Overview
La Romana sits on the south-eastern coast of the Dominican Republic, best known as the gateway to the exclusive Casa de Campo resort, the colonial-style village of Altos de Chávon and the postcard beaches of nearby Bayahibe and Saona Island. It's a quieter, more upmarket alternative to Punta Cana, appealing to UK travellers after golf, diving and a slower pace without giving up Caribbean sunshine. Flights to La Romana from the UK typically take around nine hours non-stop, or longer with a connection, making it a realistic long-weekend or fortnight escape from British winters.
Best time to fly to La Romana
The Dominican Republic enjoys a warm, tropical climate year-round, with temperatures rarely dipping below the low 20s°C even in the cooler months. The dry season, from December to April, brings the most reliable sunshine and is the busiest (and priciest) time to fly, especially around Christmas, New Year and February half-term. Hurricane season runs roughly June to November, peaking August to October, when showers are more frequent but rarely last long, and fares tend to dip. For a balance of good weather and lower prices, May, June and November are often the sweet spot — check the When to book chart above for how fares are trending right now.
Airlines and routes
There's no year-round scheduled non-stop service from the UK to La Romana (LRM), so most journeys involve a connection. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic both fly non-stop from London to Punta Cana, the Dominican Republic's main gateway, from where it's a further transfer or short domestic hop to La Romana. Alternatively, routing via a US hub such as Miami, New York JFK or Charlotte with American Airlines, JetBlue or Delta can work well if you're combining the trip with a US stopover. During the winter high season, some UK tour operators also run seasonal charter flights direct into La Romana for guests staying at Casa de Campo, which is worth checking if you're booking a package. Whichever route you choose, allow nine to fourteen hours of total travel time depending on connections.
Things to do in La Romana
Once you land, La Romana rewards travellers who venture beyond the resort gates.
- Altos de Chávon: A beautifully recreated 16th-century Mediterranean artists' village above the Chávon River, with galleries, shops and a Roman-style amphitheatre.
- Casa de Campo: Home to the legendary Teeth of the Dog golf course, ranked among the Caribbean's best, plus a marina, spa and beach club.
- Isla Catalina: A protected islet off the coast with some of the region's clearest water, ideal for snorkelling and diving day trips.
- Saona Island: A short boat ride from nearby Bayahibe, famous for its shallow turquoise sandbars and swaying palms.
- Tabacalera de García: The world's largest cigar factory, offering a fascinating look at the region's tobacco-growing heritage.
At La Romana International Airport (LRM)
La Romana International Airport, also known as Casa de Campo International Airport, sits around 10km — roughly a 15-20 minute drive — from La Romana town centre, and about the same distance from the Casa de Campo resort. It's a small, easy-to-navigate airport, so queues for immigration and baggage are generally short. Pre-booked private transfers and resort shuttles are the most convenient way into town or to your hotel, while taxis and car hire desks are also available on arrival for those who prefer more flexibility.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to La Romana
- Book ahead: Fares for winter travel (December-April) typically firm up three to five months before departure, so booking early secures the best price.
- Fly midweek: Tuesday and Wednesday departures are usually cheaper than weekend flights, when demand from holidaymakers peaks.
- Stay flexible on dates: Shifting your trip by even a few days either side of school holidays can make a noticeable difference to the fare.
- Compare routings: Weigh up a direct-to-Punta Cana fare plus onward transfer against a connecting itinerary straight into La Romana — the price charts on this page make it easy to compare.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders don't need a separate visa for tourist stays of up to 30 days in the Dominican Republic; a tourist card is required, though this is now usually bundled into the cost of your airline ticket rather than bought separately. Make sure your passport is valid for the full length of your stay. The local currency is the Dominican Peso (DOP), though US dollars are widely accepted in hotels, resorts and tourist areas — it's worth carrying some local currency or dollars in cash for smaller purchases, as pounds sterling aren't commonly exchanged locally. No special vaccinations are required for UK travellers, though it's always worth checking the latest NHS travel health advice before you fly.
