It’s the most visited island in the Caribbean, and now property investors have the chance to benefit from the Dominican Republic’s popularity with a new project on the east of the island, located in the Punta Cana region, currently the most popular and well-served tourist area in the country.

The development, which is called Swaying Palms, offers spacious two bedroom apartments from as little as 140,000 US dollars, and 210m² penthouses priced at 197,000 US dollars. Combined with an excellent location, the units at Swaying Palms offer the best property investment package available anywhere in the Caribbean, according to Mark Wilson from the International Property Investment Network (IPIN) – the investment arm of Propertyshowrooms.com.

“The location is second to none,” says Mark. “Just two minutes from a new modern highway, three kilometres to the beach, and 15 minutes drive to an international airport with easy connections to the United States and Europe. There are even ongoing discussions for direct flights to and from the United Arab Emirates and China. It’s no surprise then that this area is set to become the island’s prime residential location. In terms of investment, it doesn’t get much better than this.”

For sports enthusiasts there are nearby golf courses and a tennis club. Additionally, owners receive free membership to selected sports and leisure clubs. Other facilities include community swimming pools, 24-hour security, WiFi access, designated off-street parking, and an on-site rental management service.

Mark Wilson again: “This development offers sound rental potential within one of the largest Caribbean holiday destinations, with an estimated 7% rental yield per annum. The twelve month holiday season in the Dominican Republic allows for the highest possible returns in this respect, making it particularly attractive for investors.”

The Dominican Republic is a stable representative democracy, modelled on a US-style presidential system. That stability has led to considerable economic growth, combined with low taxation, low prices, and increased tourism. With that kind of backdrop in place, property investment in the Dominican Republic represents an excellent opportunity to make the most of an unrivalled list of favourable economic indicators.

And Swaying Palms, in conjunction with IPIN, is setting a benchmark in the region which will be hard to beat - truly ‘the cream of the Caribbean.’

Source: www.easier.com

Popularity: 33% [?]

The Dominican Republic is not quite a tropical paradise - but wed say that in a lot of ways it comes pretty close. Predictions are that the DR (as it is often referred to) will go from strength to strength over the next few years as visitors find out just what a wonderful wealth of exciting activities and landscapes it has to offer. Often called the Caribbeans best kept secret, this soubriquet will become less appropriate as visitors increasingly recognize that nowhere else amongst neighbouring holiday island hot-spots can beat the DR for value!

The Dominican Republic is not quite a tropical paradise - but wed say that in a lot of ways it comes pretty close. Predictions are that the DR (as it is often referred to) will go from strength to strength over the next few years as visitors find out just what a wonderful wealth of exciting activities and landscapes it has to offer. Often called the Caribbeans best kept secret, this soubriquet will become less appropriate as visitors increasingly recognize that nowhere else amongst neighbouring holiday island hot-spots can beat the DR for value!

From - whale watching to bird watching; exhilarating sea fishing (for big game like marlin) to gentler pastimes such as world-class snorkelling; terrific terrain for hiking and cycling; adrenalin pumping sea-sports like windsurfing and kiteboarding to just as much excitement inland, from whitewater rafting, canyoning, caving, jungle trekking, mountain climbing…and so on!!!! The DR offers all this and so much more.

But lets not forget what many people visit the DR for - the sun, sea and sand! With well over 300 soft, white, typically tropical beaches (many virtually deserted much of the time) the DR is probably the best place in the Caribbean for these too. Amongst them you will also find Cayo Levantado, the original setting for the taste of paradise beach, familiar to many as the home of a certain well known coconut filled chocolate bar!

Along with wonderful tropical forests, waterfalls, mountains (Pico Duarte is the highest in the Caribbean, and thats the pinnacle of the largest of five mountain ranges in the DR) and even desert areas, the DR has something for every taste. It also has superb Parques Nacionales and many unspoilt, and untouched areas. In fact the DR is a pretty big place so is by no means as over developed and as touristy as the majority of its Caribbean competitors (except maybe in one or two ‘well known resort areas).

The Island of Quisqueya (on which both the Dominican Republic and Haiti now reside) was home to the remarkable Tainos before it was discovered in 1492, by Christopher Columbus, and renamed Hispaniola. It is therefore not short of historically and culturally fascinating attractions. For example, the capital, Santo Domingo, is the oldest City in the New-World, and a visit to the ‘old town’- the Zona Colonial - is a must on that day away from soaking up the sun that almost inevitably shines no matter what time of year you take your vacation.

Whilst in the capital, there is also few better places for the sports enthusiast to take in a superb game of baseball, or ‘beisbol’ as the Dominican call their national game. A game about which they are fanatical almost to a man (and woman). In fact several of the major Dominican cities host fine quality teams that frequently feature those local star players who have also made it big in the American Major League game.

It is certain that the more that those visiting the Dominican Republic can be encouraged to escape from their ‘all-inclusive’ compounds and take the independent traveler route in order to discover the real DR, the more that both the tourists and their wonderfully welcoming and friendly Dominicans hosts will be happy! Like Columbus himself, they might find it the most beautiful land they have ever seen…and decide to stay!

Ruth and Esther Ramos, www.visiting-the-dominican-republic.com Copyright 2005, All rights reserved.

Article must be published as is (unedited) and with the author’s bio paragraph (resource box) and copyright information included.

Source: www.rafting.exsportz.com

Popularity: 27% [?]

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif., July 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — FIMA, Inc. (Pink Sheets: FIMA), an emerging diversified land development company, announced today that its subsidiary, Islandwide Development Corp. (IDC), has located and is in the process of vetting potential acquisitions in the Samana peninsula of the Dominican Republic. This part of the island has long been famous for sweeping expanses of sandy beaches, crystal clear waters with vibrant coral reefs, and coconut-covered mountains that plunge dramatically into the sea. Listed as one of the 25 best locations in the world by Conde Nast Traveler, the Samana peninsula was once its own island, separated from the mainland by a narrow channel until the late 19th century. As a result, its pristine natural beauty has remained largely immune from large developers, and its spectacular beaches, stunning waterfalls, and breathtaking scenery all retain their allure. With an impressive array of attractions and activities that include snorkeling, scuba diving, whale watching, or sunbathing on one of the many open beaches, the Samana peninsula seems destined to become a prime destination in the Caribbean.

According to a Company spokesperson, “Samana is being touted as one of the next great hotspots for luxury and resort real estate development in the Dominican Republic. Our own extensive research has indicated that this area is one of the world’s best-kept secrets in terms of a desirable destination for vacation or living in the Caribbean, with a tremendous combination of spectacular scenery, reliable and highly developed infrastructure, and the tremendous natural beauty that have drawn so many to this part of the world. We are very pleased that our subsidiary IDC has been able to utilize its network of contacts in the region and locate opportunities for FIMA that will ultimately result in enhanced value for our shareholders.”

Source: www.prnewswire.com

Popularity: 42% [?]

According to independent investment analysis, the Dominican Republic is the most affordable market out of 20 Caribbean countries assessed: Bermuda, was the most expensive at $7,861 per square metre, compared with Dominican Republic’s $1,324 per square metre.

Tourism arrivals to the Dominican Republic in the first four months of 2008 have also grown by 5.6 percent when compared to the year
before. The number of tourists rose by around 84 thousand bringing the total for the period to 1.6 million. And the tourist influx is expected to continue increasing at a steady pace for the foreseeable future.

The World Travel and Tourism Council forecasts that the tourist industry will contribute 16 percent to GDP in 2008, and currently one out of every seven people in the country are employed in tourism related jobs. Around 35 percent of total export earnings for 2008 are expected to come from international visitor related transactions.

In terms of GDP, the Dominican Republic is one of the most stable Caribbean economies. Its telephone and internet infrastructure in metropolitan and tourist areas are well developed and reliable. Its substantial local agricultural and manufacturing industry results in much less costly imports than some alternative Caribbean island destinations, meaning a lower cost of living. And the country is a stable democracy with a foreign investment friendly outlook.

The Dominican Republic real estate market has also shown impressive growth over the past few years with the government enacting laws that protect the rights of international property owners and investors. And unlike some other Caribbean countries, investors don’t have to become a citizen or a resident to purchase property.

The message from analysts is buy now as the prices won’t last forever and property is expected to see 10-20 percent capital appreciation and 8-10 percent rental yields.

David Stanley Redfern Ltd, the overseas specialists, have three properties in the Dominican Republic. The Apart-hotel Sosua Plaza contains 32m² studios, each with private balcony overlooking the pool in a well maintained gated hotel complex. All apartments are equipped with kitchenette, air-conditioning, ceiling fan, phone, and cable TV. Prices start at £24,000.

The Sousa Development contains a range of fully refurbished and furnished one bedroom apartments in a stunning complex surrounding a spectacular pool. Its hillside position offer ocean views from the higher floors and all apartments have living rooms, fully installed kitchens, bathroom, bedroom and terrace. Prices start from £30,000.

The Oasis Cabarete is an ocean front development offering one, two and three bedroom private residences within an enclosed community with private entrance and 24hr security surrounded by miles of deserted beaches. Inside, winding paths take you through lush landscape to natural waterfalls and two pools, Jacuzzi, fountains, restaurant, bar, surf shop, sun deck or private beach. Prices start at £67,000.

Source: www.pr-inside.com

Popularity: 23% [?]