About the Dominican Republic

Christopher Columbus first set foot on the island of Hispaniola in 1492 and declared it “the fairest land under heaven” and many would claim this is still true today!

These days the island of Hispaniola is divided into two countries with Haiti to the west and The Dominican Republic to the east. When you first visit the Dominican Republic, the first thing that strikes you is its size. This is not just another tiny Caribbean island with a beach and a handful of gift shops. Instead, it's a big country with spectacularly varied scenery that includes the tallest mountains in the region, stretches of white sand that run unbroken for miles, tropical rain forests and the Caribbean's oldest and, some claim, most cosmopolitan city, Santo Domingo.

The main currency is the Dominican Peso but you will also find US Dollars are accepted in all the tourist areas.

With its historical links to the Spanish Empire, it’s no surprise that the native language is Spanish, however it is very common to hear the local people conversing with tourists in English, German, French and Italian.

And yet The Dominican is one of the Caribbean's more undiscovered locations. At least that's been the case until recently, when the Dominican Republic's government began splashing its assets around the world in colorful television and print advertisements. Dominican officials seem determined to elevate the country's name on the list of Caribbean vacation spots. Evidence of their work is already visible throughout the country. Visitor numbers are rising along with the construction of new resorts. There's also been an increase in visits by cruise ships to the ports of Santo Domingo, Puerto Plata and La Romana. Other improvements can be traced to the pursuit of tourism income: Many of the country's roads have been widened and paved, and historic areas in the major cities have been renovated. The growth in the property market on the island is particularly visible along the picturesque north coast from Puerto Plata to Cabarete. Many visitors and investors compare the area with Spain twenty-five years ago.

Sosua Info

Sosua is a town full of great places to dine and visit and is made up of many ex-pats from all over the world and the local Dominican population. Depending on the time of year, it can be a very busy tourist destination. Then it becomes even more alive! Both the local Dominican and ex-pat community (who run several businesses in the area) welcome tourists with open arms. Sosua’s main beach is over 1 kilometer long; it has many shops, bars and restaurants and is world famous for diving and snorkeling on its reef.

Cabarete Info

Stretched along the C-5 highway between the beach and lagoon that bear its name, Cabarete is a crowded international enclave that owes its existence almost entirely to windsurfing and, more recently, kite surfing. Cabarete now hosts the annual championships. The world famous Kite Beach has ideal conditions for the sport, and the multicultural cross-section of its aficionados attracts a growing community from across the globe.

Puerto Plata Info

Puerto Plata is a vibrant Dominican town of 200,000 that's well worth exploring for its historic architecture and nightlife. Its core, the Old City, borders the port to the east, and consists of a narrow grid of streets that was once the swankiest neighbourhood in the country. Around the original town sprawls a patchwork maze of industrial zones and concrete barrios known as the New City, formed over the past century with the growth of the town's industry. Puerto Plata is the place to visit for a true taste of Dominican life and culture.

Sosua People, Places and Services

The following are some of the great people, places and services you can find in and around Sosua. We would like to stress that these are NOT paid advertisments, they are venues and services that we personally use and are very happy to recommend!

The Emily Watson School of Dance

Offering classes in Ballet, Tap, Modern, hip hop, musical theatre and Latin rhythms. Classes are held in the beautiful Sosua Ocean Village complex. Contact Emily on 809 777 1290 for details       http://www.emilywatsonschoolofdance.com/

Helping Hands, Sosua

For all your home and garden needs, fumigation, window cleaning, garden maintenance etc. Look no further than Helping Hands for a reliable, no-nonsense service contact helpinghandssosua@hotmail.com or phone 809-571-4481 or cel: 829-787-4629

The Cigar Hut

For the widest selection of cigars at the best value prices, contact http://www.cigarsforless.com
We would like to thank Jim Bullen of The Cigar Hut for all his help in setting up the Watson Homes website.

Greg's Garage

For all your vehicle maintenance and repairs. Greg can also provide you with assistance when you need to purchase a used vehicle. He will escort you around the area's motor dealers, carry out a thorough examination of any car you are interested in and help you negotiate a fair price.

Contact Greg on 809 5711998 or 1-809 8531970

http://ws.greggarage.com/greggarage.com

The Britannia Bar

"The Brit Bar" as it's known locally is home to Sosua's ex-pat community. Great happy hours, great food and great service make this the most popular spot in town! All the staff will make you feel right at home the minute you walk through the door.  www.britanniasosua.com

Baileys Bar & Restaurant

Baileys Bar and Restaurant, where service comes with a smile every single time. With an extensive menu and a coctail list as long as your arm, this is a great place to eat or just sit with a long cold drink and watch the world go by.

Need a taxi?

Look no further! Jose Ciriaco is your man! Whether you need an airport transfer if you're looking for an excursion to Puerto Plata or Santiago. Jose speaks excellent English and with a smile that's as broad as his knowledge of the island.

Call Jose on 1-809 7870856

Car Hire

If you want to have the freedom to get out and about and explore the island for yourself, then why not hire your own vehicle? For reliable vehicles at affordable prices call Wendy or Jose on 809 5714672