In 2004, when the Dominican Republic joined and the free trade agreement known as CAFTA it was renamed CAFTA-DR. The free trade agreement is among the following: Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and the United States. Finally. The CAFTA-DR entered into force for the Dominican Republic on March 1, 2007.

The CAFTA-DR free trade agreement should improve business dealings in Dominican Republic.

The following infomation is from the Office of the United States Trade Representative – CAFTA Policy Brief – February 2005

Free Trade With Central America and the Dominican Republic
Highlights of the CAFTA…

New Opportunities for U.S. Workers and Manufacturers: Eighty percent of U.S. exports of consumer and industrial goods will become duty-free in Central American and the Dominican Republic immediately, with remaining tariffs phased out over 10 years. Key U.S. export sectors will benefit from immediate duty elimination, such as information technology products, agricultural and construction equipment, paper products, pharmaceuticals, and medical and scientific equipment. Tariffs on U.S. autos and auto parts will be phased out within 5 years. Countries not presently in the WTO Information Technology Agreement will join.

Expanded Markets for U.S. Farmers and Ranchers: More than half of current U.S. farm exports to Central America and the Dominican Republic will become duty-free immediately, including high-quality cuts of beef, soybeans, cotton, wheat, many fruits and vegetables, and processed food products. Tariffs on most U.S. farm products will be phased out within 15 years, with all tariffs eliminated in 20 years. Important U.S. sectors will benefit, including corn, beef, pork, poultry, rice, dry beans, dairy, and vegetable oil. The U.S. will work with Central America and the Dominican Republic to resolve sanitary and phytosanitary barriers to agricultural trade, especially problems in food inspection procedures for meat and poultry.

Sugar – A Teaspoon A Week: In the first year, additional sugar market access for Central America and the Dominican Republic will amount to about 1.2 percent of U.S. sugar production, growing to 1.7 percent in year 15. This equals about one day’s U.S. production, or approximately one teaspoon of sugar per week per adult American. Sugar imports have declined by about one-third since the mid-nineties. CAFTA would not come close to returning U.S. imports to those levels. There is no change in the high above-quota U.S. tariff on sugar, and imports under CAFTA will have no effect on the U.S. sugar programs.

Textiles and Apparel – Uniting to Compete with Asia: Garment factories in Central America and the Dominican Republic are collectively the second-largest world buyer of U.S. yarn and fabric. Apparel made in these facilities will be duty-free and quota-free under the Agreement if they use U.S. or regional fabric and yarn, thereby supporting U.S. fabric/yarn exports and jobs. This is critical, because with the recent expiration of global quotas on textiles/apparel, CAFTA positions regional garment-makers – and their U.S. suppliers of fabric and yarn – to better compete with Asia. The agreement’s benefits for textiles and apparel will be retroactive to January 1, 2004. CAFTA also contains cumulation provisions, which will allow woven apparel from the region to contain a capped amount of Mexican and Canadian inputs.

Haiti: The Administration will work with the Congress to enable Haiti to continue to be eligible to receive Caribbean Basin Trade Preference Act (CBTPA) for apparel containing inputs from the Dominican Republic.

Access to Services: Central America and the Dominican Republic will accord substantial market access across the entire services regime, offering new access in sectors such as telecommunications, express delivery, computer and related services, tourism, energy, transport, construction and engineering, financial services, insurance, audio/visual and entertainment, professional, environmental, and other sectors. Central American countries and the Dominican Republic have agreed to change “dealer protection regimes” and loosen restrictions that lock U.S. firms into exclusive or inefficient distributor arrangements.

A Trade Agreement for the Digital Age: State-of-the-art protections and non-discriminatory treatment are provided for digital products such as U.S. software, music, text, and videos. Protections for U.S. patents, trademarks and trade secrets are strengthened.

Strong Protections for Worker Rights: CAFTA goes far beyond previous FTAs in addressing worker rights issues. The Administration developed a three-part strategy that will ensure effective enforcement of domestic labor laws, establish a cooperative program to improve labor laws and enforcement, and build the capacity of Central America and the Dominican Republic to monitor and enforce labor rights.

An Innovative Environment Chapter: Central America and the Dominican Republic will participate in a robust and unique public submissions process to ensure that views of civil society are appropriately considered. The agreement requires effective enforcement of environmental laws and is complemented by an Environmental Cooperation Agreement.

Strong Protections for U.S. Investors: The agreement establishes a secure, predictable legal framework for U.S. investors in Central America and the Dominican Republic, and contains a commitment to develop an appellate mechanism for investor-state disputes.

Open and Fair Government Procurement: Provides ground-breaking anti-corruption measures in government contracting. U.S. firms are guaranteed a fair and transparent process to sell goods and services to a wide range of government entities.

Increased Transparency: The agreement’s dispute settlement mechanisms call for open public hearings, public access to documents, and the opportunity for third parties to submit views. Transparency in customs operations will aid express delivery shipments and will require more open and public processes for customs rulings and administration. Agreement also contains strong antibribery commitments, including criminalization of bribery.

U.S.- CAFTA-DR Free Trade Agreement
Frequently Asked Questions: www.export.gov

What is your opinion of the CAFTA-DR Free Trade Agreement?

Conditions with regard to residency tend to be effortlessly fulfilled by anyone in excellent health along with no criminal history. The actual period is normally 3 to 4 months with regard towards the provisional residency and 2 to 3 months to obtain the actual permanent residency.

The above time estimates are based on the assumption that every necessary record has been delivered and also the candidates have submited their application while inside the Dominican Republic, applying externaly or outside the Dominican Republic isn’t practical.

The candidate doesn’t have to remain in the Dominican Republic throughout the residency steps, he or she would likely just need to travel to the island two times: 1st, with regard to the medical check-ups, and 2nd, to have his / her photo taken to acquire the last documentation.

The following costs including the fees and expenses are an estimation for residency. Somewhere around $1000 to have provisional residency and an additional $800 to $1000 to obtain permanent residency. Legal service fees inside of the Dominican Republic are going to be subject to a 16% service tax.

The paperwork you’ll need to bring with you for the Dominican Republic residency and the 1st meeting will be an original birth certificate authenticated at the closest Dominican Consulate, actual marriage certificate authenticated at the nearest Dominican Consulate. It will also be necessary to bring your passport and 8 photos (2″ x 2″), 4 front pictures and 4 profile photos. No earrings or sunglasses will be allowed in the photos.

After acquiring your provisional residency, you’ll have a 6-month time period where you can bring your household goods into the Dominican Republic without having to pay any duty tax.

All residency applications are completed in Santo Domingo, the immigration regulators are based there. The applying procedure requires just one morning of your time. You’ll visit the Immigration Office and also the regulators medical center to receive your medical tests, composed of a blood test, a urine test and chest x-rays. Normally, the process is finished by midday.

I suggest arriving about two hours early to avoid lines. The ticket agent will need to see your passport to issue your airline ticket. They will tag, weigh and check in your luggage. You will not carry the bags to another baggage check in area like you do in Miami. The agent will also give you two customs forms. One for the Dominican Republic and the other for U.S. Customs back in Miami.

After you get your ticket go directly to the security checkpoint which is to the left of the airlines ticket counter. The Customs Officer will want to see your passport.

Next, you will go through the x-ray scanners. No need to take your lap top out of your carry on bag at the Puerto Plata International Airport. Take off your shoes and jewelry and walk through the scanner.

Next stop is Customs. Usually there is no line if your arrive early. Give the Customs Officer your passport and the Dominican Republic Customs Form. They usually will ask how long you were in the country and send you on your way to the terminal if you did not stay beyond 30 days. More than 30 days in the Dominican Republic will cost you a fine of around $20.00.

It’s about a 5 minute walk to your gate and you will pass through a mall of duty free shops. Once you reach your gate area there will be more shops, bars and restaurants.

As you board the airplane keep your ticket and passport handy. The flight to Miami is about 1 1/2 hours. Complete the form for U.S. Customs before you arrive in Miami.

When you arrive at Miami (MIA) you will go directly to baggage claim then through Customs where they will want your customs form and passport. The final security checkpoint will waive you through or search your luggage.

If you parked in the Dolphin Garage take the elevator to the third floor and the crosswalk to the garage. Take the garage elevator to the level you parked on. Leaving the airport is easy. Just pay the $15.00 per day for parking and you are on your way home.

If you are connecting to another flight you will still be required to go through customs, get your luggage and take it to the connecting airlines luggage area.

The trip to Puerto Plata is much quicker and takes less time than the return trip to Miami! One tip about the long lines at Miami Customs! Walk all the way to the very last row next to the elevator and you will see an additional seven or eight lines that will have far fewer people standing in line.

The lines are usually long and once you see the desperation on the faces of those who are still in line and their flight is about to board…WELL, get there early!

If you park in long term parking there’s two garages, Dolphin and Flamingo. I like to park in the Dolphin garage. There are crosswalks to the terminal on the third level. You will find better parking spaces available on the 2nd or 4th level near the elevator. Just take it to the third level and follow the signs for your airlines.

Don’t forget where you park! There is a machine at the elevator that will stamp your location on the parking ticket.

Expect a five or ten minute walk from the garage to your airline ticket counter. Once you arrive at the ticketing center expect to see lots of people and long lines. Don’t attempt to guess which line is yours! Ask a customer service agent, they are everywhere. Just tell them where you are going and what time you are leaving Miami. This tends to be a little smoother now with the automated check ins using the computers. The lines used to be about 30 minutes to 1 hour to get your ticket and check your baggage.

Once you get your ticket you’ll need to check it at the ticket counter! Place the non carry-on baggage on the weigh scales. Over 50 pounds may result in additional charges! The rep will tag your luggage and you will take it with you to the baggage check in area. 

Give them you luggage and continue to the security checkpoint with your carry on bags. This line usually moves rapidly. Keep your airline ticket and passport handy as you will be asked by security personnel for it several times.

Before going through the security and x-ray scanners don’t forget to remove your laptop from your carry-on bag. Take off your shoes and remove jewelry, keys, coins, belts, and anything that can set off an alarm.

Now you are on your way to the terminal. Just another 10 minute or 15 minute walk!

The flight from Miami to Puerto Plata will take about 1 1/2 hours. The airline steward will give you two Customs forms to complete. Take a pen with you so you can fill the forms out on the plane.

When you arrive at Puerto Plata you will go directly to Customs. The first line will be to purchase a Tourist Card (sold at US $10). Proceed to Customs where the line is usually short. The easiest way to present you documents to the Customs Officer is to place the two Customs forms that you completed on the airplane and the tourist card inside your passport and give it to them. They will return to you the passport, tourist card and one of the Customs forms. Proceed another 10 feet to give the next person the tourist card. Proceed to baggage claim! It’s about 50 feet to the baggage claim area and you will see the money exchange agents as you enter. Their rate is not usually good so wait until you get to Sosua. Taxi drivers accept US dollars.

Claim your baggage and proceed to the final checkpoint. Give the security personnel your completed Customs form and they will either waive you through or search your suitcase. It’s a random process and they only looked in my baggage once. No big deal…

Now hold on tight to your bags as there will be an airport porter in a uniform expecting to carry your bags to the taxi area which is about a two minute walk. Just say no and they will not persist.

If you have not made prior hotel transfer arrangements you will find plenty of taxi drivers to assist you. When approached ask if they have there own taxi. Sometimes they are not taxi drivers and just want to walk you to a cab then expect a tip for their service.

Sousa is just a short 10 minute drive from the airport in Puerto Plata.

If you are looking for a more upscale beach condo rental in town take a look at Infiniti Blu, La Puntilla, Los Balcones and Galeria Beachfront Residences! Upscale luxury villas are in Haciendas El Choco or Sea Horse Ranch. A popular community with nice and affordable villas for rent on a weekly basis is Casa Linda, Perla Marina and Ocean Sands Estates.

Also, in town but not oceanfront is El Neptuno which is a very well managed condo development and popular with returning tourists. Las Terrazas is also an affordable beachfront and ocean view condominium community right in town. Another ocean view condo project to research is Blue Bayou which sits on a cliff with amazing ocean views and steps to a secluded beach.

You should also include in your search for Sosua Rentals: Aqua Blue, Blue Fish, Club Residencial, Panorama Village, Residencial Hispaniola, Sosua Ocean Village, Sosnovka, The Palms and Tradewinds. They all have something unique to offer.

If you are looking for an inexpensive Caribbean vacations here are two of my picks…

The first one is for those of you who want to be close to the nightlife! Club Residencial is very popular and a condo resort you’ll want to reserve well in advance. There weekly prices are extremely affordable and the resort is clean and modern. It is within walking distance of everything in Sosua including dozens of bars, restaurants and discos.

The second suggestion is Las Canas, five minutes away in the hills of Sosua. This is for the Caribbean traveler looking for a peaceful and more tranquil experience. Las Canas is a condo hotel with one and two bedroom units. The rates are about $350 weekly for a one bedroom. Las Canas has a restaurant, lobby cafe, laundry service and a mini mart. They also have a shuttle service that will take you to town a couple times a day. The pool is one of the largest I’ve ever seen with over one million gallons of water. I own a condo in Las Canas and live there part time!

I hope this helps with your research! It is extremely important to understand your options and choose the best accommodations for your Sosua vacation. There really is something here for everyone. My Sosua travel website can offer you more resources to help with your future vacation plans to Sosua.

While on vacation in the Dominican Republic you just may fall in love with the north coast. If that happens, you are welcome to visit my Sosua Real Estate blog to find out more about investing in Dominican property.

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If the Puerto Plata area of the north coast interests you than this is a development you must see.  It is a world-class leisure resort complex that will consist of 1,000 luxury golf course villas, 200 apartments and protected swimming beach.

Once this project is completed, La Colonia will offer a world class hotel/leisure complex and great amenities. I don’t have access to the latest price list but in the middle of 2009 the projected sale prices were between (U.S.) $450,000 and $750,000.

Luxury 2-bed or 3-bed villas with fantastic mountain views can be purchased for somewhere in the mid $300,000’s. The first phase was completed in 2009!

La Colonia will have a lot to do within the gated community including golf, tennis, shopping, horseback riding, beach club, spa and swimming. During the construction of future phases the La Colonia Golf Resort is planning a boutique golf/short-stay hotel, restaurants, spa shops, tour desk.

Amenities Include:

• Pondo designed golf course
• Beach club
• Spa
• Swimming pools
• Central shopping and dining complex
• Boutique hotel
• Landscaped gardens
• 24-hour security and maintenance
• Full maid service available
• Rental management service available

Have you taken a tour of La Colonia Golf Resort? What is your opinion of this new project? I would really like to get your opinion on La Colonia and the Puerto Plata real estate market! How does the prices compare to other Puerto Plata properties? You can share your comments by replying to this post below.

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Back in 2007 when I visited the Dominican Republic for the first time I started sending emails to one of the best Attorney’s on the island with lots of legal questions. One of the questions I asked Attorney Fabio J. Guzman was about the laws and how to form a Dominican corporation!

Attorney Guzman replied to my email and said that a minimum of seven stockholders is required. So I wondered who I would want named as a partial owner of my Sosua real estate! Attorney Fabio Guzman went on to say that law firms generally provide nominees when shareholders are less than seven.

Here is a direct quote from the email that Attorney Guzman sent to me back in 2007.

“These nominees would transfer their shares to the real stockholder after the company is formed. The founding members subscribe the articles of incorporation, prepare a list of shareholders and declare before a Notary Public that the shares have been subscribed and paid for by the shareholders. After the documents are approved at a meeting of shareholders, and certain publicity formalities are fulfilled (filing of copies of the corporate documents at the appropriate mercantile registry), the corporation is officially formed. Shareholders must sign the documentation described above personally or through a representative with the appropriate power-of-attorney.”

Attorney Guzman also mentioned that all stockholders must be registered in the Dominican Republic, unless the share certificates are issued to the bearer. If shares are requested in bearer form, the attorney may require that clients provide the following:

• Copy of their passport’s picture page
• Reference letter from a bank in his or her country of residence
• Reference letter from an attorney in his or her country of residence
• Letter from the local Police.

The following information is required to start the Dominican incorporation process:

• Name of Dominican corporation
• Particulars (full name, nationality, occupation, marital status, address, and passport numbers) of the founding shareholders
• Capital of corporation
• Purpose of the corporation

When I asked about costs Attorney Guzman said that incorporation costs depend on the capitalization of the company. The costs range from US$1400 for a standard RD$100,000 pesos corporation to US$10,500 for a corporation with a RD$10,000,000 social capital. Legal fees in the Dominican Republic are subject to a 16% service tax. Remember, these figures were quoted back in 2007!

If you’re wondering how long this all takes I asked that question to Attorney Guzman as well and he said the time required for incorporation depends on the name chosen. If you choose a shelf numbered Dominican company, you will be in control within a week. If, on the other hand, you choose a particular name for the Dominican Corporation, the incorporation time will depend on the availability of the name which could take months. However, you can close your real estate transaction in the new corporate name before the incorporation process is completed.

I was very appreciative of Fabio Guzman taking the time to go into such detail about forming a Dominican corporation. If you have any questions for Attorney Guzman I’m sure he can offer 2010 updates to the law and help you to understand any additional information or the procedure to form a Dominican Republic company.

If there is anything you do not understand or wish to be clarified, please contact Attorney Fabio J. Guzman by email at: Fabio@DRLawyer.com or visit his website at www.DRLawyer.com.

If you would like to comment on this post please use the reply box below…what’s your experience with Dominican corporations?

If you are interested is Dominican real estate and learning more about new and existing developments visit my Sosua real estate blog!

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Are the Dominican real estate closing costs going to stop me from buying my Caribbean dream home?

The process of buying real estate in the Dominican Republic is very similar to the way we purchase a home in the United States. The first thing you have to do is find an honest and ethical real estate agent to work with. Real estate agents are not licensed in the Dominican Republic so any one can call themselves an expert. It’s also important to understand there are no organizations like the National Association of Realtors to protect us from unethical and fraudulent practice.

Once you find the perfect home you’ll want to start the buying process by having the agent write an offer. The buying process is a topic for another day and maybe we will get some replies on this post from local brokers about how they can help you with a smooth purchase and property transition.

The topic today is Dominican real estate closing costs. Are there any Attorney’s in the Dominican Republic? The answer is yes and there are some really good ones as well. My Dominican Attorney, Guido Perdomo is very well educated and knowledgeable about Dominican real estate law. One of the first things the attorney will want from you and your broker is a copy of the Certificate of Title from the seller in order for your Attorney to begin the title investigation.

As for fees, most Attorneys have a pretty standard fixed fee for real estate purchases ranging from 0.1% to 1.0% of the gross purchase price, depending on the value of the transaction. The typical Attorney’s fee for real estate purchases below $500,000 is usually around 1%. There may be a minimum fee charged by the Attorney for smaller valued properties.

The fixed fee charged by the Attorney should cover:

• Title investigation
• Due diligence
• Negotiation, preparation, authentication and recording of the deed of sale
• Short-term escrow services
• Obtaining from the Internal Revenue Department an appraisal of the property purchased in order to ascertain the amount of transfer taxes to be paid
• Payment of taxes
• Recording of the deed of sale at the Registry of Titles
• Obtaining the Certificate of Title in the name of the buyer.

Not included in the fixed fee are transfer taxes (approx. 4.4% to 6.4% of appraised value), surveyor’s fees ($150+ depending on the size of the property) fees and expenses related to the representation of the client by power of attorney in case the client will not be present at closing ($250). Also, there is a cost of forming a Dominican corporation if you choose not to hold title in your own name.

The above Attorney fees and breakdown of closing costs was sent to me in an email back in 2007 from Mr. Fabio J. Guzman. Attorney Guzman is highly regarded and one of the most prominent lawyers in the Dominican Republic.

I believe that the Dominican real estate closing costs are still pretty consistent to Mr. Guzman’s 2007 estimates. If any of you local experts have different closing estimates please let all of us know! I think this should answer many of your concerns about at least one aspect of the buying process and procedure to own Sosua real estate.

If you have any legal real estate questions for Attorney Fabio Guzman you can send him an email at Fabio@DRLawyer.com or visit his website, www.DRLawyer.com.

If you local Dominican real estate professionals have anything to add or want to pitch your services here is your opportunity! Just respond in the comment box below and you will be heard!

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Discover Luperon…Affordable Dominican Real Estate!

In Luperon, a new development features spectacular ocean view lots for a reasonable price! Ocean Star Estates is a 43 acre residential housing development located on the North Coast of the Dominican Republic.

The ocean views from the new community is spectacular! There is beach access as well, every lot owner has deeded access to this beautiful, secluded beach. Of the 116 lots most of them are 1/4 to 1/2 acre. Lots range in price from $49,900 to $89,900, based on lot sizes and views.

About Luperon And Ocean Star Estates…

Ocean Star Estates consists of 116 beautiful residential lots; 3 areas reserved solely to maintain the lush green environment; 1 institutional area to be used for a first aid station and convenience facilities; 1 area for basketball courts, swimming pool and other recreational use; and 1 area for a multi-use clubhouse where residents and visitors can gather to socialize in the Caribbean atmosphere.

Luperon is a small village whose inhabitants survive on farming, fishing and tourism. Gregorio Luperón Puerto Plata International Airport is a 1-hour drive from the Ocean Star Estates development in Luperon. Luperon is located at the foot of a bay, in the province of Puerto Plata. The bay has fantastic beaches with golden sand and in milder summers the rest of the island is a paradise just waiting for you.

This may be just what you’ve been looking for or maybe its not. Do your research thoroughly before making a commitment to any real estate project. Its a huge decision so explore all your options.

If you have found a Dominican real estate project of interest share it with us!

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Here’s a few Dominican travel videos from YouTube. There is a never ending number of things to do when traveling and vacationing in the Dominican Republic. Explore your options and plan the best Dominican and Sosua travel ever.

The first video gives an excellent visual and good sense of how remarkable the Dominican Republic really is. Discover what many don’t know! There is so much to do and see on this absolutely amazing island.

Images of the Dominican Republic

More Images of the Dominican Republic

Video From the Department of Tourism - This is a promotional video clip created by the Department of Tourism. The video shows the beautiful places to go and things to do when visiting the Dominican Republic.

Development of Luxury Resorts in the Dominican Republic – A new Caribbean paradise?
NBC News’ Kerry Sanders reports on the development of luxury resorts in the Dominican Republic catering to well-heeled Americans & Europeans. Many property developers and investors from around the world are taking a close look at Dominican real estate.

Life In Sosua

Los Charamicos…The locals section of Sosua!

A Journey in Sosua

Beach Fun

A Little More About Sosua

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Discover Infiniti Blu…

Infiniti Blu is an ocean and beachfront Sosua real estate development in the village of Sosua. Phase one was built in 2007 and was priced in the low $200,000’s to over $400,000.

Infiniti Blu has been designed for the comfort, convenience and security of its residents as well as to offer an exclusive Caribbean real-estate investment opportunity.

This Sosua real estate community is on the beach known as Playa Imbert which is situated so close to the heart of town, yet is still a secret hideaway.

Infiniti Blu consists of approximately 5 acres of highly desirable ocean front property and is just a short walk from the center of Sosua and only 10 minutes from the airport at Puerto Plata!

This secure gated community combines spectacular views with a hi tech sophisticated infrastructure contained within European standard architectural detail.

Find out about phase two at Infiniti Blu and other Dominican real estate on my blog. Property in the Dominican Republic is easy to own and affordable to buy. Investors are beginning to take notice as Sosua real estate developments are selling faster than many other Caribbean locations.

There’s a lot going on in Sosua! So many beautiful well established real estate projects and new projects in the works. Do your research before buying the first property you see, my Dominican real estate blog is a good place to start.

How much are homes in Sosua? Below is a few examples of Sosua real estate prices!

Aqua Blue consists of 11 oceanfront apartments situated on a cliff and surrounded by two lagoons and is priced in the $400,000 range. Club Residencial has very nice condos  in the $70,000 price range located on the main street in the heart of Sosua. Club Residential features two pools, bar, laundry facilites, 24 hour electricity, air conditioning, cable TV, Internet, phone, reception office.

Galeria Luxury Beachfront Residences is very upscale and near Infinity Blu and located on the beach Between Casa Marina and the Sosua By The Sea resorts. Galeria has 14 units with 1, 2, and 3 bedroom condos. Pool, back up generator, private parking, satellite, cable TV, high speed Internet access. Prices start in the high $300,000’s.

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Banco Santa Cruz will open a savings account in U.S. currency. Checking accounts are only available in pesos.

• Banco Santa Cruz – 809-571-2222 – www.bancosantacruz.com
• Banco Popular – 809-571-2555 – www.bpd.com.do
• Banco De Reservas - 809-320-3407 -www.banreservas.com.do
• Banco Progresso – 809-571-2815 -www.progreso.com.do
• Banco Leon – 809-571-1204 -www.leon.com.do
• Scotiabank – 809-200-7268 – www.scotiabank.com

Safe Deposit Box
Banker Trust offers individual safe deposit boxes installed in a bank vault. Under the dual control of a two-key system, the boxes are protected by the same security measures and devices that guard most bank assets. For a small rental fee, you can choose a box in the size that meets your needs and gain access to it virtually any time during normal banking hours.
www.banker-trust.com.

More and more people are moving to Sosua and the north coast of the island because of the affordable Dominican real estate, cost of living and affordable health care. Explore the possibility of living in a tropical Caribbean environment and research your options.

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Originally a fishing village and small farming community, Sosua is on it’s way to becoming one the islands major tourist destinations. Many of the 20,000 residents are from all over the world including the United States, Canada, France, Germany and Italy. Spanish is the official language. English is widely spoken, especially in Sosua and Cabarete.

Discover the cheerful open-air bars, tropical hotels, dazzling shops, thrilling attractions, lively nightlife and Sosua Beach, the most dynamic beach in the Dominican Republic and according to many the most picturesque beach in the Greater Antilles.

If you planning your Sosua travel for some rest and relaxation or to explore the great Dominican real estate offerings with several new luxury developments you will want to make sure you do your homework first to ensure a memorable experience.

Information about the following Sosua hotels includes
slide videos of the grounds and accommodations…

Sosua Bay Hotel
I have stayed at Sosua Bay Hotel and can highly recommend it! This is an excellent resort and just steps from downtown and Sosua Beach. The food is very good for being an all inclusive resort. The rooms are modern and clean with air conditioning.

Hotel Overview

• Number of Floors: 4
• Elevators: Yes
• Number of Rooms: 193
• Year Built: 2002

Hotel Amenities

• Non-Smoking Rooms Available: Yes
• Room Service Available: Yes
• Room Service Hours: 24 Hours
• Babysitting Services Available: Yes
• Cribs Available: Yes, Complimentary
• 24-Hour Front Desk: Yes
• Wake Up Calls: Yes
• Concierge: Yes
• Porter/Bellhop Available: Yes
• Baggage Check Available: Yes, Complimentary
• Safety Deposit Box Available: Yes
• ATM Available: Yes
• Business Services On-Site: Yes, Internet access, fax, photocophies, meeting and conventions services.
• Laundry Service: Yes
• Self Parking: Yes
• Valet Parking: Yes

SOSUA BAY HOTEL SLIDE-VIDEO- 2007

Casa Marina Beach & Reef
All Inclusive Resort in Sosua…

Casa Marina Beach and Reef is an all inclusive resort built on a private reef. Wrapped on three sides by lush green mountains, Sosua Beach is a picture postcard with some of the bluest and calmest water in the Caribbean. 12 person cool water spas overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Casa Marina Beach and Reef offer 378 air conditioned rooms . All the rooms have balconies or patios with garden or ocean views.

Casa Marina offers plenty of activites to choose from. Some of the amenities iclude a beauty parlor, massage center, gift shop, car & motorcycle rental, tour desk, diving center, disco, 5 great open air restaurants, 4 all-inclusive bars, 3 cash bars, 3 freshwater pools, 2 kiddie pools, 3 jacuzzis, children’s game area, daily activities program, towels, chaises lounges, table games, tennis, table tennis, evening entertainment & shows, snorkeling, kayaking, sailing, pedal boats, body boards, windsurfing, scuba diving clinics, beach and pool volleyball, motorized water sports, mini market, daily tea time, Internet service, laundry service, aerobics, billiards and horseback riding. The resort is just a short 5 minute walk to downtown Sosua. Room amenities include air conditioning, full bathroom, safety deposit box, cable TV, telephone, terrace or balcony with pool, garden or ocean view.

Casa Marina Beach and Reef has the largest resort beachfront property in Sosua. Here is a slide video of the grounds, views, and beaches. The food and service is above average for an all-inclusive resort. There are several bars to get your free drinks without having to stand in a long line.

Piergiorgio Palace Hotel

The oceanfront Piergiorgio Palace Hotel is a Caribbean cliff-side resort in the heart of Sosua. It is considered to be Sosua’s most romantic spot on top a cliff with a steep ocean drop. Dozens of newlyweds pose in front of the white, oceanfront gazebo. The Caribbean sunset and panoramic views provide the perfect tropical setting. The front entrance replicates a gazebo and faces a dramatic marble staircase that ascends to the third-floor, Italianate penthouses with expansive sundecks. This Victorianesque inn is a tranquil oasis separated from its all-inclusive neighbors.

The Piergiorgio Palace Hotel is a Victorian-style resort with lush tropical surroundings and breathtaking sunsets. One of the best places in the world to celebrate anything! The famous La Puntilla de Piergiorgio restaurant offers a wide variety of gourmet Italian specialties.

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Victorian House
Victorian House is part of the Sosua Bay Hotel complex and is a plantation-style hotel in the heart os Sosua. The mansion showcases early 1900’s architecture, while offering modern resort-style facilities. Amenities include two outdoor swimming pools, in addition to four restaurants and five bars. Spa, yoga, massage, and child-care services are also available. English tea is served daily.

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Sosua By The Sea Boutique Beach Resort
Sosua By The Sea is next to the Casa Marina Beach and Reef Resort and just a five minute walk to the center of town. It is smaller than the Casa Marina Resort offering a very peaceful and comfortable Caribbean experience.

Sosua By The Sea has direct access to two beaches that are seperated by a reef. One of the beaches is shared with Casa Marina Resort and has public access from the street. The second beach is very quiet and a great spot to enjoy a good book or the peaceful sounds of the calm Atlantic. A buffet breakfast is included in your room rate. An all inclusive vacation is available but at an additional price. An all inclusive vacation limits your opportunity to experience the real Caribbean and enjoy the great restuarants and night life available in downtown Sosua.

Dominating a coral cliff jutting into the sea, Sosua by the Sea offers guests a restaurant, two bars, pool, sundeck, terrace, lounge chairs and parasols, gift shop, Internet/business center, beauty salon, a brand new fitness centre, tour desk, and a Padi Five Star Instructor Development Centre for scuba diving and watersports.

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