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My Story

About me

Originally born and raised in Germany, I left in the late 80’s to work in the travel industry in Spain and Portugal. When another opportunity was presented I moved to Austria and later to Switzerland. My Dominican adventure began in 2001. I just wanted to take a break from my busy lifestyle in Europe so I visited Punta Cana. Immediately I fell in love with the beautiful island and its friendly, laid back inhabitants and became infected with the «Dominican Virus«. Lucky for me I received a great job offer in the fast growing vacation market and decided to accept the challenge.

My Story

About me

Originally born and raised in Germany, I left in the late 80’s to work in the travel industry in Spain and Portugal. When another opportunity was presented I moved to Austria and later to Switzerland. My Dominican adventure began in 2001. I just wanted to take a break from my busy lifestyle in Europe so I visited Punta Cana. Immediately I fell in love with the beautiful island and its friendly, laid back inhabitants and became infected with the «Dominican Virus«. Lucky for me I received a great job offer in the fast growing vacation market and decided to accept the challenge.

The place

My idea to open Gundula’s Tropical Treasure was born in 2005 when tourists started to tell me about their shopping experiences at the local markets and with the beach vendors. In May 2006 Tropical Treasure opened its doors in the Plaza, Uvero Alto. My dream and plan to run my own business became very successful and many tourists were enjoying a different more relaxed shopping experience, in a pressure free environment with polite, friendly service and a great selection of charming Tropical Treasures.

In 2011 a larger location was required and again luck was on my side, I found my unique paradise directly on the beach. Shortly after moving, we added our «famous» beach front massage area.

Around Christmas 2019 we had to move once again (hopefully for the last time!) our location had been sold to a hotel chain. We are all extremely happy with our new Gundula’s Tropical Treasure location with even more space for shopping and massages.

I was blessed in so many ways that I wanted to give back to those without a voice, those who are touching my heart more than anything else… my love for beach and street dogs in Punta Cana. I began to take care of them in 2011. At that time there were about 60 beach dogs in Uvero Alto so I started to organize spay and neuter clinics at the shop. That was the start of our local animal rescue group, «Dogs and Cats of the Dominican Republic» (DCDR), which has been working tirelessly ever since.

I’m still enjoying every single day in paradise… the story will go on!