Bayahibe & Dominicus Guide

A small paradise on the Dominican sea. And how to make the most of it.

Bayahibe–Dominicus sits on the south-east coast of the Dominican Republic, an hour from Punta Cana and twenty minutes from La Romana. Quieter than the big resort strips, right by the country's best beach and a short hop from its most famous island. And it's home to Villa Bella. Here are the answers to what our guests ask us most.

• Charming Village Dominicus

  One step out of the gate and the village is at your feet: restaurants, cafés, boutiques and little minimarkets, all within walking distance.

• The Caribbean's First Blue-Flag Beach

  Eight easy minutes on foot and you're standing on Playa Dominicus: shallow turquoise water, white sand and a living reef right off the shore. No current, snorkel straight from the beach.

• Bayahibe & Isla Saona

  Eight minutes to the fishing village, its marina and the catamarans to Saona, the island from the postcards.

The Beach

Playa Dominicus: the Caribbean's first Blue-Flag beach

Playa Dominicus is one of the longest sandy beaches in the Dominican Republic and was the first beach in the entire Caribbean to be awarded the Blue Flag. It's loved for its shallow, turquoise water and fine white sand, with the lighthouse at the end of the bay as the backdrop.

A lush reef lies directly off the coast with no strong currents, so snorkeling and diving start right at the shore. Along the eastern, public end you'll find beach restaurants and a row of small artisan workshops. From Villa Bella it's eight easy minutes on foot.

The Village

Dominicus: restaurants, cafés and shops within walking distance

One step out of the Estrella Dominicus gate and the village is at your feet. The centre of Dominicus is a charming street full of restaurants, cafés and boutiques, with small minimarkets for everything you need on holiday. All a few minutes on foot from the villa.

For the ride into the village, to the beach or to a café, guests of Villa Bella have a free e-scooter. For anything further, Uber works brilliantly.

Bayahibe & Isla Saona

The fishing village and the boats to Saona

Eight minutes by car lies Bayahibe itself: a small fishing village with a marina, a beach and a handful of relaxed waterfront restaurants. This is where the catamarans and speedboats leave for Isla Saona, the postcard island of the Cotubanamá National Park. White sand, natural pools with starfish, and a whole day on the water.

Dive boats leave from the same pier for the reefs and wrecks along the coast. Bayahibe is one of the best-known dive spots in the country.

Beach Club

Esmeralda Beach Club, five minutes away

For a full beach day with sun loungers, daybeds, excellent food and cocktails, our guests have access to the private Esmeralda Beach Club on one of the region's most beautiful stretches of sand. Five minutes by car, kids stay free.

Where We Eat

Your hosts' favorite addresses

Tracadero Beach Club

Breathtaking ocean views. Our tip for a late breakfast or a long lunch right by the water.

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Onnos Bar & Restaurant

Relaxed, on Bayahibe's fisherman's beach: excellent pizza, tacos and cocktails, no reservation needed.

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Kukka Beach Restaurant

Romantic dinner at sunset with your feet in the sand. Ask for the candlelight table by the water.

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