An various to Punta Cana? That would possibly sound loopy, however there is a model new Dominican airport slated to open by the tip of 2025.
Scouring journey boards, there’s already pushback at simply the considered a Punta Cana dupe, particularly as Samana, Miches, and Puerto Plata inch nearer to changing into mainstream annually.
But the Pedernales Province is among the Dominican Republic’s final frontiers for tourism, and it may be off-putting to some merely due to its shut proximity to neighboring Haiti, which, it goes with out saying, isn’t precisely the postcard paradise it ought to be.
Home to gorgeous footprint-free shores, vibrant coastal villages, and much fewer crowds than Punta Cana’s flashy resorts, prefer it or not, Cabo Rojo is about to grow to be the Dominican Republic’s new trip hotspot as soon as the Pedernales International Airport cuts the blue ribbon by 12 months’s finish.
Pedernales: The D.R.’s Virtually Untouched Shores
Untouched Caribbean seaside? Now that is a promoting level Punta Cana cannot provide.
If there’s one declare to fame in Pedernales, it is Bahía de las Águilas, typically going neck and neck with Punta Cana’s Playa Bavaro because the nation’s most lovely seaside.
You’ll discover gleaming white sand and vibrant turquoise waters, besides there’s minimal growth right here, providing a greater expertise than Bavaro for individuals who don’t love crowds — however who does?
The gorgeous shores do not cease there, although. In reality, Bahía de las Águilas is probably going hard-pressed for opponents since this aspect of the D.R. is much less frequented by vacationers, typically seen as extra of a tight-lipped native escape.
One such place is Playa Blanca, a secret hideaway boasting epic sunsets and solely has opinions from locals (all however one is an ideal 5-star score by the best way).
Another is Playa Cabo Rojo within the city of the identical title the place the brand new airport is situated. Local patrons declare to benefit from the ‘crystal clear waters ‘ and shut entry to close by sights — to not point out ‘mushy white sand’ and utterly trash-free regardless of an absence of infrastructure being so remoted.
Most overseas vacationers have but to find the spectacular shores close to Cabo Rojos, however that is anticipated to alter in 2026 with way more enticements than simply the area’s flawless seashores (aside from an occasional sargassum invasion).
Genuine Culture & Jaw-Dropping Nature
While there are a couple of unfavorable features of Punta Cana, equivalent to the costs for all-inclusives being greater than affordable, it lacks tradition.
From what I noticed on my journey, Punta Cana has grow to be a vacationer haven solely for its astounding seashores, posh resorts, and seductive trip dwelling market, whereas the tradition is left to locations like bustling Santo Domingo.
That’s not the case for Cabo Rojo, the place Punta Cana’s curated experiences far outweigh any cultural delights you would possibly discover elsewhere.
That’s to not say there is not a slight touristy vibe, although. Just final fall, Port Cabo Rojo was accomplished, making it extra interesting to cruisers to disembark and discover the area.
The city’s aim is to draw 150,000 cruise passengers in 2025, with no telling what number of extra air vacationers are available in 2026 as soon as phrase spreads of this up-and-coming Dominican gem.
With such lush nature like Jaragua National Park, Cabo Rojo National Wildlife Refuge and the breathtaking Oviedo Lagoon (inside Jaragua) with scenic boat excursions and extra flamingos than a Tommy Bahama shirt, it is easy to see why the Dominican authorities selected this area to showcase.
The Pro Pedernales Tourism Project: Name-Brand Hotels & New Airport
Information relating to which airways will serve Pedernales International Airport stays a thriller at this level, however given how the D.R. has been a raging success ever for the reason that pandemic, it could be stunning if no U.S. airways had been among the many first to affix in.
What we do know is that the airport will open by the tip of the calendar 12 months, and if it is something like Tulum’s extremely anticipated opening, airways will trickle in month after month, creating a brand new Caribbean trip hotspot.
As for inns, there’s much more info with confirmed commitments from family names.
Last winter, it was confirmed such manufacturers as Hyatt and Iberostar are set to develop new properties right here with the aim to make Pedernales the Dominican’s subsequent ‘luxurious vacationer vacation spot’.
But if you would like to get a head begin in your trip earlier than the crowds take over sooner or later, TripAdvisor at the moment ranks Hotel Pedernales Italia as the highest keep.
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