A Place In The Sun News:
Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas to Inaugurate Sans Souci Port
Jet Blue Adds Service to Puerto Plata
Dominican Republic Makes Memorable Impression at Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival
AMResorts to Debut Dreams Punta Cana Resort & Spa
DR Ideal Spot for Retiree’s Due to New Law
Barcelo Re-Brands DR Resorts
Ritz-Carlton Coming to the DR
Four Seasons to Open at Casa de Campo
Wellness Resort to Open in Barahona
Maxim Bungalows Debut in Cofresi
Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas to Inaugurate Sans Souci Port
Spokesperson for the Port of Santo Domingo recently announced that Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas cruise ship will inaugurate the renovated Sans Souci Port, located in Santo Domingo. The arrival of the Legend of the Seas is scheduled for December 16, 2007. The Sans Souci Port enhancements are part of a $700 million investment, which will eventually involve a yacht club and sports marina with capacity for 500 yachts up to 140 feet; four separate ship terminals with docking areas; a shopping mall and duty-free shopping area; a beach club; two 900-room hotels and convention center; and a luxury condominium development. The project is scheduled to be completed by 2010.
Jet Blue Adds Service to Puerto Plata
Effective January 10, 2008, JetBlue Airways will offer non-stop service from New York City’s JFK International Airport to Puerto Plata. For additional information, visit www.jetblue.com.
Dominican Republic Makes Memorable Impression at Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival
For the first time, the DR was a sponsor of the widely celebrated Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival, held September 28 to November 11, 2007. As a new exhibit at the festival, the DR generated significant buzz among guests who visited the display to experience various elements of rich Dominican culture.
As one of 11 countries that took part in this year’s festivities, the DR’s exhibit showcased Dominican gastronomy, entertainment, artistry and history. Proving to be the most popular attractions of the DR exhibit were the entertainment stage and traditional cuisine available at the marketplace kiosk. Other exhibit highlights were the Dominican rum bar, named Trapiche Bar and the series of outdoor culinary demonstrations in the area named The Dominican Kitchen, where famed Dominican chefs demonstrated an assortment of authentic recipes. Finally, to showcase the Dominican’s distinct talent and love for the arts, an artisan area was featured at the exhibit. For details about the Epcot® International Food & Wine Festival, visit www.disneyworld.com.
AMResorts to Debut Dreams Punta Cana Resort & Spa
AMResorts, the parent company of Dreams Resorts & Spas brand, recently announced plans to re-brand its Sunscape the Beach Punta Cana resort. The property will be revealed as Dreams Punta Cana Resort & Spa in December of 2007 following a multi-million dollar renovation. Features of the resort include a free-form pool, swim-up bars, 24-hour room service, meeting space and a variety of children’s programs.
DR Ideal Spot for Retiree’s Due to New Law
The DR has recently become a retiree’s paradise as Law 171-07 was approved, providing multiple benefits to those looking to settle in the country. These include, fast-tracked residency paperwork (45 days); duty-free household goods; reductions on motor vehicle taxes; exemption on transfer taxes for the first purchase of real estate; 50 percent reduction on taxes on mortgages; 50 percent reduction on the annual property tax; exemption on taxes on dividends and interest; and 50 percent reduction on capital gains.
Barcelo Re-Brands DR Resorts
The Barcelo chain gains another property, as The Ocean Bavaro Spa and Beach Resort is being re-branded as a Barcelo resort. The 738-room property will be named Barcelo Dominican Beach Resort and is the third resort in the Punta Cana area that was rebranded by Barcelo. For additional information, visit www.barcelo.com.
Ritz-Carlton Coming to the DR
The Ritz-Carlton recently announced plans to build within the Cap Cana community, located near Punta Cana. The luxury property, which is scheduled to open in 2010, will feature 220 rooms, a 16,000 square foot spa, private beach club, meeting space and five restaurants and lounges. For additional information, visit www.capcana.com.
Four Seasons to Open at Casa de Campo
According to a recent announcement by Casa de Campo, the Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts will build the DR’s first Four Seasons property at Casa de Campo. Named Four Seasons Casa de Campo, the hotel is scheduled to open in winter of 2009. The property will be located on Caleton Beach and will feature 3,100 feet of beachfront, allowing all rooms to have a sea-view. Four Seasons Casa de Campo will boast a Kids for All Seasons Club, two additional beaches, four tennis courts, a convention area and spa. For additional information, visit www.casadecampo.com.do.
Wellness Resort to Open in Barahona
The DR Ministry of Tourism recently announced the authorization for the construction of a five-star wellness resort in Canoa, Barahona. Predicted to be the largest hotel in the Southwest Region, the property will boast 1,000 rooms, 20 tennis courts, a 27-hole golf course, thermal spa pools and a convention center. Also announced were plans to distribute US $350,000 to farmers that live on lands where the hotel will be constructed. The official name of the property has not yet been released.
Maxim Bungalows Debut in Cofresi
The Caribbean’s first Maxim Bungalows opened in Cofresi Beach in October. The development, which is said to launch a new style of vacationing in the DR, features 108 five-star studio, one and two bedroom luxury suites. Additional amenities include resort-wide wireless Internet, iHome audio capabilities and plasma screen televisions. Maxim Bungalow guests can also enjoy lavish pool and beach areas, a spa and a state-of-the-art fitness center. Additional Maxim Bungalows are scheduled to open in Juan Dolio in early 2008. For information, visit www.maximbungalows.com.
