The Abinader administration is investing billions to create the Cabo Rojo beach destination in southwestern Pedernales. The first resort hotel, the 580-room Iberostar, is well-advanced. Two others are also under construction – the Dreams and Secret resorts, Bill Lockward reports in recent footage.
Tourists staying in the Cabo Rojo resort area will be about 100 meters from the Cabo Rojo beach, but also a short boat trip from the Bahia de las Aguilas, the main draw of the southwestern area. Bahia de las Aguilas is a picture-perfect desert-like shallow and transparent beach with white sands but without coconut trees. Coconut trees are not native to the Caribbean.
Bill Lockward also reports on Cabo Rojo Port, the cruise ship terminal, that is already receiving cruise ships. Since opening last year, several cruise ships have arrived as cruise ship companies test the destination. Among the attractions at the port is a “crooked house” section that tests people’s sensory capacities. The port also features desert flora unique to the area.
Lockward explains the Cabo Rojo Port is themed around the fact that Pedernales province for years has been a mining province, known for its bauxite reserves that were exploited until 1982 by Alcoa Exploration. The area is also a major location for rare earth elements, today under research for future export.
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Bill Lockward
25 March 2025