Expert in Custom Travel to the Dominican Republic
- Founder of Terra Dominicana
- Over 7 years of experience in customized travel in Central America
- Specialist in authentic and sustainable travel
- Based on the island of Hispaniola to help people discover a different side of the Dominican Republic
Laura’s Profile
A tourism professional for over 8 years, Laura Grenouillet has built her expertise in Central America, particularly in Costa Rica, where she managed an incoming travel agency specializing in personalized travel. This experience has allowed her to develop an in-depth understanding of sustainable tourism, travelers’ expectations, and the operational realities on the ground.
Her approach is based on listening to travelers, tailoring experiences to individual preferences, and carefully selecting local partners. She prioritizes experiences that give meaning to travel: cultural immersion, unspoiled nature, and authentic interactions with local communities.
Languages
- French (native language)
- Spanish (bilingual)
- English (fluent)
Areas of Interest
- Caribbean Cultures and Intercultural Exchange
- Tropical nature, pristine beaches, and biodiversity
- Sustainable tourism and responsible initiatives
- Gastronomy, markets, and culinary traditions
- Hiking and trekking
Interview
Why the Dominican Republic?
“After several years working in custom travel in Central America, I wanted to explore a destination that’s still often reduced to its beach resorts. As I traveled through the Dominican Republic, I discovered a much richer country, made up of rugged landscapes, a vibrant culture, and, above all, memorable encounters with people. After several trips and on-site reconnaissance, I realized I wanted to settle there to take on this challenge: to show the country as it truly is.”
Do you have an anecdote about the creation of Terra Dominicana?
“On just my second day there, I was invited to a Dominican party where I met a lot of people. Those spontaneous interactions really helped me launch the project and understand the country from the inside. And of course, there was no escaping it: salsa and bachata were on the agenda, even though I’d only just picked up the basics.”
What’s your favorite spot in the country?
“The southwestern Dominican Republic is definitely my favorite region, especially the stop in Bahia de las Aguilas. I love the concept of glamping: it’s perfect for truly unplugging, in a setting that’s still very untouched. This region has it all: some of the most beautiful wild beaches in the Caribbean, lagoons with flamingos, and hikes in the Bahoruco Mountains. And ending the day with a grilled lobster on the beach… it doesn’t get much better than that. »
Professional Background
Education
Graduate of the École de Savignac, specializing in hotel and restaurant management.
Experience in Central America – Terra Caribea
Laura began her career in Central America at Terra Caribea, a local agency specializing in custom travel to Costa Rica and Panama. There, she developed solid expertise in inbound tourism, designing personalized itineraries, and sustainable tourism.
Management of Terra Caribea (2018–2025)
After living in Costa Rica for seven years, she took over as director of the agency and further strengthened her hands-on experience: managing a multicultural team, developing local partnerships, and supporting an international clientele.
Countries explored:
Costa Rica (my favorite regions: the Golfo Dulce, but also the southern Caribbean, not to mention the mountains of San Gerardo de Dota)
I also loved traveling to Guatemala, Colombia, Ecuador, Nicaragua, and Argentina (Patagonia).
Founding of Terra Dominicana – 2026
After several personal trips and field reconnaissance missions in the Dominican Republic, Laura founded Terra Dominicana with the goal of offering a deeper understanding of the country. Based in Santo Domingo, she continues to actively explore the region to design tailor-made trips rooted in local realities.
Field expertise and geographical knowledge
Geographic Expertise
The Most Beautiful Untouched Beaches
- Playa Frontón, Las Galeras
- Playa Ermitaño, Samaná
- Bahía de las Águilas
Culture, Cities, and Heritage
- Santo Domingo and its colonial district
- Coastal Villages and Montecristi
- Santiago de los Caballeros
Nature and Landforms
- Los Haitises
- Bani and its sand dunes
- Sierra de Bahoruco National Park
- Jarabaco & Constanza
Waterfalls and Nature Adventures
- 27 Waterfalls of Damajagua
- El Limón Waterfall, Samaná
- Jimenoa Falls, Jarabacoa
- Arroyo Salado Natural Pools
The Best Local Products
- Larimar stone
- Amber
- Rum
- Cigars
Other Destinations
- Puerto Rico
- The Caribbean and Central America
Culture and Experiences
Caribbean Culture (Dominican Republic)
- Taíno Heritage (Indigenous Peoples of Hispaniola)
- The Arrival of Christopher Columbus and Spanish Colonization
- The First Colonial City in the Americas: Santo Domingo and the Zona Colonial
- Cultural fusion, beliefs, and folk traditions (festivals, rituals, spiritual practices)
- Music and dances that define the culture: merengue and bachata
- Everyday culture: markets, Creole cuisine, rum, and cacao
Tailored travel experiences
- Stays at eco-lodges and glampingsites
Climb Pico Duarte (3,087 meters) - Lagoons and birdwatching
- Customized city tours
- Local dance classes (merengue, bachata)
- Exploring secluded beaches
- Meetings and stays with locals
- Hiking and visits to small-scale producers
- Exploring the larimar mines
- Visits to artisanal cigar factories
- Humpback whale watching
- Catamaran and boat tours
Travel Philosophy
For Laura, it is above all the people she meets who make a trip memorable and create the most lasting memories. She also places great importance on unspoiled landscapes, experienced at key moments of the day when the atmosphere becomes more intimate. Sharing experiences—with both locals and fellow travelers—remains at the heart of every journey she envisions.
Responsible Tourism
- Collaboration with local foundations and organizations
- Promotion of small-scale, socially responsible lodging options
- Support for local initiatives and artisanal skills
- Promoting tourism that respects local communities
- Raising awareness of local cultures and ecosystems
Professional Recognition
Terra Dominicana is part of the Terra Panamerica network, which brings together several local agencies specializing in custom travel.
Recognized Strengths
- In-depth on-the-ground knowledge of the destination
- Personalized approach and tailored support
- Rigorous selection of local partners
- Off-the-beaten-path experiences and cultural immersion
- Close relationships with travelers
Contact
Terra Dominicana
, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Email: gerencia@terra-dominicana.com
Published on: February 23, 2026
Last updated: February 28, 2026
Sources & References
- LinkedIn – Laura Grenouillet (professional profile)
- Terra Dominicana – Official Website
- Terra Panamerica – Network of Inbound Travel Agencies
