There’s always something new happening in the Dominican Republic (unfortunately I haven’t been able to get there myself in several years, so every now and then I share roundups of tourism news from that Caribbean nation). So if you’re looking for some Caribbean beach fun for your next vacation, check out the latest news from Quisqueya la bella, as it’s often called in Spanish…
Puerto Plata Welcomes The Addition of New Gansevoort Resort
Gansevoort Hotel Group announced that its newest resort, the Gansevoort Dominican Republic, Playa Imbert, will open in Puerto Plata on December 15. The resort has 48 units, with options including one- and two-bedroom lofts, three-bedroom apartments with private pools and four-bedroom penthouses with rooftop access. The luxury resort caters to contemporary, urbane travelers looking for a tropical escape.
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Sanctuary Cap Cana to Reopen
Sanctuary Cap Cana, an Alsol Hotel and Resorts property, is currently closed for renovations and updates. Upgrades to rooms and common areas will include new furniture, updated interior decorations, more modern amenities and various gastronomic additions. The resort will reopen December 15.
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Colonial Zone Renovations Progressing
Ongoing renovations in Santo Domingo’s Colonial Zone are progressing, with the 41 total projects underway currently 40 percent complete. The UNESCO World Heritage site upgrades are expected to be complete by December 2016.
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Delta Expands Service to Punta Cana
Delta Air Lines announced the expansion of service to Punta Cana (PUJ) during the upcoming peak travel season. Expanded flights will run in addition to existing service to PUJ, and will depart from cities including Atlanta (ATL), Cincinnati (CVG), Detroit (DTW), Minneapolis/St. Paul (MSP) and New York (JFK). This year, the airline celebrated its 10th anniversary of uninterrupted service to Dominican Republic.
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Renovation at Paradisus Palma Real in Punta Cana
The Paradisus Palma Real in Punta Cana is undergoing a $12 million renovation. Updates will include a new family concierge and resort area, 42 new luxury suites and a new restaurant, bar and private beach complex. The project is expected to be complete this December.
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Property Expansion at Club Med Punta Cana
Club Med is expanding its adults-only offerings in Punta Cana. The property will create an adults-only Zen and wellness area featuring 60 spa rooms, Zen pools, a L’Occitane Spa, Zen workout facility and adults-only beach area. The new additions are expected to be complete in the winter of 2016.
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Key Tourist Road Uvero Alto-Miches Nearing Completion
The second phase of the Uvero Alto-Miches highway, a key route between east coast hotspots and the northeast portion of the country, is expected to be completed as scheduled this December. This road will create a safe and efficient route for both locals and tourists to explore the country.
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Dominican Winter League Baseball Now Available as Punta Cana Tour Option
For baseball aficionados looking to experience baseball during the MLB off-season, a Winter League Baseball excursion is now available from Punta Cana via tour operator Caribbean Dreams. Visitors are able to explore the history and culture of two teams hailing from the east coast: La Romana’s Toros Del Este (The Bulls) team at Francesco Micheli Baseball Stadium or San Pedro de Marcorís’ Estrellas Orientales (The Stars) team at Tetelo Vargas Stadium. Dominican Winter Baseball League runs annually from late October through January.
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Coco Bongo To Become Punta Cana’s Newest Nightlife Option
At the recent Dominican Annual Tourism Exchange, Coco Bongo executives announced plans to open a new, $10 million Coco Bongo nightclub in downtown Punta Cana. The building is over 43,220 square feet and has a nightly capacity for 1,000 people.