all-inclusive with a quiet beach, spa and easy access to island excursions.
Catalonia Royal La Romana
Bayahibe
All-Inclusive · Adults-Only · Beach
A family-friendly all-inclusive with a long beach, lush grounds and a range of activities.
Iberostar Hacienda Dominicus
Dominicus Beach
All-Inclusive · Family · Beach
An adults-only all-inclusive on the Bayahibe coast with swim-up suites and a full spa.
Secrets La Romana Resort & Spa
Bayahibe
All-Inclusive · Adults-Only · Beach
A family all-inclusive on Dominicus Beach, next to its adults-only sister resort.
Catalonia Bayahibe
Bayahibe / Dominicus Beach
All-Inclusive · Family · Beach
A lively, good-value all-inclusive with a kids' club and activities day and night.
Sunscape Dominicus La Romana
Dominicus Beach
All-Inclusive · Family · Value · Beach
An affordable all-inclusive on one of the area's prettiest beaches, close to the Saona Island boats.
Viva Dominicus Palace by Wyndham, A Trademark All Inclusive
Dominicus Beach
All-Inclusive · Family · Value · Beach
An adults-only all-inclusive and the area's most budget-friendly resort.
HM Alma de Bayahibe
Bayahibe
All-Inclusive · Adults-Only · Value
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in La Romana
High 87°F · Low 71°F · Rain 1.1 in
Drier weather returns, marking the start of the high season.
The best time to visit La Romana is December through April, when the weather is sunny and dry. Summer is hotter and more humid with afternoon showers, and hurricane season runs June through November, peaking in September and October.
Best Times to Visit La Romana
WHEN TO GO
Where to Dine
DINING
La Romana's dining scene ranges from casual seafood shacks to elegant restaurants at Casa de Campo's marina.
- In Bayahibe: Try grilled fish, lobster and tostones at small seaside restaurants.
- At the marina: Enjoy Italian, seafood and international menus overlooking the yachts.
- Must-try: La bandera (rice, beans and meat), sancocho, mofongo, fresh fish and Presidente beer.
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Rental Cars
A rental car is useful for day trips, but island excursions include transfers from most hotels.
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Golf Carts at Casa de Campo
Guests at Casa de Campo get around the large resort by golf cart or shuttle.
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Taxis
Taxis are easy to find at resorts and in town. Agree on the fare before you ride.
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Airport Transfers
Pre-book a private or shared transfer from Punta Cana or Santo Domingo; many resorts arrange them.
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Cruise Port
The La Romana cruise terminal sits next to Casa de Campo, a short taxi ride from Altos de Chavón and Bayahibe.
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Flying In
La Romana International Airport (LRM) is minutes from Casa de Campo. Punta Cana (PUJ), about an hour away, and Santo Domingo (SDQ), about 90 minutes away, offer more flights.
Most travelers fly into Punta Cana or Santo Domingo and transfer to La Romana, or fly directly into La Romana's small airport. Taxis and resort shuttles cover local trips, and excursions to Saona and Catalina usually include hotel pickup.
Getting Around La Romana