ESCAPE TO PARADISE

The adult-only destination joined Marriott Bonvoy’s all-inclusive portfolio in September 2022 as the brand’s first luxury all-inclusive resort. Following a four-month renovation aimed at enhancing guest experience, the hotel reopened its doors in January 2023, joining a celebrated ensemble of experiential hotels.

Roger Belletti, Managing Director of the hotel, explained that joining forces with a strong name in the international hospitality business has presented them with customer data insights, an extensive pipeline of potential guests whilst also strengthening their appeal and ensuring constant evolution to meet the requirements of today’s traveller.

The re-brand elevated the venue’s positioning to appeal to a high-end market and famed Sanctuary Cap Cana as the only all-inclusive Luxury Collection venue in the world. In the wake of the pandemic, travellers are paying more attention to which travel opportunities they allocate their time to, and the current wave of appeal for the allinclusive model, in Roger’s opinion, has been driven by the changing expectations of consumers. Travellers are looking to get more out of their spend with an elevated and luxurious hospitality experience. As a result, the two concepts have come together and paved the way for a truly luxury resort in which guests can expect the highest quality that cannot be matched elsewhere at the all-inclusive level. The resort showcases Marriott’s commitment to elevating the all-inclusive experience, and provides discerning travellers with the level of style and sophistication synonymous with the Luxury Collection. Dining at the resort offers curated epicurean experiences across five restaurants and eight bars, and features six pools for relaxation, as well as the indulgent Sanctuary Spa for Ayurvedic treatments, and hydro and cutting-edge therapies, perfectly in line with the growing demand for wellness. sanctuarycapcana.com

As well as an abundance of facilities, smaller details haven’t been forgotten with interior designed to breathe romance through its resemblance of a colonial Spanish castle town. A key selling point is the resort’s private beachside location in one of the most secluded and desirable areas of the Dominican Republic, the gated community of Cap Cana.

Sanctuary Cap Cana also includes Sanctuary Town, the resort’s own nightlife destination, with fine-dining outlets as well as an enhanced world-class spa. Sanctuary Town is the only area within the resort where children are welcome and the adults-only policy is not in effect. This outlet is also available for the residents of the Cap Cana Community, allowing the resort boost its revenue when it comes to food and beverage offers.

Another aspect presented to offer a more luxurious guest experience is through introducing surrounding culture to the guest, elevating their experience beyond what a ‘standard’ all-inclusive resort can offer and instead introducing the destination to their experience. This can be seen through their locally-inspired culinary offerings, refined design that reflects the location, and offering all guests a broad range of bespoke and elevated amenities.

Paving the way as the first luxury all-inclusive resort for the Marriott International and The Luxury Collection, Sanctuary Cap Cana offers an exciting insight into a future avenue for high-end hoteliers to take note of.