DOMINICAN REPUBLIC SPECIAL EDITION 2018
PUNTA CANA
WITH NEW AND REFURBISHED HOTELS
EDITORIAL DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
TOURISM KEEPS GROWING STRONG
Manuel Quiterio Cedeño
In each annual edition DATE By Asonahores grows, improves and reconfirms itself as the best marketing platform of the Dominican tourism product. This time the story is no different and repeats itself.
Editor in Chief Yamirys Liriano Executive Editor Yamirys@accessdr.com Rafael D. Durán Senior Editor Persio Saint Hilaire Sales Director persio@cicom.do Andrés Lora Public Relations Director Elena Crespo Journalist Merian M. Pérez Editorial design keila Cedeño Community Manager
Suppliers, tour operators and agencies have in this fair the ideal setting for a productive meeting, in which the Association of Hotels and Tourism of the Dominican Republic invests months to present a commercial table very well served, in which the Ministry of Tourism and other related instances have a starring role. This time DATE By Asonahores comes after a fruitful year in which we received 6.1 million tourists by air, a growth of 3.8% over the previous year, and the average occupation was 77.1%. In addition trough the different ports, 1.1 million cruise passengers arrived, an increase of 37.7% over 2016.
For investors in the sector, growth prospects are confirmed for 2018. This statement is based on the fact that last year the Tourism Development Council approved the classification of 73 tourism projects with an estimated investment of US $ 4.1 billion, which will total 20 thousand rooms. You can never be that you can’t be better, that’s a fact, but Dominican tourism continues the growth path. We wish a memorable stay to the delegates and journalists who come from abroad, and good business to the local companies. Manuel Quiterio Cedeño mquiteri@cicom.do
INDEX
Ave. Winston Churchill Esq. Max Henríquez Ureña. Edificio InTempo- Suite 302 Ens Evaristo Morales, Tel.: (809) 683-3881 Santo Domingo, República Dominicana Info@accessdr.com www.accessdr.com Founded in 2009 CICOM´s product, edited by EquipDatos.
COVER
Pool view of the Barcelo Bavaro Beach Hotel at the Barcelo Bavaro Grand Resort in Punta Cana , Dominican Republic
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Puerto Plata: The oldest tourist city in the Caribbean
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VH Atmosphere Hotel: Wonderful vacation destination for adults
Santa Barbara de Samana: A city nestled by the Atlantic Ocean
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Punta Cana with new and refurbished hotels
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PUERTO PLATA
THE OLDEST TOURIST CITY IN THE CARIBBEAN
Founded in 1502, the north coast city of Puerto Plata was the second settlement founded by Christopher Columbus on the island currently shared by Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The first settlement was “La Isabela,” founded in 1492.
Today, the city invites its many visitors to stroll through its oceanside streets, enjoy the city’s beautiful Victorian-style homes or to sit and enjoy the city’s picturesque central plaza. The city also offers an attractive array of national and international restaurants nightclubs, and the exclusive Playa Dorada, Costa Dorada and Costambar resorts.
PUERTO PLATA’S OCEANSIDE DRIVE The city’s iconic oceanside dri-
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ve, also known as the “Malecon,” is one of the country’s most beautiful avenues. It is a favorite spot for Dominicans and international visitors to walk, jog, rides bicycles or simply sit alongside the avenue to enjoy the spectacular view of the Atlantic Ocean. At one end of the boulevard is the historic San Felipe Fortress, a colonial building that is now a popular museum that features the military weapons used in the country during the 18th and 19th centuries.
THE AMBER MUSEUM The museum, situated in a beautiful Victorian-style home, features the world’s most important amber collection. Some of the amber pieces on exhibit feature fossils that are some 30 million years old. One of the museum’s most famous pieces is the amber rock featured in the film “Jurassic Park.” Address: Duarte Street #61, Puerto Plata.
GENERAL GREGORIO LUPERON MUSEUM This is the original home of national hero General Luperon. In 1861, the Dominican Republic was once again annexed by Spain. General Luperon was the military leader that defeated the Spanish authorities in 1865 Address: 12 de Julio Street #54 E-mail:museogregorioluperon@claro.net.do.
“DAMAJAGUA FALLS” The 27 Damajagua natural waterfalls is one of the north coast’s most important tourist attractions. National and international vi-
sitors continuously visit this nature preserve, which features more than two dozen natural waterfalls in a six square kilometer area. For more information, visit: www.saltosdamajagua.com.
PUERTO PLATA’S CABLE CARS One of the city’s most iconic attraction are the cable cars that transport visitors to the city’s “Isabel de Torres” mountain. Once on top of the hill, visitors will enjoy the most beautiful and breathtaking view of the city and ocean. More information available: www.telefericopuertoplata.com.
OCEAN WORLD If swimming with the dolphins is your wish, then Ocean World is your destination. The water park also features other important attractions, such as wild bird exhibits, aquarium and other exotic animals. The park is also open in the evenings, featuring aquatic sports, casino, restaurants, disco, and its very popular Bravissimo cabaret spectacle.
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VH ATMOSPHERE HOTEL: WONDERFUL VACATION DESTINATION FOR ADULTS
Lotus, “Las Brizas Beach,” Quiet and The Vintage Club (exclusive for Royal members).
With the Playa Dorada Golf Course as its front garden, and just a few yards away from the Atlantic Ocean, the adults-only “VH Atmosphere Resort & Beach Club” is the newest member of what is the north coast’s most iconic resort. Recently refurbished, the hotel features a very modern and relaxing atmosphere as well as many other amenities that will please its most demanding adult guests, and will contribute to a most memorable holiday. The all-inclusive five-star hotel, situated in the north coast’s “Playa Dorada” resort complex, and only 10 minutes away from the city of Puerto Plata’s historic downtown center, is operated by the VH Hotels & Resorts chain.
ROOMS The hotel features 193 rooms, divided into 50 junior suites, 70 garden rooms, 57 superior rooms and 16 honeymoon suites. 8 ACCESS DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
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SURROUNDING AMBIENCE
Rooms feature two double, one queen and king size beds, depending on the room chosen. Also, full bath, hair blower, air conditioning units, ceiling fans, telephones, cable TV, a mini-bar with beer, water and other refreshments, wi-fi ($), safe deposit box, umbrella, coffee-maker, tea kettle, iron and ironing board. The hotel also features four excellent restaurants: “El Lago” (buffet service); “Jardín Victoria” (Caribbean fusion, dinner only); “Mozzarella” (Italian) and the “Beach Club” (snack bar). Also, five bars: “El Lago,”
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Surrounded by lush tropical gardens, the VH Atmosphere provides its guests with a quiet and relaxed environment, beautifully decorated with warm colors. Its tall ceilings provide the perfect surroundings to enjoy the cool tropical breeze while enjoying a refreshing cocktail. Guests can also relax under the warm sun or simply take in the beautiful surroundings with a friend or significant other.
PLAYA, YOGA, ZUMBA AND GOLF To complete the experience, the hotel also offers its guests an Infinity pool, beach club, yoga and zumba classes, a gymnasium, tennis courts and access to the Playa Dorada golf course, one of the country’s finest. For more information, please visit: www. atmospherehotel.com.
SANTA BARBARA DE SAMANA, A CITY NESTLED BY THE ATLANTIC OCEAN
The province of Samana, situated on the Dominican Republic’s northeastern region overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, has become one of the country’s top tourism attractions. The region occupies an area of 847 square kilometers, with 1,600 kilometers of a truly remarkable coastline, dotted with some of the world’s finest white- sand beaches, and a population of 106,000 according to the 2010 national census. One important characteristic of the region is the mountain chain that rises in close proximity to the coastline and beaches. The region is also home to two protected areas. In 1756 the Spanish Governor Francisco Rubio y Peñaranda decided to populate the region to counter the presence of English and French pirates. In 1908m the city and the province were officially named with its indigenous name, Samana. Santa Barbara de Samana
is the name of the capital of the province. The beautiful bay that bears its name was included in 2009 in the select list of the “Club of the Most Beautiful Bays of the World.” Other local communities have become important tourist attractions, such as the beachfront towns of Las Terrenas and Las Galeras, home to one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. The area offers guests an excellent list of hotels, for all budgets, mostly all-inclusive facilities. The region is dotted with local and international restaurants, where many specialize in preparing dishes with coconut milk and oil. The Pedestrian Bridge: There are two absolutely beautiful keys situated in the heart of Samana
Bay. The keys are connected to the nearby mainland through two quaint pedestrian bridges, which through the years have become one of the town’s most important symbols. Walking through them is a ride that offers the best panoramic views of Samana. “Los Haitises” National Park: Situated in Samana Bay, this rainforest is situated along the southern part of the Bay of Samana. The area is one of the country’s top nature reserves, where visitors can visit caves
FIND THE TRUE MEANING OF THINGS.
Reset at Viva Wyndham.
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where the Tainos – the original inhabitants of the island – painted symbolic drawings that have lasted through the ages. The reserve is also known for the incredible number of birds that live or migrate through the area. Las Galeras: This old fishing village is situated next to the Bay of Rincon. Well organized tours include hiking and camping. Limon Waterfall: The 40-meter waterfall can be reached with the help of special guides, either on foot or on horseback.
Where your journey will take you!
HAMPTON BY HILTON SANTO DOMINGO AIRPORT
Hampton by Hilton Santo Domingo Airport Autopista Las Américas Km27, Esquina Cibernetica. Santo Domingo. Tel: +1 809 375 4000 · info.hampton@ddphotels.do
Hotel de nueva construcción con servicio de transporte incluido al Aeropuerto de Las Américas y a solo 5 minutos de su próximo vuelo.
Disfrute en todas sus estadías: • Desayuno incluido. • Internet WiFi en cortesía. • Hampton bed™: frescura y limpieza. • Piscina y gimnasio en el 5to nivel. • Salones para eventos y reuniones con equipos audiovisuales.
Servicio personalizado, habitaciones impecables y un ambiente confortable. 100% Garantia Hampton®.
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PUNTA CANA WITH NEW AND REFURBISHED HOTELS Punta Cana is a cosmopolitan city known internationally for its excellent climate and world-class beaches.
CASA MARINA BEACH
ROYALTON
BLUE BEACH PUNTA CANA
This tourism destination, the most important in the Caribbean, is known for its impressive hotel complexes that each year add new rooms to the long list of facilities. Most of the hotels offer top-of-the-line accommodations for those individuals who want to spend a quality vacation in familyoriented hotels, adults-only facilities, or exclusive boutique hotels or apartments. Its gastronomic offers have a long list of followers, and some of its restaurants have been included in the world-famous AAA magazine. World-renowned chefs now operate their own restaurants in Punta Cana. The following list features the hotels inaugurated in 2017 in Punta Cana, situated on the country’s beautiful eastern region. Also, a list of the recently refurbished hotels:
HIDEAWAY AT ROYALTON PUNTA CANA
THE ROYALTON BAVARO The all-inclusive Blue Diamond Resort chain operates 730 rooms and nine specialized international restaurants in its exclusive complex. It also operates the world-class Royal Spa, the great FlowRider® wave machine, consisting of a 365-meter winding river with a grotto bar and a golf course. The hotel also offers the All-In Connectivity ™ program with free wi-fi throughout the complex. Please visit: www.royaltonresorts.com
SECRETS CAP CANA
The Hideaway at Royalton is situated within the Blue Diamond complex in Punta Cana, alongside the Royalton Punta Cana and the Memories Punta Cana. This all-inclusive, adults-only, 168-room hotel features the Dorado Seafood and Grill Restaurant, exclusive swimming pools and beach areas, and in-room services. For Diamond Club guests, premium services include preferred room locations, various national and international drinks included in the suite, a variety of top-quality pillows and discounts at the spa. In addition, guests 12 ACCESS DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
have full and unlimited access to all facilities operated by the Royalton Punta Cana, including restaurants, bars, activities, entertainment and spa facilities. For more information: www.royaltonresorts.com
2018
Situated in Juanillo Beach in Cap Cana, Punta Cana, the 456-room hotel is operated by the AM Resorts chain. It is an all-inclusive facility featuring nine restaurants, six bars, an outdoor pool, spa and free wi-fi in all areas. It also provides guests with worldclass golf facilities and windsurfing. For more information: www.secretsresorts.com
BLUE BEACH PUNTA CANA Located on Cabeza de Toro Beach, Punta Cana, the 174-suite hotel offers guests one, two and three bedroom suites distributed in
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12 four-story buildings. It offers concierge service, wi-fi, two swimming pools, private chef, kids club, beach club and restaurant. Additional information: www.bluebeachpuntacana.com
TURTLE BAY Its 13 villas were completely refurbished, featuring a modern design and new technologies to improve the guest experience. The hotel is situated at the Puntacana Resort & Club. New relaxation areas, as well as a new bakery, were added to the FourDiamond Bamboo Restaurant, which also includes a new wine cellar, a humidor with a wide selection of cigars, and a gymnasium. Please visit: www.puntacana.com
VIK HOTELS The VIK Arena Blanca Hotel is an allinclusive 96-room facility that was recently refurbished. The hotel shares the grounds with the VIK Cayena Beach Hotel, an exclusive boutique hotel with 47 suites. Both hotels share five restaurants (an international buffet and four theme restaurants with a la carte service), seven bars, swimming pool, wi-fi throughout the property, and room service. In addition, two tennis courts, water sports facilities and a children’s club.
EDEN ROC AT CAP CANA This beautiful complex added 26 additional two-bedroom beachfront suites. All
together, the Eden Roc at Cap Cana now offers guests 60 top-quality. The hotel was completely refurbished and a new infinity pool and fitness center - with seafront views - was added. The 34 suites feature individual swimming pools and a relaxation area with free wi-fi. Also, five restaurants and bars, access to the Caleton Beach Club, a 4,090 square foot swimming pool, the Solaya Spa, the Koko Kid’s Club, meeting rooms and access to the golf course. For more information, please visit: www. edenroccapcana.com
CLUB HOTEL RIU BAMBÚ Situated in Arena Gorda, Punta Cana, this all-inclusive facility recently refurbished and modernized its restaurants, swimming pools and gymnasium. All rooms feature a new decorative style and furniture, as well as completely renovated bathrooms. Also available: seven restaurants, including the new Olé (Spanish) and “Kulinarium” (gourmet cuisine), a new gymnasium on the beach, two new swimming pools with bars, as well as a club for teenagers and children. More at: www.riu.com
TRS TURQUOISE This adults-only facility in Punta Cana (formerly The Royal Suites) is a member of the Palladium Hotels chain of hotels. Some spaces were modernized and a new Beach Club was added to the complex. The 317-suite hotel, also includes 15 Royal Honeymoon Suites and the Royal Presidential Suite. Please visit: www.palladiumhotelgroup. com CASA MARINA BEACH
EXCELLENCE PUNTA CANA The hotel completely refurbished its 446 rooms, in addition to its bars, gastronomic areas and the Excellence Club. The hotel is a member of the Excellence Group Luxury Hotels. The new additions include a sports bar and a cafeteria, 20 suites with private swimming pools, two pool bars, a club lounge with concierge service, a premium bar and a gourmet restaurant. Additionally, it expanded its Club Excellence, which offers express check-in, a VIP room exclusively reserved for members, and a minibar. Information available: www.excellenceresorts.com
VIK HOTEL ARENA BLANCA
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Disponemos de 288 habitaciones There are 288 family rooms available, There are 288 family rooms available, Disponemos de 288 habitaciones all with 2 separate bedrooms for the familiarescon con22dormitorios dormitorios indepenindepenall with 2 separate bedrooms for thefamiliares adults and and children. YouYou cancan also take dientespara paraadultos adultosyyniños. niños. Además, Además, adults children. also takedientes un advantage of the Family Club package podrándisfrutar disfrutardel del Family Family Club, Club, un advantage of the Family Club packagepodrán paquete especialmente diseñado para which has been specially designed for which has been specially designed for paquete especialmente diseñado para toda la la familia. all the toda familia. allfamily. the family.
809 227 2356 barcelo.com
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