San Rafael: A Project of a Lifetime, for the Next Lifetime
Raylin Romero grew up in the small, weekend beach hangout area of San Rafael. He saw many of his peers either moving to the big city of Santo Domingo to pursue work or living a misguided life leading to heartbreak for the community.
Something needed to change. Here’s where Raylin’s “Proyecto de la vida” or project for a lifetime, that will benefit future lifetimes, began.
“…nació de la necesitad y la oportunidad.”
…born from necessity and opportunity.
-Raylin Romero
The road to San Rafael
MORE ABOUT SAN RAFAEL
San Rafael is a beach destination, where Dominicans and tourists flock to enjoy the best of the south. The river flows through the mountains and pools near the beach with small waterfalls that lead into the sea. If you aren’t a strong swimmer, and just want to relax in the cold, mountain water…San Rafael is your spot. If you love big waves and surfing…San Rafael is also your spot. It’s the best of both worlds.
If you visit San Rafael during the week, you will generally find a tranquil environment. On the weekends, however, the area transforms into a lively, beach scene filled with families and visitors that often come by the bus full. The food vendors are cooking away and many groups bring their own speakers, so the area is alive with sights, sounds, and smells.
When the beachgoers go home, the actual population of San Rafael is very small, and the job market is even smaller. Most people in the area work on farms in the mountains or as fishermen. Raylin wanted to show his community that San Rafael is more than farming and fishing and a weekend beach spot. San Rafael has enormous potential to be an eco-tourism paradise.
THE PROJECT
Photo credit: San Rafael Surf School
Raylin’s mission is this:
To create a sustainable life for future generations by means of eco-tourism.
How will he accomplish this mission? Raylin has already been working on it for over 10 years, with the support of his family. He studied tourism and business at the local university.
As a competitive surfer, he started a surf school at San Rafael beach, teaching the youth in the community to surf, creating jobs and an experience for visitors.
Raylin’s family business also includes working with Larimar, the famous blue stone that only comes from the nearby mines in Bahoruco. They teach local youth how to work with Larimar and turn this raw stone into beautiful jewelry to sell. You can shop at the Larimar Surf Proyect at the famous San Rafael Lookout. Here, you may meet Raylin’s brother, Junior, who is following in his brother’s footsteps.
The plan for the future lies not on the beach, but in the mountains. Raylin owns land in the hills behind San Rafael that is lush with vegetation and flora. The vision is to build 30 eco-friendly cabins for visitors to enjoy. Each cabin would have a different theme that reflects the elements from the very mountains where they will reside.
We had the opportunity to take one of Raylin’s mountain tours. After a few minutes up the mountain, we were transported to a jungle that seemed far from any beach. Farther up the mountain, we stopped at a spot with a unique view of the coast. As Raylin describes his dream, his determination is evident and his energy is contagious. Stay tuned for a full review of the river hike.
The goal of Raylin’s project is not to get rich. It’s a way to provide a future for his family, the community, and let visitors experience the beauty of San Rafael from the mountains to the sea.
“La riqueza viene de la naturaleza.”
The riches come from nature.
-Raylin Romero
WHERE TO STAY AT SAN RAFAEL
You don’t have to wait for the cabins to be built to experience the warm hospitality provided by Raylin and his family. They have several styles of accommodations currently available.
Casa Monte - Terrace Apartment
Stay at this no-frills, unique, indoor-outdoor space with an epic view that is right off the main road and within walking distance to the beach. This third-floor terrace is an open-air living area, with a kitchen that is partially walled. Washing dishes isn’t a chore with this view. There is a fully enclosed bedroom that sleeps 4-5 with a full bathroom. You won’t find a better deal in the area with a better view!
The view from the terrace
Patio at the Mountain House
Mountain House
Up the hill from the terrace apartment you will find a mountain house with two bedrooms and a bathroom. There is a small pool to relax in, filled with river water as well as an outdoor patio complete with hammocks so you can fully relax and appreciate the view. The link to rent this house will be available soon.
Campsite at San Rafael
Camping at San Rafael Beach
For an incomparable experience, and a steal of a price, spend the night on the beach. Raylin and his family will set up tents right on San Rafael beach. Enjoy a bonfire directly in front of your tent that is set up at night. You can sleep in peace, as there will always be someone staying guard when they have campers.
Wherever you decide to stay or if you are just passing through, enjoy the home cooking of Raylin’s mother, Doña Eliza, right on the beach. She has a full menu available, but we were told that she makes the best lambi (conch) in the south!
SUPPORT LOCAL
The community of San Rafael calls him “El Gringo Loco” for having such an expansive vision, but Raylin doesn’t seem crazy to us. He is an educated, enthusiastic entrepreneur with a deep love for his community and a supportive family by his side.
”We are a family run business with a caring vision for the local youth at the root of all we do.”
-San Rafael Surf School and Eco Tours Website
San Rafael may be on your list of places to visit on your next trip to the deep south of the Dominican Republic. Why not add an extra adventure to your list:
Take a surf class
Book a mountain tour
Shop at the Larimar Surf Proyect store
Eat at Doña Eliza’s restaurant
Stay at one of Raylin’s properties
Not only will you be supporting a local business and community, but you will also be experiencing the heart and soul of San Rafael, Dominican Republic.
Contact information for San Rafael Surf School and Eco Tours:
Website: sanrafaelsurfschool.com
Instagram: @SanRafaelSurfSchool
Phone: 829-729-8239 (WhatsApp)
