The government is actively pivoting toward attracting new ventures with a higher spending per visitor to ensure sustainability. Vice Minister of Tourism Jacqueline Mora recently announced several leading luxury brands are positioning themselves in the Dominican Republic. The Ministry of Tourism is intentionally encouraging developers of volume-based tourism toward value-based luxury to increase the Average Daily Rate (ADR).
Aman, Rosewood, Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, Hilton Curio Collection and Marriott’s Autograph Collection have opened lodging here or are developing projects in recent years.
Luxury tourism in the Dominican Republic is currently experiencing a historic expansion, with the entry of ultra-luxury “European Plan” (EP) brands. Vice Minister Mora stresses the challenge remains to raise the overall quality of the destination.
The all-inclusive model is not dying, but evolving into “Luxury All-In,” focusing on high-end gastronomy and personalized service to compete with global luxury hubs. Historically, the DR was 90%+ All-Inclusive. Hilton, W Hotels, Ritz-Carlton have created their luxury all-inclusive brands that have opened first in the Dominican Republic.
North Coast
Samaná
Marriott recently opened Donoma Las Terrenas, Autograph Collection (April 2026), which serves as the “scout” property for the brand’s expansion in the region.
There are plans for a Ritz-Carlton on the Samaná Peninsula. A new development in Playa Jackson, west of Las Terrenas, is underway as part of a broader strategy by the Dominican Ministry of Tourism (MITUR) to reposition Samaná as an “aspirational” high-end destination. The Playa Jackson development is being led by the architecture firm ALIA Made in Architecture, headed by Spaniards Andrés Cajiga and Antonio de Juan. The project was officially presented at FITUR 2025. It features two of Marriott’s most prestigious brands—The Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis. This “twin-luxury” approach is intended to set a new benchmark for the Caribbean.
Hilton is entering the Las Terrenas tourism market under the Curio Collection brand with the Almare Beach Resort. This luxury five-star hotel, located in the Playa Bonita area, marks the brand’s first entry into the Las Terrenas market. The resort is strategically positioned within the larger Blu Terrenas urban development. As of April 2026, the project is in the active construction phase. Formal construction began in the first quarter of 2026, with a formal opening scheduled for December 2029. The project is being developed as a “branded beachfront” community, offering both traditional hotel rooms and private residences.
Playa Grande, Cabrera, & Río San Juan
Aman has been operating the Amanera since 2015 atop the cliffs of Playa Grande. It was the first golf-integrated resort by the Aman group, sitting adjacent to the Playa Grande Golf & Ocean Club. It consists of 25 freestanding casitas. Recent developments (March 2026) include the official launch of the billion-dollar expansion project, which includes the Playa Grande International Airport, a private terminal to serve the Amanera community and future residential developments.
East Coast
Punta Cana / Cap Cana
Puntacana Resort and Club: Offers villa and hotel luxury accommodations in Corales, Playa Serena, Arrecife, Hacienda, Tortuga Bay, and Hacienda del Mar.
W Hotels (W Punta Cana, Adult All-Inclusive): Opened in June 2025 in Uvero Alto. This property marks the global debut of the W brand in the all-inclusive segment.
Rosewood (Rosewood Punta Cana): Announced in January 2025 in partnership with Grupo Puntacana. This ultra-luxury retreat will offer 78 suites, including overwater villas. The official opening is projected for 2029.
St. Regis (The St. Regis Cap Cana Resort): Officially opened on 1 May 2025, this is the landmark Marriott property in Cap Cana. It is the first ultra-luxury European Plan resort in the Dominican Republic, located near the Punta Espada Golf Club. It features 200 guest rooms and suites.
Macao
The Ritz-Carlton All-Access Yanuna: A collaboration between Marriott International and the Dominican investment fund Pioneer (SAFI Pioneer). It marks a significant milestone as the first Ritz-Carlton “All-Inclusive” luxury property in the region. Located in Macao, it is designed by Gomez Vazquez International (GVI) and inspired by indigenous Taíno culture. The master plan includes the Ritz-Carlton Reserve (EP model), a Luxury Collection hotel (All-Inclusive), and 50 luxury residential properties.
Miches
Zemi Miches Punta Cana, All-Inclusive Resort (Curio Collection by Hilton): This resort officially opened on 30 June 2025. It represents Hilton’s first all-inclusive property under the Curio Collection brand in the Dominican Republic.
Four Seasons (Four Seasons Resort and Residences Dominican Republic at Tropicalia): Under construction at Playa Esmeralda. Slated for a late-2026 opening, it will feature a 95-key resort and 25 private residences designed by Isay Weinfeld.
21 April 2026