The September 21, 1998 issue of Forbes Magazine said, “The Dominican Republic set out in the early 1990’s to remake itself, reform its government, modernize its institutions and open its economy.  Now, just a few years later, a new generation of leaders has determined that the Dominican Republic can change and compete in the global economy of the 21st century.  Foreign direct investment has grown from $91 million USD in 1993 to an estimated over $1 billion USD in 2005 and is still growing.  The Dominican Republic has obtained the highest growth rate of all Latin America for the past decade, averaging 8% annually, while sustaining one of the lowest levels of inflation. 

Yet, the lure of the Dominican Republic is not just the beautiful beaches, the crystal clear water, the luxurious tropical breezes, and all the other images that come to mind when you think of the Caribbean.  Offshore investors are discovering this country and many are calling it the best investment opportunity of the new millennium.  With tax free banking, almost non-existent property taxes, and the ability to live comfortably on less than $3,000 a month, the area has a healthy economy and clear laws that stand up for freedom of speech, religion, property, and other rights that are fundamental to any democracy.  This is a country in which it is safe to visit, invest, and live. 

From its conception, Punta Perla, literally “Pearl Point”, has been carefully planned to become one of the premier resorts in the Caribbean and will evolve into a first class living and vacation experience.  Conservation and sustainability are at the heart of plans for a luxurious new golf, marina, and spa resort development under construction in the Dominican Republic. 

Punta Perla is situated on the Eastern tip of the Dominican Republic in the established area of Punta Cana, and the site overlooks the Mona Passage, where the Caribbean meets the Atlantic Ocean.  The master plan shows approximately 8,000 homes, ranging from golf villas and village townhouses to beach apartments and multi-million dollar luxury mansions.  Carefully integrated into the natural environment, the low-density developments are set among lush landscaped gardens with extensive parkland and a series of private clubs and facilities.

Set in approximately ten million square miles of natural, prime Caribbean real-estate, Punta Perla offers the last beachfront development opportunity of this size in the popular Punta Cana region.  For 40 miles, the Caribbean and Atlantic mingle and pearl white sands are shaded by coconut trees.  Exotic, tropical and totally natural, Punta Cana is a nature lover’s paradise.  Spanish is the official language, but English is widely spoken, especially in the resort areas.  The average annual temperature is in the high 70’s Fahrenheit and the area receives approximately 60 inches of rainfall annually. 

Punta Perla is in line to be granted a unique tax free shopping license which will attract high end retail companies, chic restaurants, and exclusive bars to provide the very best of day and night entertainment.  The resort will also include Beach, Yacht, and Golf Clubs, elegant boutiques and restaurants, a world-class spa, tennis, and swimming facilities, deep sea fishing, equestrian facilities, championship polo club, and a casino. 

The Dominican Republic’s Latin style is a sharp, yet warm, contrast to the character of many nearby islands, especially the British and French-influenced ones.  This mood of easy living is reflected in both the local music and cuisine.  The music is meringue… an infectious sound and rhythm created around 1844 which combines maracas, tambora, Spanish guitar, African drums, and the German accordion with jazz influencing the evolution of meringue.  And, while the finest European cuisine is available at restaurants within Punta Perla, residents will be attracted to the variety of delicious local favorites… strawberries, lobster, mahi-mahi, and swordfish, as well as rice, beans, plantains, goat meat, and an assortment of soups and stews. 

Few beaches in the world can compare to the almost two miles of beach at Punta Perla which averages a 200 foot band of brilliant white sand along its entire length.  The sea glistens with every blue and green imaginable and bathers can wade out for many hundreds of feet without losing depth.  Some of the most exclusive properties on Punta Perla are sited along this beachfront, where prices for lots alone exceed one million US dollars. 

Yet, Punta Perla has also been carefully designed as an ecologically responsible community, one of the first resorts in the world to proactively nurture, protect, and improve its natural environment.  Low density development not only minimizes the impact on the flora and fauna at Punta Perla, it also ensures that residents will enjoy a tranquil ambiance and the entire property will retain a sense of exclusivity.  To promote ecological conservation, the developers are planting thousands of additional indigenous palm trees and relocating to a special nursery many of the trees and bamboo already growing on the site so that they can be conserved to line roadways, provide shade on the golf courses, and create decorative gardens while enhancing the natural habitats for birds and other wildlife. 

A key aspect to the developer’s plans is low-density population with only 11 people per acre all set in over 2,500 acres.  In addition, there will be three signature golf courses, one designed in association with Colin Montgomerie, four five-star hotels, an international spa, and around 60 restaurants.  At the heart of the development is La Marina de Punta Perla, a harbor equivalent in size to Puerto Banus, playground to the rich and famous in southern Spain. 

The benefits and beauty of Punta Perla are endless.  With the stunning canvas of the land and surroundings, the developer’s unique vision and a dream team of the world’s leading construction experts, Punta Perla is sure to become a new generation of property investment.  Come and escape the ordinary, savor the sand, and lose yourself in luxury. 
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