La Romana's urban development began in the 19th centuries and became a thriving sugar port. The city quickly filled with Puerto Rican immigrants workers and they lived in the establishments near the villa of Puerto Rico Sugar Company. These workers developed their own particular culture mixing Puerto Rican and Dominican traditions.
In the first half of the 20th century, La Romana has become a prestigious center of tourism due to the development of the Casa de Campo. Artists began flocking to Altos de Chavon and soon after it became an international arts center. Accomplished professional artists from many countries and disciplines compete for residencies.
Avg. °C | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
High | 26 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 30 | 29 | 28 | 27 |
Low | 24 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 26 | 26 | 25 |
Rain (mm) | 50 | 40 | 40 | 50 | 110 | 110 | 80 | 90 | 70 | 110 | 120 | 80 |
All resorts have dive centers and a few diving schools are situated in Bayahibe, the departing point for scuba and snorkeling excursions. Catalina Island is best appreciated by experienced divers with its wall and large fish such as groupers. Shallow dives let you discover purple sea fans, orange, brown and grey gardens, and a variety of multi-coloured, fluorescent fish. In Bayahibe the large schools of fish are accustomed to bread feedings from local divers this practice is being discouraged. Other popular areas for diving are Saona Island, which can only be reached by boat, and the sunken St. Georges barge near the Club Viva Dominicus.
La Romana has three 18-hole championship golf courses open to the public and they are all run by Casa de Campo. They are the Dientes de Perro, the Links and the Dye Fore, the last being designed by Pete Dye. Outside the town you will find more golf courses in Juan Dolio and on the East Coast.
The Casa de Campo's Equestrian Center offers excellent horseback riding, as does the Rancho Cumayasa and Guavaberry Equestrian Center in Juan Dolio.
Fishing excursions are offered where you can reel in your own barracuda, tuna or dorado.
Many discotheques are situated in La Romana's resorts like the La Locura and the Casa del Mar. The chic Genesis Discotheque is in Altos de Chavon.
The home of the Performing Arts Department has performances at the Altos de Chavon's amphitheatre.
La Marina located at Casa de Campo resort offers upscale Dominican crafts and apparel.
Altos de Chavon's artist community is strongly dedicated to the Dominican culture. Many work in their shops and galleries where you can purchase these works of art and handicraft.
Canadians entering the Dominican Republic for tourist purposes must purchase a tourist card, at a cost of $10 US, which is valid for 30 days. It is strongly recommended that all Canadians be in possession of a valid Canadian passport while abroad. However, for direct air travel to the Dominican Republic, Canadian tourists are only required to be in possession of valid official photo identification (such as a drivers licence) and proof of citizenship (such as a birth certificate). Canadian tourists must also be in possession of a return airline ticket.
Bahia Principe Grand La Romana
- Nestled in a bay, on the southern coast of the Dominican Republic vacationers will find the friendly Grand Bahia Principe La Romana. Offering fantastic programs for children and activities for adults such as tennis, non-motorized watersports and games room; this… more
Bahia Principe Luxury Bouganville
- All the rooms at Luxury Bahia Principe Bouganville are Deluxe Junior Suites so you can spend your stay in the lap of luxury, enjoying the exclusive service that comes with the Don Pablo Collection of resorts. This luxury resort, exclusively… more
Be Live Collection Canoa
- The charming Be Live Canoa offers a relaxing, casual atmosphere and friendly service on a magnificent white sand beach. Guests have a chance to indulge in a soothing massage and aromatherapy found at the hotel's own elegant Spa. Ocean lovers… more
Catalonia Bayahibe
- Set on one of the finest white sand beaches of Bayahibe and surrounded by lush vegetation and grand, towering palm trees, Catalonia Gran Dominicus is perfect for families, couples and singles. Formerly the VentaClub Gran Dominicus. Location: Just steps to… more
Dreams Dominicus La Romana
- Located just outside of the charming village of Bayahibe, Dreams Dominicus La Romana resort will impress every guest whether visitors are couples, friends, or families. Enjoy this beautiful beachfront resort's sparkling pools and spa facilities. Foodies will love this resort’s… more
Hilton La Romana All Inclusive Adult Resort
- Located on the southeast coast of the Dominican Republic, Hilton La Romana, an All Inclusive Adult Resort is a world of pristine beaches and lush tropical jungle where couples can experience a luxury escape. Located near four championship golf courses. Location:… more
Hilton La Romana All Inclusive Family Resort
- Set on a pristine, eco-friendly beach, surrounded by a tropical jungle, Hilton La Romana offers a luxury escape for families and couples. Ideal for leisure vacations or romantic getaways, located near four championship golf courses. And don't miss the nearby… more
Iberostar Selection Hacienda Dominicus
- This resort complex is beautifully designed to blend harmoniously into the surrounding landscape. The resort offers three swimming pools, several large terraces and a separate children´s pool. Further amenities include the reading/cards room, access to WiFi Internet, souvenir shop, boutique,… more
Viva Dominicus Palace By Wyndham
- This hotel, built in 1999, is adjacent to its sister property, the Viva Dominicus Beach, so guests can use the facilities of both properties. This opens up a vast array of possibilities for watersports, activities and dining options - there… more
Viva Wyndham Dominicus Beach
- This is where it all began - in Bayahibe. A quaint fishing village with turquoise waters and powdery white beaches. Dominicus Beach was the first property built in this secluded area of La Romana and it has been popular with… more
Whala Bayahibe
- Located in charming Bayahibe, the Whala Bayahibe resort features spacious accommodations and a relaxing environment, where you can unwind by one of the resort’s four fresh and salt water pools underneath a parasol with a cocktail from the bar. Explore… more