Ranking The Top 7 Emerging Markets in DR 🇩🇴

In partnership with

In this edition of the Grubernation Weekly Newsletter:

• My Top 7 Emerging Markets in DR 🇩🇴

• Jarabacoa Like You’ve NEVER Experienced It!

• Warren Buffet’s SHOCKING Advice for Investing in DR

Need a real estate attorney? Complete this quick form and get access to mine. This has been a TOP REQUEST of Grubernation recently so feel free to connect with him and see if he’s right for you!

My Top 7 Emerging Markets in Dominican Republic

I’ve recently gone on record in my content sharing a specific market that I believe is the ‘next big thing’ in Dominican Republic.

That market is Miches.

If not familiar this is an area 1-2 hours (depending on your DR driving skill 😄 ) from Punta Cana south of the Samana Peninsula. See the image below…

SIDE NOTE - I’m ALL IN on Miches. There’s a likely project coming that I’m working to partner on with land lots for around $20,000 for a 350 sq meter lot! This isn’t complete yet but if you want to get on the wait list for it, fill out this form. Please just be sure you are able/willing to invest.

Today, I thought I’d explain why this is my top emerging market but also share 6 other markets and how I would rank all 7.

Here are two things I want you to remember:

1. I see ALL 7 of these markets as good investments for the future. 1 is ‘get in now’ and 7 is ‘get in soon’ - keep that in mind before I get angry emails!

2. I believe Punta Cana, Juan Dolio, Cabarete, Puerto Plata and other areas that have already ‘emerged’ still have tremendous upside for those that buy and hold long term

Here’s the ranking for TLDR - more info on each location is below (including some REALLY cool info on a Miches project):

1. Miches

2. Las Terranas

3. Pedernales

4. Cabrera/Rio San Juan

5. Las Galeras

6. Barahona

7. Punta Rucia

Let’s dive deeper:

#1: Miches

Here are the facts about Miches:

• Secrets has an all inclusive resort in Miches

• Dreams has an all inclusive resort in Miches

• Hilton is finishing up a hotel project in Miches

• Four Seasons has a project under way in Miches

The Four Seasons project is 25 luxury residences and a 95 room hotel. The starting price for the residences is aroun $4 million USD and the rooms are projected to be between $1500-$2500/night and up.

Here’s the ‘on good authority’ rumor:

• An airport is coming to Miches

On ‘decent’ authority, the airport may be run and owned by Grupo Punta Cana. That’s significant to me since they own and operate Punta Cana Airport.

Those in the know are aware of the push from a rival family of Grupo Punta Cana to open ‘Aeropuerto Internacional Bavaro’, and some are still in the delusion that this project could come to fruition.

It won’t.

The Supreme Court even shot it down.

If there’s a major administration change, if there’s more synergy amongst the powers that be in the family I referenced and if Grupo Punta Cana doesn’t already have the favor of whoever is running the country - then maybe.

But the more likely and seemingly imminent scenario is Miches having an airport owned and operated by Grupo Punta Cana.

There’s the airplane Airbnb project being led by Sergio Carlo, land development projects being launched and much much more.

To be clear, Miches growth with proximity to Punta Cana is further fuel for Macao, Cortecito/Corrales and other areas in between.

The Daily Newsletter for Intellectually Curious Readers

Join over 4 million Americans who start their day with 1440 – your daily digest for unbiased, fact-centric news. From politics to sports, we cover it all by analyzing over 100 sources. Our concise, 5-minute read lands in your inbox each morning at no cost. Experience news without the noise; let 1440 help you make up your own mind. Sign up now and invite your friends and family to be part of the informed.

Join for free today!

#2: Las Terranas

This is the one market on the list that is the most ‘emerged’ on the scale of ‘emerging’.

I’m a HUGE fan of Las Terranas. It’s my favorite beach vacation in DR (away from the beach vacation destination I live in 🤷‍♂️ )

While LT has seen massive development and has an established town and decent level of infrastructure, there’s still a TON of room to grow.

I have it at number 2 only because it has come a long way already.

The average 2 bedroom condo price in Las Terranas is between $200,000 and $250,000 USD which is much further along than any other location on this list.

In fact, it’s hard to get data on the average price of a 2 bedroom condo in the other 6 locations.

Some say Las Terranas is already too expensive .. I would smile and nod at those people, because they also may have severed heads in their freezer.

They’re insane!!

Or at least totally unaware of the upside value of that area.

Buy, wait 5 years and then laugh at them (from a distance .. you don’t want to be the next head in the freezer 😬 .

#3: Pedernales

If you follow me, you know I haven’t explored the south much at all.

It doesn’t mean I’m not watching!!

Pedernales is up and coming and has TREMENDOUS potential.

Starting with the massive investment in eco-tourism, ports and infrastructure there including the Cabo Rojo project.

In fact, the Cabo Rojo International Airport is underway, to my understanding, which will definitely create massive tourist inflows for that area as time goes on.

This is also essentially the home of Bahia de la Aguilas - a spot I still need to visit but enough of you have told me how amazing it is andI’ve seen videos and photos - I have zero doubt this is a gem of gems in the Caribbean.

The surrounding infrastructure keeps this below Miches and Las Terranas for now but I look at these top 3 as 1, 1a, 1b more than a clear 1, 2, 3.

With Iberostar and Hyatt making MASSIVE investments in Pedernales, this is for sure a top spot.

Again, the only thing keeping it a little lower for me is existing infrastructure.

In addition, the rumored airport in Miches (good rumor) and who’s running it AND the proximity to Punta Cana which is created by the owners of what will be PUJ and Miches International (or whatever it’s called) is just a perfect synergy.

#4: Rio San Juan/Cabrera

Marky Mark and DJ Khaled - nuff said!

Mark Wahlberg famously filmed a movie in DR and then purchased a mansion in Cabrera after.

DJ Khaled went viral for all of his posts playing Playa Grande golf course and hanging around Rio San Juan.

These areas are growing, they're close enough to Puerto Plata for easy access from the airport, the road there is good enough and goes through some beautiful little towns as you ride along the coast (can you tell I love that drive?) and they benefit as an expansion of what the north shore has to offer.

Both towns are seeing luxury development along their waterfronts including Hillside Villas and Ocean Estates in RSJ, and Orchid Bay and Sea Tree in Cabrera.

From my time there, some comforts like supermarkets and other amenities are limited but these towns benefit from their placement on the north shore and the surrounding infrastructure.

#5: Las Galeras

We’re headed back to the north for my 5th emerging market, and that’s Las Galeras.

Right now, it’s a sleepy town with some boutique restaurants, some really nice luxury airbnb’s and not much else.

That said, the Samana highway being completed creates such easy access and only one hour away from Las Terranas.

The airport in Samana will at some point grow, but hasn’t quite done that yet, so Santo Domingo and a 2-3 hour drive is still the most efficient way to get here.

But Las Galeras will inevitably get attention as Las Terranas continues it’s rapid developemnt.

For now, LT sucks all the air out of the room in Samana but not for long, in my humble opinion.

Keep your eyes on Las Galeras - mark my words!!

#6: Barahona

Let’s go south again.

Barahona is considered the ‘pearl of the south’ and has a bunch of things coming.

• A road upgrade contract was awarded by the Dominican government

• The malecon is set for development with a $120m USD investment

• The Maria Montez airport has plans for expansion and updating

• The port rehabilitation plans include welcoming cruise ships

There’s a lot to like about what’s happening there.

Simliar to Pederanales, surrounding infrastructure and access keeps some north shore towns ahead.

And to be honest, I believe we’re getting into the ‘soon’ territory at this point in my ranking vs. the ‘now’.

In my mind, the government is promising infrastructure updates in Punta Cana which are needed given the rapid growth.

Miches, Las Terranas and Pedernales are showing massive traction with airports in the discussion for all.

Barahona will have it’s day - but it may be more tomorrow than today when I compare and analyze it against the top 3-4.

The government is biting off more than it can chew and while individual projects will be run privately, the reliance on government providing surrounding infrastructure limits the ranking a bit.

That said, rememder my caveat - this is a good place to look (from my perspective) for those wanting to catch fire with their investment. I believe a ton in this area.

#7 Punta Rucia (Rusia)

People spell it two different ways - so I included both (I’ve received passionate notes on why it’s a c and others saying why it’s an s) - it doesn’t really matter!

Punta Rucia is too gorgeous not to be on the minds of developers in the future.

This area sits between Monte Cristi and Puerto Plata and doesn’t have much going on at the moment.

Someone said that about Punta Cana 25 years ago too!

Remember a little thatched roof airport in PC? I do!!

If you haven’t been recently, get your walking shoes on at PUJ - it’s a BEAST!

Punta Rucia will be there.

Two things hold it back right now and push it to the bottom of the list:

1. Land rights issues - there were many plots of land sold in the past few years only to find out the buyers may have bought something they don’t actually own. This is an area of the country where surveys and robust documentation is not the norm, so you really need to be mindful when buying there right now.

2. Ease of access - similar to what I’ve said about the south, Punta Rucia is not as easily accessible as the top 4 on this list and is more in line with what you’d find in the south .

But remember this - there’s only so much coast line in this country and tons of demand for access to it.

Punta Rucia will have it’s day. Just be mindful of the land issues there right now!

Ok - that’s the perspective from someone with limited intelligence.

Now let’s see what artificial intelligence says!

ChatGPT was asked ‘please rank these 7 markets in Dominican Republic based on best future investment upside’

And it/he/she said..

1. Las Terrenas: A well-established market with a robust tourism sector, offering a diverse range of properties and strong infrastructure.​

2. Miches: An emerging destination with significant planned developments, including luxury resorts and improved infrastructure, indicating high growth potential.​

3. Río San Juan/Cabrera: These neighboring towns are experiencing increased interest due to their natural beauty and growing real estate market, offering opportunities for investment in a developing area.​

4. Las Galeras: Known for its pristine beaches and eco-tourism appeal, this area offers investment opportunities in a tranquil setting.​

5. Pedernales: With government-backed tourism projects and infrastructure improvements underway, Pedernales shows promise for future growth, though current development is still in progress.​

6. Barahona: While boasting natural attractions and some development initiatives, Barahona's real estate market remains less active compared to other regions.​

7. Punta Rucia: A serene coastal area with limited large-scale development, offering a more niche investment opportunity.

Let’s compare and contrast:

Looks like we mostly agree but we’re a bit off on Pedernales!

What are your thoughts?

My ranking or ChatGPT’s? Or maybe something completely different!!

Jarabacoa Like You’ve NEVER Seen It Before

This week, I had the privilege of staying in The Domes Jarabacoa.

Let me get to the point - book and go!!!!

If you’ve been to Jarabacoa, you know that it is a mountain oasis in the middle of a country known for its white sand and blue water.

The views from the mountains, the hustle of the town, the food and beverage options are just wow!!

After nearly 10 trips to the middle of the country, I’m sharing my idea itinerary for you to simply copy and enjoy.

Itinerary:

• Book 3-5 days at The Domes Jarabacoa

  • Room rates range from $240-$395/night USD

  • The family dome has a second floor for the kids!

• Rent a 4×4 SUV

  • To climb the montains and get over the speed bumps

  • Don’t worry - plenty of parking!

• Places to Eat

  • Cafe Colao is a must - a favorite lunch spot for us

  • Pele is a great dinner spot

  • Vista Del Campo is your mountain restaurant

  • Corazon for ribs and bbq

  • Altavista may be an option - hit or miss

  • La Tinaja for banana bread and carrot cake

  • Helados Ivon for ice cream

• Things to Do

  • Walk around downtown - tip the amateur photographers for a shot with umbrellas - you won’t regret it

  • Go paragliding off the mountains (if you dare!)

  • Check out Salto Jimenoa Dos - waterfalls and rivers!

  • Playground at the edge of town has a nice river walk behind it

  • Go to Jamaca de Dios restaurant and MAYBE get a drink and take in the views - do NOT order food 🤮 

The key to this whole town is to chill. Pay an extra 1000 pesos to the staff at the Domes to prepare food for you and hang in the hot tub on the mountain.

For someone living here, it’s exciting to have to put on a hoodie for a cool spring like night! What a break from the heat!

Listen, many will tell you about a place that’s EVEN better than Jarabacoa, or wonder if the Domes are the right spot to stay.

The reason I’m so high on the Domes is because of the level of service they provide. For you and me, who have an expectation from our experience in the US when we stay in a nice hotel or Airbnb, your expectations will be exceeded here.

I have stayed at AMAZING Airbnb’s and have thought ‘good thing this has a view’ - to give you an idea of the frustration.

The itinerary above assumes a really nice stay and spending some money - so I don’t make these recommendations lightly.

Trust El Gringo, or El Calvito - whatever you’d like to call me 😄 

This is your ideal itinerary - and Jarabacoa has no match (don’t let anyone sway you!)

Here are some images to prove it…

And for those who think I was paid for this big endorsement - you’re wrong. I was given a free night in the smallest dome. By now I hope you know .. $240 is not enough for me to sell my soul 😉 

Warren Buffet’s SHOCKING Advice for Investing in DR

In this video, I’m breaking down the BEST advice for your investment in DR delivered by the Oracle himself!

If you’re looking to buy here, please do all the research you can - including this video.

And if you need some help with a trusted real estate agent, happy to provide if you simply fill out this form.

Off to Cotui on Saturday - I’ll have LOTS to report I’m sure next week. Until then!!