August 22nd, 2016

By: Michelle Wong
 
Puerto Plata

The beautiful province of Puerto Plata is located in the northern part of the Dominican Republic, with a population of 321,597 residents. It is primarily known for the beautiful beaches, amazing resorts and hotels, and for the tourist destination. Apart from other province Punta Cana, Puerto Plata is the second popular tourist destination. Tourists from all over the world come to visit the Dominican Republic and especially Puerto Plata. 
Puerto Plata is located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Isabel de Torres Mountain, known for its agriculture and architecture designs by the European and Canadian immigrants that settled in the area in the mid-16th century. There was and still have influence of British, French, Italian, German, Canadian and other European countries. It brought great influence in the culture that is known today. The Victorian era had great influence in the northern area of the Dominican Republic; the clothing, architecture of residential homes, commercial hotels, etc. The city of San Felipe de Puerto Plata was founded by Canadian immigrants. They also brought with them the architecture style of bridge formation, created the Guinea Bridge in 1879. It was not until after the Restorer War, that heavier influence in modern architecture came in place. It was the modern architecture in this area that influences the change of construction of buildings and resorts and hotels.
Puerto Plata known for the picturesque views, the natural beauty of the beaches, it is also known for the various attractions. Puerto Plata has many recreational activities for tourists to participate in: Cable Car, Zip lining, Snorkeling, Windsailing, Aquariums, Museums, Boardwalk, Live Dance Entertainment, Horseback Riding, Quad Riding, Kite Boarding, Safari Trail, Hiking, Waterfalls and Parks. 
 
Real Estate Investment Opportunities

There are over 70 resorts and hotels located in the San Felipe de Puerto Plata area, all located on the beach front. There is a big market for Real Estate Investment in Hotels & Tourism. Since November 1995, there have been incentives for foreign investments. There are natural treatment for foreign investors and minimum restrictions in investments and free access to the international currency through local banks and the Central Bank of the Dominican Republic. 
I took the opportunity to visit Puerto Plata for business purposes as well personal time for relaxation. I went on a business trip look at the residential and commercial area that I could invest in. There are many land and building for sale for investors. There is plenty of land for development and creation of new resorts. Many investors that come into the country are American, Canadian, European, Latin American and Asians. The resorts that are being constructed now are designed and built by European architects and/or engineers. There is much potential to continue to grow the country and make a great profit with great rate of return.
 
Iberostar Hotel Costa Dorada

Lastly, upon my visit to Puerto Plata, I stayed at the Iberostar Hotel which is an international based company originated in Spain. It is located 25 minutes from the Puerto Plata Airport or the formal name of the Georgio Luperon International Airport. The Iberostar Hotel Costa Dorada is all inclusive 5 star hotel with 540 rooms situated in 10 buildings on the premises. It has all that is needed without leaving the premises. Just feet away are the beaches, pools, restaurants, nightclub, spa, etc. There is a security safe in each room, air conditioning, complimentary drinks and coffee in each room as well. There are also balconies in each room. Laundry service 24 hour service with 48 hour delivery service. There are Shopping store and convenience store located by the lobby of the hotel.
It has 5 restaurants: El Mercado, El Bohio Palappa, which are all buffet style restaurants. They serve hot and cold buffet foods. They serve breakfast, lunch, snack and dinner. Depending on what time of day you decide to dine, you would have to go to one or the other. There are also 3 a la carte restaurants called La Acienda (Mexican Cuisine), El Rodieco (Brazilian Cuisine), and Hashiriu (Japanese Cuisine) The 3 a la carte Restaurants serve dinner from 6:30pm-11pm but with reservations. Both El Mercado and El Bohio serve typical Dominican Cuisine and some American Cuisine. They serve in 4 time patterns: 7am-10am, 10am-12pm, 1pm-4pm, and 6:30-10pm.
There are 3 huge pools with bar service from 10am to 7pm. You can lounge in the pool or along the lounge chairs and waiters will come over and take your drink order. If you want to snack while you take in the sun the El Bohio restaurants is only 50 feet away. They also have private water aerobics classes that you can take in the morning. They also have outside recreational activities you can partake in: tennis, diving, and snorkeling, quad riding which are all near the hotel area. 
If you want to relax and have some R&R, you can use the Jacuzzi, steam baths and massage parlor; which you have to set up an appointment prior to attending. There also beauty salons to have your hair done or manicure and pedicure. You can also request a professional make-up artist to apply your make up for an outing.
There are also nightly entertainments: Night club and 3 bar lounges. La Fuente, El Bohio Aqua Bar, La Plaza Lounge Bar and Route 66 Night club. All of the bars and lounges serve late night snacks. No reservations are needed. Lounges and bars open from 11pm-3am. The night club is open from 10pm-3:30am.