By Martine St. Hilaire
In the sun-soaked paradise of Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, a Haitian-born entrepreneur is quietly transforming the meaning of luxury living. Marcus Boereau, president & CEO of Grupo Perassan and the driving force behind TAMAN, is not just building apartments—he’s crafting a lifestyle centered on sustainability, wellness, and generational wealth.
Born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Marcus’ journey to real estate development was anything but conventional. A multilingual businessman fluent in eight languages, he spent over a decade in Asia as a singer, actor, and cultural ambassador before earning a master’s degree in economics from Shanghai University. He broke barriers as the first non-Asian finalist on Taiwan’s Super Idol and later appeared in Haitian filmmaker Bruno Mourral’s works, including Kafou and Kidnapping Inc., which premiered at Sundance in 2024.
Despite a diverse career in entertainment and international trade, Marcus’ pivot to real estate was born during one of the most uncertain times in recent history—the global pandemic. “After spending tons of money on toilet tissue like the rest of the world, I left panic mode and entered survival mode,” he recalls. That shift led to his first investment in Dominican property and the creation of IMAR Ventures in 2021, a company designed to guide foreign investors through the often-intimidating local market.
The crown jewel of his real estate vision is TAMAN—a Bali-inspired, eco-conscious luxury apartment community in Punta Cana. “With TAMAN, our mission is to redefine the residential experience by creating a space where sustainability and luxury coexist in perfect harmony,” says Marcus.
The concept was born in January 2022 and faced immediate challenges, from navigating complex legal requirements to securing government permits. It took more than two years of relentless work before construction approval was granted in 2024. “One of the biggest hurdles was securing government permits,” Marcus shares. Although the process can be slow, he’s been impressed by the system’s attention to detail and commitment to compliance.
What makes TAMAN stand out in the crowded Punta Cana market is its focus on holistic living. Designed to attract remote professionals, retirees, and long-term investors, TAMAN merges eco-living principles with boutique wellness resort amenities. Investors from 14 different countries are already on board—a testament to Marcus’ ability to align vision with market demand.
Yet, his mission extends far beyond profit. Marcus expresses his desire to stand for young Haitian boys who dare to dream boldly and build their futures with quiet strength. That vision is woven into his philanthropic work, including initiatives like My Roof, My Dignity, which builds homes for Haitian families, and programs such as Pencil and Paper and Help Me Write My Dreams, which provide school supplies to children in underserved communities.
Marcus’ approach to business is rooted in three essential skills: emotional intelligence, discipline, and adaptability. “Your IQ can get you in the game, but your EQ will help you stay in it,” he emphasizes. It’s a philosophy that has guided him through industries as varied as import/export, entertainment, and property development.
Even with such an impressive résumé—featuring recognition from Forbes, Black Enterprise, Essence, and Dominican business magazine El Mercado’s “40 Under 40”—Marcus remains humble about his achievements. He credits his parents, particularly his mother, as his greatest motivation. “My sole aspiration has always been to rewrite the narrative and overcome the battles they weren’t able to win.”
Looking ahead, Marcus envisions Grupo Perassan leading the Caribbean’s luxury eco-development sector while inspiring the next generation of Haitian entrepreneurs. His upcoming initiative, YE Global, will connect young innovators worldwide with mentorship and investment opportunities, breaking down barriers that often keep early-stage entrepreneurs from succeeding.
His advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is refreshingly candid: “It’s not just about the hustle; it’s about finding purpose in the challenges and building something meaningful that lasts. You need to see what happens when you don’t give up.”
For Marcus, his lifelong dedication to integrity, purpose, and community sets him apart. Whether on a film set, at an investment summit, or overseeing TAMAN’s construction, he embodies the principle that success is not just what you achieve, but what you inspire in others.
As construction on TAMAN moves forward, Marcus Boereau stands as a shining example of Haitian excellence on the global stage—a man who proves that heritage and vision can build more than structures; they can build legacies.
Follow Marcus Boereau [@marcusbo08] and TAMAN [@tamanpuntacana] on social media to witness the transformation of Punta Cana’s luxury real estate landscape and be inspired by a story that reminds us all to dream and to remember the future is ours to build.
