By Ana María Ramos
El Inmobiliario
PUNTA CANA– José Luis Romero and Félix Sancho are two prominent Spanish businessmen who decided to bring their expertise to the Dominican Republic. They were captivated by the country's safety and the friendliness of its people, and this weekend they announced the construction of three new real estate developments in this tourist hotspot, which is currently experiencing a surge in urban development projects.
GMS Group and Grupo San Pablo are two corporations that each have accumulated more than 20 years of experience in the real estate field and other areas in Spain, Europe and Africa, and seeing the good climate that this Caribbean country presents, they decided to move their capital to Punta Cana, marveling at the charms and the "unique" opportunities that this destination offers.
Under the Vivantia Homes brand, they will launch Oasis Bay, Boutique Oasis Bay and Oasis Lake, three complexes that will seek to redefine the concept of housing in the country's main tourist hub, and which will be located in Cana Bay and Dawntown, respectively.
“I came to the country on vacation and found it to be a friendly, pleasant, and safe country, and after the construction of Caribbean Lake Park, we thought there would be a good field in the real estate sector,” responded José Luis Romero, CEO of GMS Group, when Nashla Bogaert, presenter of the meeting where the projects were announced, asked him his reasons for investing in the Dominican nation.
“There’s a large Dominican population in Spain, so that sparks curiosity to come and get to know the country, and it’s an incredible country with so many things to do, with friendly people who always have a smile on their face, always saying good morning no matter what kind of day they’re having. The first time you come to the Dominican Republic, you see its beaches, you see its people, and when you leave you say, ‘I have to come back,’” Félix Sancho of Grupo San Pablo responded to the same question.
José Luis Romero, Nashla Bogaert and Félix Sancho. Valerio D'Angelo/El Inmobiliario.
Sancho understands that "very few people have come here once and haven't wanted to return, so what we have done is come to try in some way to contribute our small grain of sand to help this country continue to grow.".
He said he has been traveling to the Dominican Republic for four or five years and has witnessed the growth of real estate development in Punta Cana, where demand is always strong. “I think it’s one of the places where the most construction has taken place in the last decade.”.
The projects
The first, called “Oasis Bay,” is a beachfront community of 172 apartments designed for those seeking tranquility with a high level of amenities, design, and premium finishes, while “Boutique Oasis Bay” embraces the lush tropical surroundings, offering residents a harmonious blend with nature in its 16 villas, designed for families seeking privacy without sacrificing luxury,” explained its developers. Both complexes will be located in Cana Bay.
Representatives from the real estate sector and special guests. Valerio D' Angelo/El Inmobiliario.
The third is Oasis Lake, which will be located in Dawntown Punta Cana, near Caribbean Lake Park, with 60 bungalows inspired by traditional Taíno architecture, in the aparthotel format, and whose purchasers will have a membership card to enjoy the water park.
The event, held last Friday, March 1st, at the Caribbean Lake Park facilities, was attended by various personalities, including Martina Pepén Santana, governor of Higuey; Osman González, director of the Association of Real Estate Agents and Companies (AEI) East Zone; Ernesto Veloz, president of the Association of Hotels East Zone (Asoleste).
Osman González and Isabel Soto. Valerio D' Angelo/El Inmobiliario.
Also present were representatives from real estate agencies such as Xtriba Inmobiliaria, Algonovo, My Home Punta Cana, Decanaan Bienes Raíces, Urban Group, H & J Real Estate, Golden Castle Real Estate, Calis Real Estate, Punta Cana Solution, KPonte Real Estate, Punta Cana Properties, Punta Cana Consulting Group, WFbrokeis, ApartamentosRD, Civilmek Realty Group, among others.
About the groups
A video shown during the meeting highlighted that GMS is a business conglomerate that has accumulated more than 25 years of experience executing projects and offering civil engineering and real estate services in Spain, Europe, Africa and Latin America.
The group arrived in Punta Cana two years ago with Caribbean Lake Park, a water park and entertainment complex, as well as the Batú restaurant and the Maroca nightclub. They have also distinguished themselves in sectors such as telecommunications, public works, renewable energy, and audiovisual production.
Willie Méndez, María Matos, Mirian Méndez and Luis Matos. Valerio D' Angelo/El Inmobiliario.
For its part, Grupo San Pablo has 20 years of experience, having completed 40 new development projects and delivered more than 3,000 properties. Its portfolio includes the San Pablo Burgos Basketball Club and the Uno By Real Madrid restaurant chain, which opened its first location in Mexico last year, with hundreds more planned for the coming years.
