The Rebirth of Juan Dolio

The Rebirth of Juan Dolio

Children and adults alike were in awe as giant machines spit out tons of sand onto Juan Dolio beach in 2007. The rebirth of the beach, which goes for 2.5 mi, has led to the rebirth of the entire resort area, which has been targeted by the tourism authority as a site for first-class resorts and amenities.

The project needed the cooperation and funds from the private sector, and members of the Association for Tourism Development of Juan Dolio cooperated. Steven Ankrom, director of sales for Metro Group, a pioneer in upscale development in Juan Dolio, explained: "The beach is breathtaking now, particularly in front of the Costa del Sol condominiums. The government obliged by allowing local resorts to declare any sand above the high-water line to be private, meaning guests can sunbathe free of vendors and hair-braiders."

For families, the increase in the number of luxury condominums has been a big hit. The proximity to Santo Domingo (about 45 minutes away) and Las Américas International Airport (20 minutes away) means convenience. Retirees are drawn by the good prices and low insurance rates.

The Metro Group, headed up by visionary Dr. Luis Jose Asilis, was the first investment team willing to take a chance with major projects here, including the 18-hole Los Marlins Golf Course and adjacent Metro Country Club, which are now surrounded by luxury homes and apartments. Guavaberry Country Club has followed with its own course and country club, positioning the area as a golf destination, and not just for the capitaleños. The Embassy Suites, which is adjacent to Metro Country Club, was built in 2003 in part to offer good lodging for visiting golfers, as well as prospective real estate buyers.

Now the condo and condo-hotel construction is going full tilt. Metro Group opened their Costa del Sol condominiums in 2006, built from the shell of the former Metro Hotel. Their success has been a catalyst for further building. Next to Costa del Sol is Starfish Resorts' Club Hemingway, a mix of new construction and a total renovation of a preexisting hotel. Across the street from Hemingway's is a sister property, Coral Park, which offers tasteful two- and three-bedroom condos, nearly 50% of which are available for vacation rental. Other resorts are being built, including Maxim's Bungalows, which was slated at this writing to open in 2008. Another bourgeoning area is Guayacanes, just west of Juan Dolio, where the trendy restaurant Aura still dazzles. Las Olas, Metro's newest dream project with 16 floors and 227 apartments, is being built next door. Two miles farther east Metro is also building the Costa Blanca development.