I'm a woman who has always lived between determination and passion. With a law degree and a love for communication and marketing, I've moved through various business projects, always guided by the conviction that dreams aren't only pursued — they're built. For some time now I've held the role of Deputy Director at CLERHP, and today my life is being written from a place I never imagined as home: the Dominican Republic.

My story with Larimar City & Resort started long before I joined the team. I clearly remember the first conversation with CEO Juan Andrés Romero. He spoke about this project with a gaze that mixed excitement and determination. That spark in his eyes told me I wasn't facing a simple real estate proposition, but a transformative vision: a city designed for happy people. It's not just an urban plan; it's a concept combining modernity, wellbeing, and the unique charm of the Caribbean. His ability to bring impossible ideas to life convinced me I wanted to be part of this adventure.

Deciding to leave my beloved Murcia wasn't impulsive. I weighed it with the caution of someone who knows such a change affects not just their career, but also their family and their whole life. Last summer we came to the Dominican Republic so my family could get to know up close the place where I spent much of my year. The surprise was that my husband fell in love with the project as much as I did. Without needing convincing, we started imagining together the possibility of moving, and step by step, that dream became reality. Today we share this new chapter with our children, discovering a country that welcomes us with open arms.

The biggest challenge has been learning to look forward without nostalgia, though I confess saying goodbye to important people in Spain wasn't easy. I've also had to adapt to daily life: from taming my hair in this tropical climate to supporting my children's adaptation process, which they experience as a great adventure. In return, every day I get scenes that just a few months ago only existed in my imagination: waking up to the Caribbean Sea, practicing yoga at sunrise, working with a multicultural team, and ending the day enjoying a family afternoon by the pool or exploring local flavors.

Although we share the language, I've discovered that words and expressions don't always mean the same thing. And beyond language, the biggest cultural difference is the pace of life. Here, as they say, "there's no rush." Everything flows differently, and life is lived with a different intensity. The time that elsewhere seems to slip through your fingers is something you savor here. It's a lesson I'm grateful for every day. Hospitality, too, is something you feel from the very first moment. The Dominican Republic is a land of welcome for people from all over the world, and in our team we have more than fifteen nationalities, which enriches not only the work but also our personal lives.

I love discovering local cuisine. I've already tried traditional Dominican dishes and I keep exploring new flavors. Tropical fruits have become my weakness: every bite is an explosion of color and freshness that I'll always associate with this place. Of course, there are also things I miss about Spain — like impromptu get-togethers with my girlfriends — but I know they'll come visit. Here I've gained something priceless: the daily closeness of my family and a sense of belonging to a great professional family at Larimar City & Resort.

Working in a country like the Dominican Republic is an opportunity I'd recommend to any professional who wants to broaden their horizons. Its emerging economy, legal stability, and the absence of a language barrier make it a very attractive destination. It's the fifth largest economy in Latin America and offers optimal conditions for investment and opening new businesses. I'm not surprised several Spanish entrepreneurs have already taken the step of settling here.

The name of our project isn't a coincidence. Larimar, a semi-precious stone exclusive to the Dominican Republic and recently recognized internationally, is a symbol of beauty and authenticity. Just as this gem needs to be seen to understand its value, our city has to be lived in to be understood. Larimar City & Resort is itself a gem that brings together local soul with a global vision, capable of attracting both visitors seeking luxury and rest and residents who want quality of life and services within reach.

Personally, I want to keep learning, get back into sports, and dedicate time to watercolor. I also have in mind a children's story that's been on my mind for years. This setting, with its calm and its light, seems the ideal place to make it real. Moving has been one of the most important changes of my life: leaving behind a known world to embrace a completely new one full of challenges, learning, and opportunities. I'm convinced this decision will mark a before and after, not only for my family and me but also for thousands of people who, like us, choose every year to settle in the Dominican Republic and call it their new home.

By Macarena Perona

Deputy Director

Communications