Amenities that add value to your property: pool, golf and gym
When we talk about buying a second home in the Caribbean, one thinks first of the location. The beach, the climate, the nearby airport. But what really makes the difference –and multiplies what you get back– are the amenities that add value to a property. In a market as competitive as Punta Cana, where the Dominican Republic received 11.6 million visitors in 2025, international buyers are not just looking for four walls. They are looking for a way of living that justifies the outlay. And that commands a premium.
Do amenities really matter that much?
Not all facilities add the same value. A basic communal pool no longer impresses anyone. What really adds value are those amenities that add tangible value to a property: spaces for slow living, personal wellbeing, and leisure you cannot find just anywhere. Real estate studies in tourist destinations confirm it: properties with a designer pool, a private golf course or a well-equipped gym can sell for up to 20-30% more. And rent at a premium of 15-25% above the area average. That is no small thing.
Pools: much more than a puddle
A beachfront pool is no minor luxury. In tropical climates such as Bávaro’s, it becomes the centre of social and family life. But not just any pool will do. Infinity pools, with direct ocean views or integrated into the landscape, have a direct impact on valuation. I have seen it many times: a buyer arrives, sees the pool, and decides. And modern maintenance (saltwater chlorination, solar heating) reduces costs. Europeans like that; they look for efficiency.
- Direct capital appreciation: 10-15% more in valuation if it is a beachfront property.
- Tourist appeal: rental bookings rise by 25% when there is a quality private or communal pool. I know this from experience.
- Real example: at Salado Golf & Beach, the main pool is integrated with the tropical garden and the beach club. Guests pay for that visual experience. And they come back.
Golf course: the magnet for the international investor
Golf is one of those sports that hooks the high-net-worth traveller. A course inside or next to the residential development not only attracts players; it elevates the profile of the entire community. In Punta Cana, courses signed by renowned designers (like the one at Salado Golf & Beach) are an asset that rarely depreciates. I would go as far as to say that properties facing a green or with views of the course achieve prices 40% higher. That is no exaggeration.
A figure I find revealing: owners in complexes with golf enjoy an average rental occupancy 30% higher than those without golf. According to reports from the Caribbean sector. And with the estimated 8-12% annual return offered by projects like Salado, the payback accelerates. But be careful, not just any course will do: it has to be a well-maintained one.
Gym and wellness: what the European buyer asks for
Wellness is no longer optional, it is a requirement. A well-equipped gym – state-of-the-art machines, outdoor yoga areas, spa – has become one of those amenities that increase property value with the greatest weight in the purchase decision. Investors who offer quality fitness spaces manage to reduce the seasonality of their rentals. They attract digital nomads, active families, couples who do not want to lose their routine even on holiday. I have verified this across several properties.
Practical tip: when choosing an apartment in Punta Cana, prioritise complexes with an air-conditioned gym, guided classes and a post-workout relaxation area. Not only does it improve your quality of life, but it also justifies higher rental prices – up to €50/night difference compared to properties without these facilities. And in the end, that really shows.
How do you find the perfect residential complex in Punta Cana?
Not every development includes the pool+golf+gym trio in a balanced way. For these amenities that boost property value to truly work, they must be integrated into a slow living concept that prioritises quality over quantity. Look for:
- A pool with a landscaped design, facing the sea. One that invites you to stay.
- A golf course with professional maintenance and preferential access for residents. A neglected one is of no use.
- A gym with full equipment (cardio, weights, stretching room) and extended opening hours. Not a tiny cupboard.
Salado Golf & Beach is a clear example of how these three facilities combine to create an environment that is not only enjoyable, but also appreciates in value year after year. Its new-build apartments, facing White Sands beach in Bávaro, offer direct access to an 18-hole golf course, an infinity pool over the ocean and a gym with views of the Caribbean. And on top of that, premium services such as a spa, restaurants and 24-hour security. It’s no coincidence.
Profitability in figures (without the waffle)
The data is clear: with a record tourist flow of 11.6 million visitors in 2025 and growing demand for luxury accommodation, properties with amenities that boost property value in Punta Cana generate net returns of 8-12% per year. In the case of Salado, investors can take advantage of managed rental programmes that maximise occupancy, especially in high season (from November to April).
- Swimming pool: +15% on nightly rental price.
- Golf course: +20% on resale value.
- Gym: +10% on annual occupancy.
Questions I’m often asked
Is a communal or private pool better?
In a luxury complex, a well-designed communal pool (with pool bar, Balinese beds, views) adds more value than a small private one. It offers an experience and shared maintenance. Fewer headaches.
Does the golf course increase community fees?
Yes, but the increase is usually offset by the rise in rental income and capital appreciation. In Salado, the fees include course maintenance and preferential access. It’s worth it.
Is a small gym worthwhile?
As long as it has at least 50 m², basic equipment and good ventilation. If it’s too small, it won’t attract the most demanding guests. And they’re the ones who pay better.
Investing in amenities is investing in the future (and in the present)
Ultimately, buying a beachfront property shouldn’t be based solely on the price per square metre. The amenities that add value to a property – pool, golf, gym – are what guarantee that your investment grows over time, that your home is rented out more days a year and that, when you decide to sell, you’ll find buyers willing to pay a premium. In Punta Cana, the market confirms it: the complexes that integrate these three facilities with a slow living concept are the ones that lead the profitability rankings. And the satisfaction rankings. If you’re looking for a place where every detail is designed for you and your wallet, Salado Golf & Beach is the answer. It’s not just an apartment by the sea. It’s an opportunity to live – and profit from – the Caribbean as you deserve. But that’s for everyone to decide.
