Sunset Bachata, Dune Buggies, and Diaspora Magic: Inside My DR Homecoming
No matter how many corners of the globe I explore, touching down in the Dominican Republic hits with a warmth that no other destination can replicate. I was born in Santo Domingo and moved away as a toddler, eventually making my way to New York - where I will be celebrating three decades next year. Yet, the moment my feet touch Dominican soil, there is an immediate, deep-seated exhale. You do not have to explain yourself or adjust who you are. The nuances, the laughter, the rhythm - the people look like you, sound like you, and share a collective pulse. Even with my American upbringing, returning home feels completely natural.
My latest journey began in Boca Chica for my dear friend Genie’s 50th birthday celebration. As someone in the travel curation business, I am difficult to impress, but Genie crafted four days and three nights of pure magic. Once known primarily as a public beach, Boca Chica has evolved into a bustling seaside hub where locals, returning expats, and Dominican-American investors build community. We spent glorious days at open-air beachside restaurants, danced under a blanket of stars during late-night dance parties, and safely strolled the vibrant streets alongside local tourism police. Most importantly, our presence intentionally poured back into the island, supporting independent Dominican vendors and local entrepreneurs who carry the unmatched, joyful spirit of our culture.
From there, I traveled north to Las Terrenas alongside the Diaspora Living team - a project by the OYATE RD group dedicated to promoting Dominican-American investment back home. Las Terrenas holds a unique charm, blending a noticeable French-European expat footprint with rich island roots, all anchored by world-class shores like Playa Bonita, Playa de las Ballenas, and Playa Popy. Beyond scouting investment opportunities in villas and land to ensure Dominicans maintain a stronghold in our own real estate market, the days were filled with energy and restoration. I had the privilege of teaching salsa and belly dance classes to our group of creators, riding dune buggies and ATVs through lush terrain, visiting the stunning Salto del Limón waterfalls, and diving into the thriving local wellness scene. Between sound baths led by Dominican women, Reiki sessions, pickleball games, and late-night bachata, the bohemian chic atmosphere was magnetic.
Waking up to the ocean alongside forward-thinking, entrepreneurial minds who care deeply about reinvesting in our heritage was nothing short of transformative. The Dominican Republic is far more than a tropical escape; it is a powerful story of growth, connection, and the unforgettable magic of coming home.
With love and wanderlust,
Jannelle