Punta Cana is continuing to explode in popularity with Americans, so much so that the destination is now chasing the heels of places like Los Cabos and Cancun in terms of popularity.
But in the Dominican Republic, there’s a lesser know destination just a short 1-hour journey from Punta Cana, and it is just as fantastic a choice for travelers searching for an amazing Caribbean all-inclusive vacation.
La Romana
Situated just a short one-hour journey southwest of Punta Cana, La Romana is in a fantastic location for travelers.
But there are many more aspects of La Romana that make it just as worthy of love from travelers as Punta Cana.
Laid-Back & Less Crowds
La Romana isn’t exactly a hidden gem, it is hugely popular already and tourism is very well-developed here. But even with this popularity the destination has managed to hold tight to its more laid-back vibe.
Additionally, the huge crowds that are found in Punta Cana are rare in La Romana. The area isn’t as densely populated with resorts, meaning a finer balance between tourism and the natural character of the nation is found here.
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A Choice Of Airports
Punta Cana is well-serviced by its own airport, but at La Romana, travelers can realistically fly to and from any of the following:
- La Romana International Airport
- Punta Cana International Airport (1 hour)
- Santo Domingo International Airport (1 hour 10 minutes)
For travelers who don’t mind shopping around for flights and are happy with a 1-hour transfer, the opportunity to pick and choose between airlines and airports can lead to great savings on vacation costs.
Perfect Beaches
It’s no secret that Punta Cana has some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, but La Romana is also no stranger to soft, white sand and crystal-clear water.
The following are some of the most popular in the destination:
- Minitas Beach
- Caleta Beach
- Catalina Beach
- Bayahibe Beach
- Dominicus Beach
The main difference between the beaches of La Romana and Punta Cana is the strength of the sea. In La Romana, travelers can still safely swim in the Caribbean, but the waves are usually bigger and the currents a little stronger.
The Dominican Republic operates a very reliable beach flag system, and travelers can be confident in whether conditions are swimming or not.
No Trade-Off With Accommodation
Travelers needn’t worry that choosing La Romana over Punta Cana will require a lowering of standards.
The destination is in direct competition with Punta Cana, and as such every resort is striving to not just emulate, but surpass the standards of its more popular neighbor.
The following is a selection of the highest-rated resorts in La Romana:
- Casa de Campo Resort & Villas
- Dreams Dominicus La Romana
- Dreams Dominicus
- Hilton La Romana All-Inclusive Adult Resort & Spa Punta Cana
The Perfect Base
As mentioned before, La Romana is just a short 1-hour trip to both Punta Cana and Santo Domingo. If travelers want to experience the livelier Punta Cana it’s a totally feasible trip.
On top of this, the close proximity to the capital Santo Domingo is an experience travelers don’t want to miss out on.
The capital is an amazing mixture of the old and new, home to authentic colonial buildings and a level of history that is normally difficult to find outside of Europe.
As well as the capital and Punta Cana, La Romana is also just a short 20 minutes from the breathtaking Altos de Chavon.
This replica of a Mediterranean village is a strange but exciting sight to find in the Caribbean; full of art installations and great restaurants, it’s a must-see for travelers who are lucky enough to stay in La Romana.
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