Hotel Review: Ana Villas Dominican Republic

A collection of private beachfront resorts, Ani Villas is geared toward a growing niche of travelers in search of a unique getaway experience, one that now even has its own buzzword: "togethering."

Recently, I had the good fortune to visit Ani Villas' newest property in the Dominican Republic to learn more about togethering firsthand.

So, what is togethering, exactly? It’s essentially a small-scale buyout, geared to those who want the same amenities found at a five-star resort — minus all the strangers. In my case, I was visiting Ani Villas Dominican Republic with a group of other writers who were still technically strangers. But, with just 14 luxury suites at the resort, I was able to get to know my peers over the course of my three-night stay more than I would have otherwise. By the end of my time at Ani Villas, it felt like these one-time strangers had become my friends.

Ani Villas Dominican Republic is located on a 2-acre peninsula on the north coast of the eastern half of Hispaniola in Rio San Juan, about a 90-minute drive from Gregorio Luperon International Airport in Puerto Plata. It’s the fourth property from Ani Villas: The first location opened in 2011 in Little Bay, Anguilla, followed by two more in Koh Yao Noi, Thailand, and Dickwella, Sri Lanka. Beyond these, Ani Villas is also looking to bring “togethering” to Panama; Brazil; Zanzibar, Tanzania; and the South Pacific in the future as well.

This newest addition to the Ani Villas portfolio was designed by local architects Estudio Sarah Garcia and built using local material. The result is a minimalist aesthetic with a vibe that’s equal parts laid-back and sophisticated. The suites are divided between two buildings: Villa Amber and Villa Larimar, each with its own common area, which means that groups can opt to take over just one side of the property, or both.

The entire property has its own gym, spa, tennis court, pools and, yes, even a waterslide. Children’s activities include treasure hunts, cooking classes and arts and crafts, making Ani Villas Dominican Republic a kid-friendly option for celebrations such as family reunions or multifamily vacations, too.

Ani Villas’ “It’s All Yours” concept includes gourmet meals and beverages, as well as daily spa treatments and activities. I could have engaged in any of the resort’s complimentary offerings such as cooking classes, cocktail demos, personal training sessions, morning bike tours, local walks, stand-up paddleboarding or kayaking.

But with such incredible scenery and a serene atmosphere, the only thing I wanted to do was relax. With access to two private beaches and a suite that had its own outdoor shower, a giant in-room bathtub, high-speed Wi-Fi access and free streaming services, I had no problems doing just that.

The Details
Ani Villas Dominican Republic
www.anivillas.com