Lately, the Caribbean has been answering the call of adult travelers. According to a recent report from Virtuoso, interest in Caribbean winter trips is growing: Network bookings for the holidays are up 8 percent year over year in the destination, and business for January/February 2019 is 21 percent higher than it was for January/February 2018.
Fortunately, several high-end and luxury resorts have taken on new management and undergone renovations to satisfy this consumer market. Below, we highlight four new adults-only, all-inclusive resorts gracing the Caribbean.
For Singles and Socialites: Grand Bahia Principe Aquamarine
Grand Bahia Principe Aquamarine, formerly Luxury Bahia Principe Ambar Green, will reopen in November as the brand’s first adults-only property. Located on Bavaro Beach in Punta Cana, the Dominican Republic, the 498-suite resort will offer on-site tailor-made experiences such as wine tastings, rum mixology classes, board game tournaments, DJ socials, theme parties with live music and more.
A guestroom at Grand Bahia Principe Aquamarine
Credit: 2018 Grand Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts
In addition, the all-inclusive will continue to offer perks such as 24-hour room service and unlimited a la carte dining; organized sports and wellness activities; and one hour per day of aquatic adventures such as kayaking and catamaran boat rides.
www.bahia-principe.com
For the Young at Heart: Hotel Riu Republica
Hotel Riu Republica, set on Arena Gorda Beach in Punta Cana, oversaw an expansion last winter, just a little over a year after its debut. The resort’s new wing features 300 rooms, bringing the total room count to 1,382. Attractive all-inclusive benefits include unlimited Wi-Fi access, an international drink menu and private romantic dinners upon request.
Hotel Riu Republica features a waterpark with several mega-slides.
Credit: 2018 Riu Hotels & ResortsClients can also savor cuisine and small bites at several new eateries: Taj Mahal, an upscale Indian restaurant; Ole, a venue that serves Spanish specialty dishes; and the Jerk Grill, an open-air seaside eatery. The hotel’s most notable addition, however, is its Splash Water World waterpark, which features several mega-slides, including a free-fall slide and a loop-de-loop tube slide.
www.riu.com
For Culinary Connoisseurs: Melia Punta Cana Beach Resort
Formerly part of Melia Caribe Tropical All Inclusive Beach & Golf Resort, the new adults-only Melia Punta Cana Beach Resort will open its doors in December. The Bavaro Beach property will feature 538 rooms, including standard junior suites and The Level suites — spacious 450-square-foot rooms with private balconies or terraces. The hotel will also entice clients with an exclusive pool; a VIP lounge for check-in and checkout; and premium beverage services.
Visitors can grab snacks, grilled items and cocktails at Replay Bar at Melia Punta Cana Beach Resort.
Credit: 2018 Melia Hotels InternationalAdditionally, the property will redefine itself as a culinary hub with five new restaurants, including Mosaico, a casual Mediterranean eatery; Muoi, an Asian-fusion spot offering dim sum and sushi; Casa Nostra, an Italian venue with a woodfire grill; Rumba, an open-air buffet serving breakfast and lunch; and sports bar Replay Bar.
www.melia.com
For Leisure Lovers: TRS Cap Cana Hotel
In November, Palladium Hotel Group’s newest property — TRS Cap Cana Hotel, located in Cap Cana, Punta Cana — will welcome back clients. Previously known as Tiara Cap Cana, the resort will reopen with 115 luxury suites, 39 swim-up suites, nine oceanview suites and an Ambassador Suite.
Travelers can relax and recharge in the TRS Cap Cana Hotel lobby.
Credit: 2018 Palladium Hotel GroupAs a part of the transformation, new state-of-the-art facilities will include a fitness center, a signature Zentropia Palladium Spa & Wellness center and two pools. Vacationers will have access to a variety of dining venues, such as the Ibiza-inspired Helios beach club. Palladium will also implement its all-inclusive program, Infinite Indulgence, which provides amenities such as unlimited Wi-Fi access, a la carte dining, spa access and personal butler service.
www.palladiumhotelgroup.com