Cana Bay, A Preconstruction Opportunity.

A New Development in Punta Cana is Checking Many Boxes.

Many of my clients are golfers in the Northeast and they always ask for recommendations that combine an investment property and vacation property with an excellent golf course that offers a tropical lifestyle.   One of my favorites is a new pre-construction development going up in the Cana Bay section of Punta Cana, Dominican Republic by developer Vivantia Homes.

The Development offers 3 distinct complexes:

1. Oasis Bay– 172 furnished apartments from studios to 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms overlooking Cana Bay Beach and Golf Resort.
2. Oasis Bay Boutique – an exclusive community of 16 villas overlooking the golf course.  Two different designs with option to furnish. 
3. Oasis Lake Park – 60 eco-chic apartments in condo-hotel mode, with a strategic location within the Caribbean Lake Park in the heart of Punta Cana Downtown.

All the communities are gated, with 24/7 Security. 

Cana Bay is a prime location offering proximity to Punta Cana’s best attractions, near the beaches, nightlife, shopping and restaurants.

The properties have sustainable designs. Eco-friendly features, such as brand-new energy efficient homes, green spaces and modern architecturel designed to blend with the tropical surroundings. 

What I like about this development?

• Championship Golf Course designed by Jack Nicklaus
• Amazing amenities including the largest Water Park in the D.R.
• Walking distance to the Beach
• Easy to get to, Punta Cana is a relatively cheap flight from the East Coast
• Economically compared to other Beach Communities
• Amazing tropical weather
• Hotel management which I feel is far superior to Airbnb
• Low Monthly fees
• Great balance of golf, investment, and vacationing for the whole family
• Pre-Construction pricing.  Yes prices go up on these projects so good to lock in with no risk
• Highly reputable builder based in Spain. 
• Different Options starting at $135K for a studio to 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms Villas in the $820K range

So, let’s talk more about the golf course.  It is a standard Par 72, 7253 yards.  Designed by Jack Nicklaus and opened in 2010.  The course has stunning landscape views and is a short walk from Oasis Bay and a shorter walk from Oasis Bay Boutique.  The course is rated near the top in the Dominican Republic and in the Caribbean.  It has been described as mostly flat but challenging. The course is very well-kept and dries very quickly after rainstorms.  In an area of great golf course, this course doesn’t disappoint.  It is appealing to both casual golfers and golfers seeking a challenge with multiple tee boxes.

In speaking to one of the project Architects, Norys Gomez, I got a great sense of why this development is special:

• Location, Design, and ROI (Return on Investment). 
• The amenities here are second to none (for instance Oasis Bay has 3 pools, a restaurant, coworking spaces, a gym, and a rooftop bar
• The Villas are the only Villas in Cana Bay right now
• Each property includes a 3-year silver membership at Caribbean Lake Park
• When you come here, you don’t need to leave to get anything.  Everything is here
• The Water Park was built by Vivantia Homes as it largest in the country. 

Looking at the ROI, you can never project the return on the investment as there are so many factors including owner occupancy use.  But the numbers for Vivantia Homes verses Airbnb demonstrate the advantages of hotel management. 

1. The average night rate for Vivantia is $150 vs Airbnb at $82
2. Brand Differentiation and Loyalty Programs with a large user base for renters.
3. Airbnb tends to have large saturation in tourist areas and more risk for renters
4. The average commission platform is 14% vs 22% for Airbnb, plus you have to negotiate power

Other factors include High Rental Demand.  Due to its resort-like amenities and location, the community is attractive to vacationers offering lucrative rental income potential 

In the beginning, I mentioned that this checks a lot of boxes and has the potential to be an excellent investment.  Whether you plan to look at the lower price studios or the modern villas, there is a wide range of options.   I even spoke to someone who is interested in two studios starting at $ 135K as a lower cost option for his family versus the two bedroom two bath starting at $333K.  Please note, that typically in pre-construction, prices go up.

Anyone that is looking for a great option for year round sunshine, that has plenty to do and near the beach and golf, this is a great option and prices very well compared to other Caribbean vacation homes.