Sosua Villas
( update )Sosua villas have become now the preferred escape option to resorts, due to the Corona Virus. Villas in Sosua are quickly becoming a mainstream product that once was only required by special travelers which were used to private rentals , mostly well heeled local and foreigners, dignataries and corporate businessmen.
Nowadays, demand for rentals and real estate listings in have increased, specially in the affordable levels due to the worldwide economic changes with the corona virus protocols. While there`s a defined market for luxury rentals in the Dominican Republic , now the private villa vacation is quickly becoming more common among tourists that were all about the all-inclusive beach resorts.
A new market emerges
A high percentage of tourists coming to Sosua are staying in self catering rentals instead of the usual hotels. Back in the 1980`s and 90`s Sosua had a lot of hotels, about 70% of those are now closed. It is believed that most of the North coast of the Dominican Republic is slowly being transformed into a luxury residential area as more and more hotels are being sold as condos and tourists coming as condo and self catering tourists ( many as owners of second homes in the area ).
https://vimeo.com/113457963
Villas in Sea Horse Ranch are among the top luxury properties for rent and sale in the North Coast of the island, with prices that average US$1,000 per night and higher. El Choco used to be a high end rental community that slowly was moving away from rentals because neighbors complained of noisy renters and most rentals are now sold and out of the market. Perla Marina still has some nice properties, though most are mid-level to affordable, not the top luxury ones.
In El Batey there`s a few villas for rent worth looking at, specially in Playa Chiquita where Marisol and Los Sueños are prime stock and frequently rented for their amazing ocean views and excellent interiors. Panorama village offer some very nice ones , though most people prefer to stay closer to town ( the project takes a 25 min. ride through forest areas ).
The most rented communities
Hispaniola Residential has some of the nicest small villas for rent, and keep a good level of service. Casa Linda has also many small ones , now growing in demand due to the introduction of the Ultima model, by far the best mid-priced luxury property in Sosua . With its 4 bedroom in wraparound style and unique configuration, it`s a winner villa that always stays booked, ensuring investors a 5% return yearly on rental income, and available as a fractional ownership .
Now in phase 6th, the project is rapidly expanding with new models such as the Bonita, Tranquila, Melody, Shana, and Camara among others that we`ll see listed with Golden Treasures Vacation Rentals soon as they become available. Its new owner Eric Sandmael -from Norway- has brought new life to the project with many new creative ideas that have surprised and caught the attention of the local and international market.
The Hidden Treasures
Beach and ocean front properties cost more in the Dominican Republic , although some great deals can be had if the rental agent does his homework. One of the best rentals that most people don`t know about is the villa SPC0659 which is within walking distance to a secluded private beach and a restaurant in one of the nicest gated communities between Sosua and Cabarete.
This luxury Caribbean villa can be rented with 1-4 bedrooms, and the price range varies accordingly. Usually travelers would pay $900 per night even if they only used one bedroom, and now the price stays below US$400.00 which is less than 50% of the usual rental rate. This hidden treasure was the plan B for a client that changed his mind on a previous selection upon arrival, because the standard was not meeting his expectations and the agency quickly worked to get him spc0659 as the replacement and it turned out to be a blessed decision.
This villa is very high end in style and decoration, not to mention the high standard location and proximity to the beach. Some standalone units in Sosua have also been good players in the market for several years now, including the ones in Playa Laguna, next door to Sea Horse Ranch, and also the ones in Hideaway beach ( still with a lot of beach lots waiting to be developed ). Closer to town there are homes for rent in Sosua Ocean Village, though the project is more about condos with ocean view. New rentals will soon be added to Sosua with the Hispaniola beach and Infinity Blu units ( condos ).
It`s clear that renting villas in Sosua allows for more privacy, security and convenience, specially when having a private swimming pool and you control the food, drinks and noise levels. Private chef services are also in high demand among renters, because the self catering industry is all about good home cooking and many luxury renters add chef service. Spa services and Eco tours are also part of the travel menu, offered by third parties. One important aspect of the rental experience is the constant support by management or even better, a concierge service.
Golden Treasures Vacation Sosua villas for rent published a satisfaction survey of the best performing properties of 2014, which revealed the top rated ones in Sosua . Stay tuned and come back for more information, this article will also be updated with more on Puerto Plata and its best villas.