Timeshares in The Dominican Republic: Compare and Buy

As one of the most popular tourism destinations in the Caribbean, it should come as no surprise to learn that there are quite a few timeshares in the Dominican Republic. With almost twenty miles of beautiful beaches, Punta Cana’s natural beauty attracts thousands of tourists each year. Here are some of the best Punta Cana timeshares, along with tips on how to make the most of your next trip.

How Timeshares in the Dominican Republic Work

For most of our readers, the Dominican Republic is an international destination. That means you’re likely to encounter right-to-use timeshares rather than deeded ownership. This isn’t a guarantee: foreign entities can own real estate in the Dominican Republic, so you may encounter other ownership models. Be sure to check the contract!

Many timeshares in the Dominican Republic are all-inclusive. This means that food, beverages, and select amenities are included in your stay. However, this also means you’ll need to pay an all-inclusive fee. The exact amount varies from resort to resort, but it’s usually worth it: you’ll likely save money on food and drink by going all-inclusive, and food safety standards at resorts are likely better than what you’d find at independent restaurants in the region.

Timeshares in The Dominican Republic: Bahia Principe Punta Cana

The Bahia Principe Punta Cana is a massive, multi-resort complex that offers something for everyone. Are you looking for an adults-only, all-inclusive sanctuary? They’ve got that. Do you want to go on an island adventure with your family? They have that too. This place is like the Disney World of Caribbean Resorts, complete with a castle!

Each section of the Bahia Principe complex caters to a different audience. If you’re travelling with kids, the Bahia Principe Fantasia offers family-friendly accommodations in a whimsical atmosphere. You’ll find three castles here, which house things like a kids’ club and a gourmet steak house.

Travelers looking to relax will love Bahia Principe Luxury Ambar, an adults-only all-inclusive resort with swim-up suites and a private beach. This is an 18+ only area, so you don’t need to worry about any excitable kids. It’s all vibes here.

The resort features a variety of delicious dining options, such as Nomad, which specializes in Mongolian cuisine. Privilege Club members get priority reservations, premium alcohol selections, and a complimentary dish at specialty restaurants, making a stay at Bahia Principe a feast for all the senses.

Timeshares in The Dominican Republic: Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Club at Puerto Plata

Ordinarily, when we talk about vacation villas, we’re referring to spacious, condo-style accommodations in a resort. They’re wonderful places to stay, but the villa nomenclature is a bit of marketing. That is, unless you’re at the Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Club at Puerto Plata. Because when they say they have villas, they really mean it.

Villas at LHVC are large, standalone units with full kitchens and multiple bedrooms. Many of them also feature private pools and outdoor seating areas. Each villa is well-appointed and tastefully decorated, with high ceilings and multiple floors. Of course, if you’re looking for a more intimate getaway, LHVC Puerto Plata also has beautiful suites.

Feeling hungry? This all-inclusive experience features over twenty restaurants, from international buffets to charming coffee houses. You can even request a private chef if you’re staying in a villa. There are also nightclubs, theaters, private beaches, and excursions out into the surrounding area.

The catch? Many of the best perks are reserved for Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Club VIPs. That is to say, timeshare owners. Buying a membership will net you access to exclusive bars, restaurants, beaches, and entertainment. But how exactly does LHVC membership work?

A Non-Traditional Timeshare

The Lifestyle Holidays Vacation Club doesn’t operate on a points model or a weeks model. Instead, membership gives you unlimited weeks with no maintenance fees. In exchange, you pay a booking fee per week and an all-inclusive fee per day. This makes the long-term value proposition somewhat tricky to calculate. However, as so many of the resort’s amenities and restaurants are reserved for VIPs, anyone interested in staying at an LHVC location would benefit from a membership.

Timeshares in The Dominican Republic: Paradisus Palma Real

The Paradisus Palma Real in Punta Cana is one of the most highly rated resorts in the Caribbean. Operated by Melia Hotels, Paradisus is an all-inclusive golf and spa resort that’s perfect for both families and adult travelers. You can conquer the 72 holes of golf, dine on fine cuisine, enjoy kid-friendly activities, or just unwind in their adults-only enclave.

The Reserve is Paradisus’s private, 18+ area, and offers an elevated experience for travelers seeking the ultimate in relaxation. The Reserve offers a private check-in and check-out experience, as well as exclusive areas within the resort. You can relax by the pool, enjoy complimentary snacks and drinks at the lounge, or even dine at Santé, a Reserve exclusive restaurant. The 24-hour concierge service can connect you with special excursions, like glamping, catamaran cruises, and exclusive yoga classes. Best of all, excursions are part of the all-inclusive experience!

Timeshares in The Dominican Republic: Tan Resorts Marina Cap Cana

Formerly known as the Sports Illustrated Resorts Marina & Villas Cap Cana, this beautiful Caribbean retreat is a paradise for anglers. Marina Cap Cana is known for billfishing, a type of sportfishing focused on species like the blue marlin and sailfish. Anglers from around the world travel here in search of these elusive fish, and Tan Resorts Marina Cap Cana is the perfect place to kick back after a long day at sea.

Of course, this isn’t just a fishing resort. Tan Resorts have ditched most of the sport-focused branding in favor of a more vibrant, Caribbean vibe. There’s fine dining, easy beach access, and all sorts of activities and attractions. Though the athletic types can still enjoy the modern fitness center, tennis and volleyball, and nearby golf courses.

Dominican Republic Travel Tips: How to Get Lower Rates

Travelling to timeshares in the Dominican Republic requires some special considerations, thanks to their all-inclusive nature. While your timeshare will cover the cost of accommodations, you’ll still need to pay all-inclusive fees to cover food and activities. These vary by resort and season. Peak tourism season in the Dominican Republic runs from December through April, during the dry season. You can get a lower rate if you visit during the shoulder seasons of April through May or in November.

Late summer through early fall is the off-season in the Dominican Republic. The island of Hispaniola lies in one of the main tracks for hurricanes and tropical storms. Even in years where the worst storms avoid the island, you’ll run into rain bands and gusts of wind that can put a damper on outdoor activities. Still, if you don’t mind the risk of inclement weather, the off-season can be a great time to travel.

International Travel Tips

International visitors to the Dominican Republic need a valid passport to enter, though tourist visas aren’t required for short visits. You’ll need to fill out an electronic ticket for entry and exit, however. You can file for an electronic ticket at any time before you arrive at the airport, so we recommend doing so as soon as possible. If you’re traveling by cruise ship, you don’t need an electronic ticket.

Language

Spanish is the official language of the Dominican Republic, but many Dominicans are fluent in English. This is especially true in the tourism-heavy areas like Puerto Plata and Punto Cana. You shouldn’t need to worry about a language barrier when staying at a timeshare in the Dominican Republic.

According to the World Economic Forum in 2017, the Dominican Republic was the second most English-proficient country in Latin America, after Argentina. Still, if you aren’t proficient in Spanish, keep a translation app that doesn’t require an internet connection on your phone.

Currency

Make sure to bring plenty of cash! Most tourist areas in the Dominican Republic accept USD, and cash is preferred in most cases. However, you should also consider bringing some Dominican pesos (RD$). A single USD is worth anywhere from 50 to 60 pesos, and some places will only accept local currency.

Don’t convert your currency at the airport or resort. If you’re converting cash, look for a reputable cambio (currency exchange): there’s no fee for converting USD. If there is, head somewhere else! You can also get pesos from any ATM, if needed. If you’re travelling from somewhere other than the US, don’t bother converting to USD first: you’ll get a better exchange rate by converting directly to pesos.

While many all-inclusive resorts include gratuity in their fees, you’re still expected to tip the staff. To avoid a social faux pas, bring plenty of small bills in USD: 1s, 5s, 10s, and 20s. Budget around $200 per person for tips.

Find Resale Timeshares With Fidelity Real Estate

Did you know you can save thousands of dollars when you buy a timeshare on the secondary market? Timeshare owners looking to make a responsible exit can trust companies like Fidelity Real Estate to help them find a buyer, resulting in a huge win for both sides. The seller gets out of their timeshare contract, while the buyer gets a lifetime of vacations for a fraction of the price of buying from the resort. There are no presentations and no high-pressure sales tactics. Just an owner-to-buyer transaction managed by one of the most trusted names in the industry.

Want to browse our inventory? Click the button below. If you’re looking to sell, fill out our form or contact us at (407) 216-5187. You can also email us at [email protected]. We’re looking forward to helping you!