Dominican Republic · La Romana

The Romano

«"The Tuscany of the Caribbean" — where a medieval Italian village overlooks the Chavón River, just a stone's throw from the #1 Caribbean Golf Course.

1976 Altos de Chavón
5000 amphitheater
3 world golf
Discover
About La Romana

Iconic resort, legendary golf, Tuscan village on the Caribbean

Southeast of the Dominican Republic, La Romana is a historic sugar town that owes everything—or almost everything—to Country house, the 5-star resort founded in 1974 by Charles Bluhdorn (CEO of Gulf+Western, then owner of Paramount Pictures). On 28 sq km of private domain, one finds today three of the best golf courses in the world, a luxury marina with 350 berths, and the region's unlikely jewel: Altos de Chavón.

Altos de Chavón is a perfect replica of a 16th-century Tuscan village, built in 1976 by the Italian architect Roberto Copa On the cliffs of the Chavón River, 100 m above the river. Hand-hewn stone, cobblestone alleys, San Estanislao church consecrated by John Paul II in 1979, and a Greek amphitheater with 5,000 seats inaugurated by Frank Sinatra in 1982. Surreal, timeless.

Our on-the-ground tip: 3-5 nights, combine golf, Bayahibe beach, and an evening in Altos de Chavón at dusk – when the lanterns light up the village, it's pure magic. Customize your stay at Toucan Dynamics.

Church of San Estanislao in Altos de Chavón overlooking the river
La Romana, RD · 30 min Bayahibe · 1h Punta Cana
Landmarks

Geography & climate

The essentials to know before take-off — situation, access, temperatures, and the best time to enjoy the dry tropical climate.

MAP

Situation & Access

  • LocationLocalizationSoutheast of the Dominican Republic, Caribbean coast, La Romana province, mouth of the Chavón River
  • AIRAirportLa Romana International (LRM) 30 min from Casa de Campo · alternative Punta Cana (PUJ) 1h or Santo Domingo (SDQ) 1h30
  • CARDistanceBayahibe 30 min Punta Cana 1h Santo Domingo 1h30 Samaná 4h
  • seaMarinaMarina Casa de Campo · 350 yacht slips, luxury port, most important in the Caribbean
  • SECSecurityExcellent in the resort, good in town · very protected tourist area
Sun

Climate & Season

  • TMPTemperature27°C day / 22°C night year-round · dry tropical climate, constant trade winds
  • DRYDry seasonDecember → April · clear sky, turquoise sea, high season golf
  • RAINGreen seasonMay → November · brief afternoon showers, milder prices
  • HOWHurricane seasonJune → November, peaks August-October · real risk but often avoidable
  • SWTSweet spotDecember-April for the beach-golf combo · March-April: 27°C water, guaranteed sunshine

Month by month — when to go?

Hover over the months to identify the best windows.

January
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February
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May
Sun
June
RAIN
July
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August
HOW
September
HOW
October
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November
Sun
December
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Sweet spot Toucan High season / shoulder Green season / hurricane
Don't miss it

The 5 experiences signature

What we systematically recommend to our travelers in La Romana. With, under each experience, the on-the-ground secret that makes the difference.

1 Cobblestone streets and stone architecture in Altos de Chavón
Historic Village

Altos de Chavón — the 16th-century Tuscan village

Perfect replica of an Italian medieval village, built in 1976 by the architect Roberto Copa hand-carved stone. One finds there'Church of San Estanislao (consecrated by John Paul II in 1979), the'Greek amphitheater with 5,000 seats (inaugurated by Frank Sinatra in 1982), the'School of Design affiliated with Parsons New York, art galleries, a Taíno archaeological museum, and stunning panoramic views of the Chavón River.

Secret Pro: arrive at sunset — the lanterns light up, the amphitheater takes on the appearance of ancient Greece, and the river turns to copper.
Tip: dine on premises at The Little Square or Genesis (Panoramic view). Summer concerts in the amphitheater.
2 Teeth of the Dog Oceanfront Golf Course at Casa de Campo
World golf

Casa de Campo — Teeth of the Dog

The mythical journey signed Pete Dye in 1971 7 holes directly overlook the Caribbean Sea, rated #1 from the Caribbean and regularly in the top 30 worldwide. Two other courses on site: Dye Fore (3 spectacular nine-hole courses on the cliffs of the Rio Chavón) and The Links (Inland Scottish style). The absolute golfer's dream.

VIP Option Green fees for Casa de Campo residents ~50% are cheaper than for non-residents. Staying at the resort is the key.
Tip: Departures before 9 AM (heat, moderate trade winds) or after 2 PM (magic light but windy). A caddy is mandatory at Teeth of the Dog.
3 White sand beach and turquoise water of Saona Island
Beach postcard

Saona Island from Bayahibe

The Dominican Republic's iconic beach excursion — powder white sand, turquoise pool-like water, coconut palms, starfish in the Natural Pool. Catamaran or speedboat departure from Bayahibe (30 min from La Romana), full day buffet + bar included. Preserved island in the East National Park.

Secret Pro: Leave early (8 am departure) to have the island almost to yourself before the influx from 11 am to 3 pm. Catamaran > speedboat = calmer.
VIP Option Half-day private boat tour with captain and chef on board, lobster tasting on the beach, ~$600 per group.
4 Taino cave paintings on a cave wall
Pre-Columbian heritage

Cave of Wonders

Network of limestone caves between La Romana and San Pedro de Macorís, home to Over 800 Taino cave paintings (between 500 and 1500 AD). Equipped for visits with walkways, lighting, and an elevator for PRM accessibility. 45-minute guided tour, among the most beautiful pre-Columbian sites in the Caribbean.

Secret Pro: Open 9am-5pm, closed Mondays. Combine with Casa Ponce de León in San Rafael del Yuma on the way back (1 hour).
Tip: Reasonable admission fee (~$10), including a guide. No flash photography allowed to preserve the pigments.
5 Hand-rolling cigars in a Dominican factory
Center & Crafts

La Romana Center — Cigars & Market

Far from the resort, the city of La Romana keeps its authentic Caribbean soul: Central Park, municipal market, fruit vendors, and especially the Cigar factories. The Dominican Republic is world's leading producer by volume (Davidoff, Arturo Fuente, Cohiba Atlantica are rolled here). Factory tour + guided tasting.

Secret Pro: Cuban immigration in 1899 brought know-how—that’s why Dominican cigars rival Havana.
Tip: Buy directly at the factory rather than at the airport (-40%). Ask about the quality Handmade premium.
Local Geography

La Romana & its key zones

Three key areas to know for organizing your stay: Casa de Campo (the resort), Altos de Chavón (the village), and the historic city with its surroundings.

Casa de Campo & Altos de Chavón

For: golf · luxury · culture · marina

  • Golf Teeth of the Dog Pete Dye 1971, #1 Caribbean, 7 coastal holes, world's top 30
  • Golf Dye Fore 27 spectacular holes on the cliffs of the Río Chavón (Chavón, Marina, Lakes)
  • Golf The Links 18-hole Scottish-style, ideal for beginners/intermediates
  • VIL Altos de Chavón Tuscan village 1976, 5000-seat amphitheater, Parsons School, galleries
  • sea Marina Casa de Campo 350 berths, restaurants, boutiques, departures for Saona/Catalina yachts

Town & surroundings

For: authentic · culture · excursions

  • CTR La Romana Center Central Park, Santa Rosa Church, market, cigar factories
  • sea Bayahibe Fishing village and beach 30 minutes away, excursions base for Saona & Catalina
  • ISL Catalina Island 30m dive wall excursion, snorkeling, deserted beach (45 min by boat)
  • CAV Cave of Wonders 800 Taino paintings, 25 minutes towards San Pedro
  • VIR Higüey Basilica of Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia, National Shrine (1h)
Bestiary

Nature that you attend

Between the turquoise sea, the cliffs of the Chavón River, and the East National Park, La Romana and its surroundings boast astonishing Caribbean biodiversity.

BIRD
Brown Pelican
Brown pelican
All year · marina, Saona
Rept
Rhinoceros iguana
Rhino iguana
All year round · Saona, Catalina
sea
Green turtle
Green sea turtle
May → October · Saona Bridge
FISH
Blue parrotfish
Blue parrotfish
Year-round · Catalina Reef
BIRD
Flamingo
American flamingo
Dry season · Eastern lagoons
Mom
West Indian manatee
Manatee
Rare · Bayahibe Coast
Gastronomy

Flavors Dominicans from the East

Dominican cuisine is the Taino-Spanish-African marriage: corn, cassava, grilled fish, rice with red beans, stewed meats. In La Romana, you alternate between fine international dining (Casa de Campo) and authentic local eateries.

The Dominican Flag
~$8 — dish
The national dish: white rice, red beans, stewed meat (chicken, beef), green salad. Served everywhere in canteens for lunch.
Seven-Meat Sancocho
~$12 — dish
Seven-meat stew-soup (beef, pork, chicken, goat...) with tropical roots (yuca, ñame, plantain). Holiday dish, Sunday.
Mangú
~$5 — breakfast
Green plantain puree, served for breakfast with eggs, fried cheese (queso frito), salami, and marinated red onions.
Fish Creole style
~$15 — dish
Grilled whole local fish (grouper, snapper) with tomato-pepper-onion Creole sauce. Served in Bayahibe or the fishing village.
Three Strikes
~$7 — breakfast
"Three blows": mangú + fried salami + egg + fried cheese. The hearty Dominican breakfast par excellence.
Brugal Rum & Mamajuana
~$6 — glass
Brugal Añejo or XV (local rum from La Romana, historic distillery). Mamajuana = rum-wine-honey infused with bark, traditional Taíno elixir.
Our field selection

Where sleep In La Romana?

3 addresses tested and validated by our field team — from the iconic 5* resort to the intimate guesthouse, including the authentic beach hotel.

5*
Casa de Campo Resort & Villas
Iconic 5-star resort on 28 sq km · 3 world-class golf courses · luxury marina · direct access to Altos de Chavón · private Minitas beach
Golfers · Honeymoons · Upscale Families
Reserve Dynamics
3*
Hotel Bayahibe
Mid-range beach in Bayahibe · swimming pool · direct port access for Saona/Catalina · authentic Dominican atmosphere
Travelers beach · Controlled budget · Divers
Reserve Dynamics
Bed and breakfast
Little House Carolina
Charming B&B in Bayahibe · 8 colorful rooms · tropical garden · warm Dominican welcome
Couples · First Trip DR · Curious Travelers
Reserve Dynamics
Field expertise

Tips Experts Toucan

Real tips that tour guides don't give you. 8 insider shortcuts to save time, money, and frustration in La Romana.

CAM
Photo

Altos de Chavón at sunset

Arrive around 5 p.m., go up to the amphitheater, go back down towards the San Estanislao church at 6 p.m. Lanterns lit, golden light on the Chavón River below. Magic.

Global Learning Festival
Golf

Book Teeth of the Dog 60 days in advance

The #1 in the Caribbean fills up quickly, especially during the high season (Dec.–April). Casa de Campo resident rates are ~50% cheaper: staying on-site is the key.

AIR
Airport

Prefer LRM if possible

La Romana International (LRM) is 30 minutes from Casa de Campo. Fewer flights but express transfer. Alternative: Punta Cana (PUJ) 1 hour, more flights but an extra hour.

ISL
Saona

Catamaran > speedboat for Saona

Speedboat = faster arrival but rough seas, sore back. Catamaran = 1h30, slow, great atmosphere, music, mojitos on deck. Expect ~$80-100 per person, lunch included.

CIG
Cigars

Buy from the factory, not the airport.

Davidoff Tabadom, Tabacalera de García, La Aurora: tours + on-site shop. Prices -40% compared to duty-free, and guaranteed quality handmade. Ask for the vintage.

HOW
Hurricane

Avoid August-October if possible

Hurricane season can ruin everything: canceled flights, rough seas for 3 days, excursions closed. Real risk but often avoidable with insurance. Prefer December-April.

VIS
Formalities

No visa, just the tourist card

A $10 tourist card has been included with the plane ticket since 2018. Passport must be valid for 6 months after return. Departure: a $20 tax is often included as well.

Tip
Tips

10% Required & Legal Tip 18%

Restaurants: 10% service charge included + often 18% "legal tip" added automatically. Check the bill. Golf caddies: ~$30–50 per round. Hotel bellhops: $1–2 per bag.

⚠️ Avoid — classic pitfalls

  • NO Visit Altos de Chavón in 1 hour: Minimum half-day, ideally a full day with dinner on site.
  • NO Do Saona AND Catalina the same day: Too long, tired, choose one or the other according to preference (beach vs. diving).
  • NO Go to La Romana without playing golf: It's a shame—if you're experienced, this is the Caribbean's #1 global playground.
  • NO Driving at night outside tourist areas Poorly lit roads, stray animals, unpredictable local driving.
  • NO Ignore hurricane season August-October = real risk, cancellation insurance essential.
  • NO Buying "Cuban cigars" from a street vendor: 95%: To avoid counterfeits, purchase only from the manufacturer or an official store.
PDF

Take the La Romana card everywhere

Full PDF version with map, climate, experiences, hotels, and expert tips. Ideal for preparing your trip offline or slipping it into your suitcase – or customize your stay directly at Dynamics.

Download the PDF sheet
Frequently Asked Questions

Your questions, our answers

The 6 questions we are most often asked about La Romana and Altos de Chavón.

How many nights should I plan for in La Romana?
3 to 5 nights According to the profile. 3 nights for a discovery stay (Altos de Chavón + Saona + one resort day). 5 nights for golfers (3 different courses). Beyond that, we combine with Bayahibe (beach) or Santo Domingo (colonial culture).
Is Altos de Chavón a "real" village?
It's a Replica entirely built in 1976 By Italian architect Roberto Copa for Gulf+Western. Hand-cut stone, traditional mortar, 16th-century Tuscan/Mediterranean style. The village is inhabited by artisans, students from the School of Design (affiliated with Parsons NY), and serves as a cultural center—galleries, workshops, restaurants. A living place, therefore.
Do I need to stay at Casa de Campo to play Teeth of the Dog?
No, but it's 50% at a lower price. Non-residents can make reservations (subject to availability); green fees range from ~$400 to 500. Casa de Campo residents pay ~$200. Reservations 60 days in advance are recommended during peak season.
Is Saona Island worth the trip?
Yes, it's the'Iconic beach excursion in the Dominican Republic — White sand, turquoise water, coconut trees, starfish. But the island receives many tourists between 11 AM and 3 PM. Leave early (8 AM catamaran) or charter a boat to enjoy it peacefully. Catalina Island is the alternative for divers.
How to get to La Romana from Paris?
Direct flights Paris-Punta Cana (PUJ, 9h) with Air France, Air Caraïbes, Corsair — then 1h road transfer. Alternative: Paris-Santo Domingo (SDQ) via Madrid (Iberia/Air Europa), then 1h30. La Romana there are fewer flights (often through Miami or New York). Our Toucan Discovery team organizes all transfers Dynamics.
What budget should I plan for La Romana?
Very variable depending on the standard. Casa de Campo Resort: $400–800/night in a standard room, $1500+ in a villa. Bayahibe: $80-150/night Mid-range hotel, $50 per night, B&B; Green fee at Teeth of the Dog: $400–500; Saona excursion: $80–100 per person; dinner at Altos de Chavón: $50–80 per person; local eatery: $10 per person.
Build your itinerary

Combine La Romana with.

La Romana is the perfect base for exploring the eastern and southern parts of the Dominican Republic. Here are the 5 destinations to visit in succession for a comprehensive 10- to 15-day trip.

Bayahibe beach and fishing village
Bayahibe & Saona Island
30 min · 25 km
Authentic fishing village, base for Saona and Catalina, coral reef diving
Discover
Bávaro Beach in Punta Cana with coconut trees
Punta Cana
1 hour · 80 km
Iconic beaches of Bávaro and Macao, all-inclusive resorts, kitesurfing in Cabeza de Toro
Discover
Cathedral and colonial facades of the Colonial Zone in Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo
1h30m · 80.78 miles
The first colonial city in the Americas (1496), the UNESCO Colonial Zone, Calle Las Damas
Discover
Humpback whales in Samaná Bay
Samaná
4 hours · 280 km
Wild Peninsula, Humpback Whale Watching (Jan-Mar), Cayo Levantado, Las Galeras
Discover
Waterfall and mountains of the Cordillera Central in Jarabacoa
Jarabacoa
3h30 · 220 km
Central Mountain Range, rafting on the Yaque del Norte River, waterfalls, cool highland climate
Discover
Ready to go?

plan your trip La Romana & Altos de Chavón

Build your stay in a few clicks with Toucan Dynamics — Real-time hotel availability, negotiated rates, green fees included, secure payment. Or let us prepare everything for you: a French-speaking local advisor will assist you from A to Z, from LRM transfer to the Teeth of the Dog tee.

Plan my trip Request a custom quote

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