Why Dominicus Should Be Your Next Getaway
- Jessica Vides
- May 17
- 5 min read
Updated: May 17
I’ve stayed in a lot of places in the Dominican Republic—from all-inclusive resorts to rentals. But this apartment in Dominicus, a quiet beach town near Bayahibe, just made it onto my “I’m coming back here” list.
Read to the end, to see how to get a discount on our favorite place in Dominicus!
It’s the kind of place that feels easy. Not just because it’s beautiful (though it is), but because everything is thoughtful. You can walk to coffee shops and restaurants. The beach is 10 minutes away. The pool? Often completely empty and just steps from your door.
Let me break down why I think this is such a solid choice—whether you’re planning a quiet getaway, a friends trip, or working remotely for a week or two.
If you already think this DIY travel is not your thing, check out our 5-day Bayahibe-Dominicus Itinerary. Plan less. Pay Less. Travel better.
3 Reasons I’d Stay Here Again (and Why You Might Want To, Too)
1. The Apartment Was Actually Better Than a Resort
The apartment we stayed in was part of a condo community called Estrella Dominicus. Each cluster of condos has its own pool, so it never felt crowded. Inside, the unit was beautifully furnished—luxurious, but practical.
We stayed in a beautiful 2 bedroom/2 bathroom condo. It had the most relaxing balcony with a comfortable sitting area that overlooks the pool. This property is great for a family with kids or a friends trip. The kids can enjoy the pool as you watch from the balcony. There was a washer/dryer combo, which came in handy! The kitchen had everything we needed and more!
There’s a water dispenser with ice, an espresso machine (major points), full kitchen with an air fryer, toaster, blender—you name it. A washer/dryer combo, beach towels, lounging furniture on the balcony, fast Wi-Fi, and strong A/C in every room. It’s clear the hosts thought of everything.
My favorite part? Drinking a cappuccino on the balcony, overlooking the pool, with birds chirping and palm trees swaying. No resort chaos. Just quiet mornings.
2. The Hosts Actually Live Here—and It Shows
Jarek and Karolina, the couple behind these rentals, live right in the area with their young son. They’re originally from Poland and fell in love with this part of the Dominican Republic—so much so that they’ve made it home.
That local connection makes a big difference. Jarek might be the one picking you up from the airport. He’ll arrange your massage, golf cart rental, or boat trip. He’s known around town and truly wants you to enjoy the area—not just check in and out.
They now manage 12 properties, in Dominicus and Bayahibe, ranging from 1–3 bedrooms. You can find two apartments in the same building, to book for a larger group. Whether you book through Airbnb or their personal website (where rates are often better), you’ll get that same personal attention.
3. You Can Do Everything—or Absolutely Nothing
We used the solar-powered golf cart one day to explore the neighborhood and grab dinner in Bayahibe, just a few minutes away. We also scheduled a massage in the apartment (only $40/hour!), and I have to say—Carmen might be the best therapist I’ve ever had. She brought the table, set up in the living room, and within minutes I felt like butter. Book her as soon as you arrive.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, there are excursions to Isla Catalina or Isla Saona, both famous for their turquoise waters and coral reefs. Or spend the day at the beach, just a 10-minute walk away.
Catalina Island
WHERE IS DOMINICUS?
Dominicus and Bayahibe sit on the southern coast of the Dominican Republic, near La Romana. Here’s how far it is from the major airports:
20 minutes from La Romana Airport (LRM)
45 minutes from Punta Cana (PUJ)
1.5 hours from Santo Domingo (SDQ)
WHY VACATION IN DOMINICUS?
Dominicus and Bayahibe are the perfect blend of laid-back beach town and coastal adventure hub. Spend your days lounging on white-sand beaches, snorkeling in turquoise waters, swimming in hidden freshwater caves, or setting off on island excursions to Catalina or Saona. When the sun sets, enjoy breezy dinners at local favorites like Onno’s or sip cocktails at the marina.
Dominicus is calm, quiet, and built for walking. No loud bars or clubs. Just cafes, mini markets, and relaxed restaurants. It’s also home to several resorts, so you’ll see other travelers, but the vibe stays low-key. There are many Europeans that have relocated here, and you feel that European vibe as you walk the streets.
Bayahibe, just 5 minutes away by car/golf cart, is a bit more lively, with more dining options and the main marina for boat excursions. Between the two towns, you get the best of both worlds.
This area offers the beauty of the Dominican Republic without the crowds—safe, scenic, and full of local flavor. Want the inside scoop on what to do, where to eat, and how to make the most of your stay? Grab our curated Dominicus-Bayahibe itinerary and start planning your getaway the easy way.
EXTRA PERKS THAT MAKE YOUR STAY EVEN BETTER IN DOMINICUS
You can book all of these directly through your host:
Massage in your apartment – $45/hour
Golf cart rental – $35/day
Car rental (SUV) – $40/day
Airport transfers – pricing varies
Excursions to Isla Catalina or Saona – pricing varies by group
Also included in most apartments:
Espresso machine
Air fryer, blender, toaster
Water & ice dispenser
Washer/dryer
Beach towels
Balcony seating
Pool access
Fast Wi-Fi & A/C in every room
Note: The price of electricity is not included in the stay. The host will provide you the amount that will be paid in cash at the end of the stay. This is based on the readings from the meter. It averages to about $5 USD per day. This is common for rentals in this area and Punta Cana because the cost of electricy is higher. This will help the guests to be more mindful of their electrical use as well (i.e, turning off the ACs when they leave the apartment).
THIS STAY IN DOMINICUS IS PERFECT FOR:
Families – You’ll have the space and convenience hotels just can’t offer.
Couples – It’s peaceful, romantic, and private.
Friend groups – Split the cost and relax together.
Remote workers/Digital nomads – Good internet + better weather.
I recommend staying at least 4–5 nights. A weekend isn’t long enough to fully enjoy the area—or the apartment. If you're thinking of doing a boat day, a beach day, and still want to relax a little, you'll want that extra time. Check out our 5-day itinerary here!
HOW TO BOOK THIS DOMINICUS CONDO - AND GET A DISCOUNT
Some of Jarek and Karolina’s properties are on Airbnb, but others are available directly through their official website.
Mention "Cliff and Cove" when you book for 5% off your stay.
Click here to see the listing of the property we stayed at and book
As the Polish saying goes, “Podróże kształcą.”Travel broadens the mind. After staying here, I’d say it also recharges the spirit.
DON'T KNOW WHERE TO START? WE'VE GOT YOU COVERED!
Dominicus and Bayahibe are full of hidden gems—but figuring out how to see it all can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve created a complete itinerary covering the must-see spots, where to eat, what to do, and the best places to stay.
We even included a bonus add-on for Casa de Campo and Altos de Chavón so you can explore beyond the beach.
Ready to plan your dream escape? Click here to get the full itinerary!
If you want help planning a custom trip for you and your friends or family, fill out our free vacation survey and let's see how we can help you plan the most amazing trip to the Dominican Republic!
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