Juan Dolio, Dominican Republic.- Although Juan Dolio may look like a dying town, there is much construction going on, giving the coastal strip of around 15 miles an edge on surrounding areas.

Many tourist areas such as Boca Chica focus on resorts and temporary tourists to keep the town thriving, Juan Dolio however, is looking to cater to its visitors so they stay just a little bit longer with the variety of condominiums and apart-hotels dotting the coastline.

Mariposa del Caribe is one of the major complexes going up, functioning as an all-inclusive resort with shops, pools, a gym, and restaurants inside the facilities, although allowing guests the flexibility of staying in an apartment.

Visitors can choose a shorter stay or an extended vacation, depending on their needs.

Situated in a quieter part of the Dominican Republic, these apart-hotels and resorts located in Juan Dolio allow visitors to have a relaxing get away without the nagging of vendors as they would at typical locations.

Visitors come from various countries in the Americas and Europe, even “people from the Dominican Republic stay for a night or two,” says Lucía Grullón, of the Barceló resort.