Discovering Paradise
La Romana
Discover La Romana, home to the famous Altos de Chavón artist village, world-class golf courses, and beautiful Caribbean beaches.
☀️December to April
🌡️29°C (84°F)
✈️La Romana International (LRM)
Quick Facts
🌡️
Avg Temperature
29°C (84°F)
☀️
Best Months
December to April
✈️
Nearest Airport
La Romana International (LRM)
La Romana is a city of contrasts — an industrial sugar cane town that also happens to host one of the most luxurious resort experiences in the Caribbean. The real draw is Casa de Campo, a 7,000-acre resort with world-class golf, a private beach, an equestrian center, and the stunning Altos de Chavón — a recreation of a 16th-century Mediterranean village perched above the Chavón River.
Beyond the resort walls, La Romana is a working Dominican city with authentic culture, vibrant markets, and a history deeply tied to the sugar industry. The Central Romana sugar mill, still operating, is one of the largest in the world.
La Romana also serves as a gateway to Bayahíbe, Isla Saona, and Isla Catalina — some of the best diving and beach destinations in the country.
Ideal
Good
Rainy
Apr
22° — 31°
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Aug
24° — 33°
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Dec
21° — 30°
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Feb
20° — 30°
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Jan
20° — 30°
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Jul
24° — 33°
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Jun
24° — 32°
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Mar
21° — 30°
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May
23° — 31°
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Nov
22° — 31°
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Oct
23° — 32°
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Sep
24° — 32°
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Temperature in °C💧 = ~5 rain days
La Romana is on the southeastern coast, about 1.5 hours east of Santo Domingo.
By Air
La Romana International Airport (LRM) receives flights from several US and Canadian cities. It's a small, efficient airport just 10 minutes from Casa de Campo and 30 minutes from Bayahíbe. Punta Cana (PUJ) is about 1.5 hours east.
By Bus
Express buses run from Santo Domingo to La Romana (RD$350-400, about 1.5-2 hours). The bus terminal is in the city center.
By Car
A straight shot east from Santo Domingo on the autopista del Este. The road is excellent and well-signed.
Getting Around
Within La Romana city, motoconchos and carros públicos are abundant. Taxis to Bayahíbe cost about US$20-25. Casa de Campo has its own internal transport system.
Casa de Campo Resort
The flagship luxury resort with hotel rooms, villas, and estate homes. Three Pete Dye-designed golf courses including Teeth of the Dog (ranked #1 in the Caribbean), a private beach at Minitas, a marina, an equestrian center, and Altos de Chavón. Rates from US$300-1,000+/night depending on accommodation type and season.
La Romana City
Budget and mid-range hotels in the city center offer clean rooms from US$30-70/night. You won't have resort amenities but you'll be immersed in real Dominican life with easy access to local restaurants and markets.
Bayahíbe Combination
Many visitors split time between La Romana (for golf, Altos de Chavón, culture) and Bayahíbe (for diving, beaches, Saona Island). The towns are just 30 minutes apart.
Altos de Chavón
This recreated Mediterranean village sits on a cliff above the Chavón River. Built by an Italian architect in the 1970s, it features cobblestone streets, artisan shops, a fine arts school, an archaeological museum, and a 5,000-seat amphitheater that has hosted Frank Sinatra, Andrea Bocelli, and Alicia Keys. Free to visit.
Golf at Teeth of the Dog
Seven holes along the Caribbean Sea make this Pete Dye masterpiece consistently ranked as the #1 course in the Caribbean. Green fees at US$250-375 include a caddy. Non-guests can play with advance reservations.
Marina & Fishing
Casa de Campo Marina is a hub for deep-sea fishing charters targeting marlin, mahi-mahi, and wahoo. Half-day charters from US$500.
City Market & Cultura
La Romana's central market (Mercado Municipal) is a lively, authentic experience. Stalls sell fresh produce, meats, herbs, and Dominican staples. The Parque Central is pleasant for an evening walk.
Sugar Cane Heritage
The Central Romana corporation has shaped the city for over a century. While formal tours aren't common, the influence is visible everywhere — from the colonial-era bateys (sugar worker villages) to the cane fields surrounding the city.
- Altos de Chavón is free to visit. You don't need to be a Casa de Campo guest. Drive in, park, and explore. The sunset views over the Chavón River are spectacular.
- Check the amphitheater schedule. Major concerts and events happen regularly. Seeing a show in this 5,000-seat Greco-Roman amphitheater is unforgettable.
- Eat in the city, not just the resort. La Romana has excellent Dominican restaurants at a fraction of resort prices. Try comedores near the market for authentic lunch plates (RD$200-300).
- Combine with Bayahíbe. Spend a morning at Altos de Chavón, afternoon diving in Bayahíbe. They're 30 minutes apart.
- Non-golfers: Even if you don't play, consider watching a round at Teeth of the Dog. The oceanside holes are architecturally stunning.
- Visit the Mercado in the morning when it's freshest and most vibrant. Great for fruit, local cheese, and people-watching.
Sample Itineraries
La Romana Highlights
Altos de Chavón, golf views, and Dominican culture.
🌅 Morning3h
Altos de Chavón
Explore the recreated Mediterranean village above the Chavón River. Artisan shops, archaeological museum, and the 5,000-seat amphitheater.
Altos de Chavón
Tip: Free to visit — you don't need to be a Casa de Campo guest.
☀️ Afternoon1.5h
Teeth of the Dog Views
Even non-golfers should see the ocean holes of this legendary Pete Dye course. Walk the coastal path for stunning views.
Casa de Campo
☀️ Afternoon1.5h
Mercado Municipal
Visit the authentic city market for fresh produce, local cheese, and people-watching. Grab a juice from a market vendor.
La Romana
🌙 Evening1.5h
Chavón River Sunset
Return to Altos de Chavón for sunset over the river — the light hitting the medieval-style stonework is magical.
Altos de Chavón
Practical Information
🚗 Getting Around
Resort Transfer(Usually included)
Casa de Campo and other resorts offer airport transfers.
Taxi from LRM(US$15-25)
Short ride from La Romana airport to hotels.
Uber(US$3-10)
Available in the La Romana area.
Bus to Santo Domingo(RD$300-400)
Express bus service to the capital, about 1.5 hrs.
💵 Daily Budget
BudgetUS$60-100
Mid-rangeUS$150-250
LuxuryUS$400-800+ (Casa de Campo)
🛡️ Safety Tips
- ✓La Romana is generally safe for tourists
- ✓Stick to well-traveled areas at night
- ✓Book excursions to Saona/Catalina islands through reputable operators
- ✓Carry small bills for local purchases
📶 Connectivity
Good. 4G coverage. Hotels have WiFi. Casa de Campo has full services.
💰 Tipping
10% service charge (propina legal) included in restaurant bills. Tip extra 5-10% for excellent service. Hotel housekeeping: RD$50-100/day. Tour guides: US$5-10/person.
Photo Gallery
body of water and trees
a pier that is sitting in the water
a statue of a man holding a baseball bat
a large sign with a tower in the background
Romantic Dinner at the caribbean sea
a street with palm trees and a clock tower
Top Attractions
Beautiful Beaches
Frequently Asked Questions
Is La Romana city worth exploring?
Yes — the Mercado Municipal is vibrant and authentic, the Dominican restaurants serve excellent food at local prices, and the sugar cane heritage gives the city a unique character. It's a real Dominican working city, not a tourist construct.
How much does it cost to play Teeth of the Dog?
Green fees run US$250-375 per round including a mandatory caddy. Non-guests can play with advance reservations. It's expensive, but the seven oceanside holes make it one of the most spectacular courses in the world.
What else is there to do besides golf?
Plenty — Altos de Chavón, the city market, deep-sea fishing from the marina, horseback riding, and easy day trips to Bayahíbe (30 min) for diving and Isla Saona. La Romana city itself has authentic Dominican culture and food.
How far is Bayahíbe from La Romana?
About 30 minutes east by car or taxi (US$20-25). Many visitors split their time between La Romana (culture, golf, Altos de Chavón) and Bayahíbe (diving, beaches, Isla Saona). They complement each other perfectly.
Do I need to be a Casa de Campo guest to visit Altos de Chavón?
No — Altos de Chavón is open to the public and free to visit. Drive in, park, and explore the Mediterranean village, artisan shops, and the amphitheater. The sunset views over the Chavón River are spectacular.
What is Altos de Chavón?
Altos de Chavón is a recreated 16th-century Mediterranean village built on the grounds of Casa de Campo resort. Constructed in the 1970s by Italian designer Roberto Coppa, it was designed to resemble a European artisan village made of coral stone. Today, it houses the Altos de Chavón School of Design affiliated with Parsons School of Design, art galleries, craft workshops, restaurants, and a 5,000-seat Grecian-style amphitheater that has hosted performers like Frank Sinatra, Elton John, and Sting. The village also contains the St. Stanislaus Church, a popular wedding venue, and offers panoramic views of the Chavón River and Caribbean Sea.
How do I visit Saona Island from La Romana?
Saona Island (Isla Saona) is a popular day trip from La Romana. Tours typically depart from Bayahibe beach (about 25 minutes from La Romana) and include a catamaran or speedboat ride to the island, which is part of the East National Park. The journey takes about 30-45 minutes. Most excursions include time on the pristine beaches, a buffet lunch, and drinks. Some tours stop at the "natural pool," a sandbar in the middle of the sea where visitors can wade in waist-deep, crystal-clear water often filled with starfish. Book through your hotel or with reputable tour operators in La Romana or Bayahibe.
What is special about Casa de Campo resort?
Casa de Campo is one of the Caribbean's most exclusive resorts, spanning 7,000 acres along the La Romana coastline. It's known for its world-class golf courses, particularly the "Teeth of the Dog" designed by Pete Dye, consistently ranked among the top courses in the Caribbean. Beyond golf, the resort features a marina, an equestrian center, a shooting center, tennis courts, multiple restaurants, and three private beaches. Even if you're not staying at the resort, you can purchase day passes to visit Altos de Chavón or dine at the restaurants. Many celebrities and wealthy individuals own private villas within the resort complex.
Nearby Destinations
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Plan Your La Romana Trip
Everything you need to plan an unforgettable visit.
Nearest airport: La Romana International (LRM)