📖 About La Romana

La Romana is a city on the Dominican Republic's southeastern coast, famous for Casa de Campo—one of the Caribbean's most exclusive resort destinations—and Altos de Chavón, a recreated Mediterranean village with artist studios and amphitheater. With approximately 210,000 residents, this city combines luxury tourism with working-class sugar industry heritage and authentic Dominican life.

The contrast is stark between the manicured resort grounds and the city's modest neighborhoods. Casa de Campo offers world-class golf, beaches, and amenities for wealthy visitors and residents. Nearby Bayahibe provides more accessible beach tourism. The Chavón River flows past dramatic scenery to the sea. Saona Island offshore is a popular excursion destination.

La Romana offers visitors Caribbean luxury at its finest alongside opportunities to experience authentic Dominican culture beyond the resort walls.

🏛️ Top Attractions

💼 Economy & Culture

La Romana's economy spans luxury tourism and sugar production. Casa de Campo employs many and attracts wealthy visitors and second-home owners. The sugar industry, while reduced, continues at the Central Romana mill. Tourism beyond Casa de Campo has developed at Bayahibe. Real estate development serves foreign buyers. Services and commerce support the local population. The economic inequality between resort world and city reality is significant.

Dominican culture characterizes La Romana beyond resort walls—merengue and bachata music, Spanish language, Catholic traditions, and Caribbean warmth. Baseball passion runs deep; the city has produced major league players. The food blends Spanish, African, and indigenous influences—sancocho, mangú, and fresh seafood. The contrast between American and European resort guests and local Dominican life creates interesting dynamics. Family and community remain central to local identity despite tourism's economic dominance.

📜 History

The La Romana area was Taíno territory before Spanish colonization. The sugar industry developed in the colonial period; the South Puerto Rico Sugar Company (later Gulf+Western) dominated the region from the early 20th century. The massive Central Romana sugar mill drove the local economy.

Gulf+Western developed Casa de Campo in the 1970s, creating a luxury enclave including the Altos de Chavón project. The resort attracted celebrities and wealthy visitors, establishing La Romana's reputation for exclusive tourism. Ownership changes have continued the luxury development model. The city has grown beyond sugar dependency toward a more diversified economy, though inequality between resort wealth and local poverty remains a defining characteristic.