Latest news with #PuntaCana
Condé Nast Traveler
22-07-2025
- Condé Nast Traveler
11 Best Villas in Punta Cana for Destination Weddings, Group Trips, & Family Travel
Punta Cana's popularity continues to increase every year, and the busy Dominican Republic resort town is home to plenty of all-inclusive hotels lined across the coastline. But, for those who don't want to share their Caribbean oasis with hordes of other tourists, staying at a private villa in Punta Cana means bypassing the often packed and predictable resort experience for a more tranquil stay. Customizable vacation rentals allow you to kick off your sandals, sprawl out in privacy, and truly relish your wonderful surroundings. As a frequenter of this spectacular city, I've sorted through a seemingly endless sprawl of Airbnb and Plum Guide listings to bring you the best available. From cozy bungalows nestled on the sand to extravagant fortresses tucked amidst the jungle, these villas allow you to escape the Cap Cana crowds while keeping Punta Cana's natural beauty at your fingertips. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly option with a private pool or a romantic getaway with ocean views, these are the best villas in Punta Cana for all occasions. We've vetted these listings based on Superhost or Guest Favorite status, ratings, amenities, location, previous guest reviews, and decor.
Forbes
18-07-2025
- Forbes
Inside Playa Grande Beach Club, A Boutique Hotel Reimagining Travel to the Dominican Republic
One of Playa Grande Beach Club's nine standalone villas. Playa Grande Beach Club Few destinations do an over-the-top beach vacation like the Dominican Republic. As all-inclusive travel grows in popularity even with the youngest generation of travelers, this Caribbean nation is drawing record-breaking numbers of travelers year-round, many of whom head straight to the island's oversized resorts. Beachfront development has long since pushed past the sugar-fine sands of Punta Cana and into new regions, with big-name hotels and resorts sprouting up in spots that were once known mostly to locals. Notably, the country's first luxury wellness resort, Cayo Levantado Resort, debuted two years ago on a private island in the less-visited region of Samaná. Meanwhile, the once tiny beach town of Miches is buzzing; Viva Miches by Wyndham, A Trademark All-Inclusive debuted in January, while Zemi Miches Punta Cana All-Inclusive Resort, Curio Collection by Hilton opening its doors less than a month ago. The less-visited north shore of the Dominican Republic is home to some of the country's few boutique hotels and resorts. Playa Grande Beach Club A mere blip on the map of the Dominican Republic, the area surrounding the small town of Rio San Juan is nearly untouched, even when compared to still growing destinations like Samaná or Miches. But zoom in on Google Maps and you'll start to see the appeal of this less-visited region: brilliantly white stretches of sand stretch right up to the lush foliage of the tropical jungle. This couldn't feel further from Punta Cana, but with beaches that are just as nice. Amidst the larger-than-life developments of other coastlines, the properties here are tiny in comparison. Small, serene, and supremely exclusive, properties like the Aman-branded Amanera and ÀNI Dominican Republic, are quietly rewriting the narrative of the travel to the Dominican Republic as being limited to the oversized and overwhelming. Even more special still is nearby Playa Grande Beach Club, a boutique property the likes of which there are few in the country, let alone the Caribbean. Home to just nine standalone bungalows spread across a spacious swath of beachfront property carved out of the jungle, its one-of-a-kind design and down-to-earth luxury make it a world all its own. Celerie Kembel-designed Playa Grande Beach Club. Playa Grande Beach Club Inside Playa Grande Beach Club Stepping off the golden sands of one of the country's most beautiful beaches and onto the manicured grounds of Playa Grande Beach Club, it's immediately clear that this is a destination all its own. Even from the beachfront, it's visible: the property's meticulously maintained grounds are packed with details to delight visitors. Fringed umbrellas shade beach chairs; vintage furniture fills spaces coated with colorful, handmade tiles; candy-colored drinking glasses for afternoon piña coladas by the pool look like they're straight out of a doll house. Playa Grande Beach Club's praiseworthy design comes as no surprise to those who know its founding story. Among the property's owners is Celerie Kemble, a renowned designer who had a hand in every detail of its creation and design. Her distinctly island-inspired, Palm Beach-informed design touches every corner of the property. Each bungalow evokes its own unique spirit, with colorful pastel palettes paired with one-of-a-kind textiles and art collected from remote corners of the world, including from Kemble's personal travels. The Dominican inspiration of the property is undeniable, calling on classic, colonial-era design in architectural details throughout. Each bungalow at Playa Grande Beach Club is unique crafted and includes handpicked pieces of furniture, art, and decor. Playa Grande Beach Club To step inside your private bungalow, available in one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom layouts, feels like stepping inside a gingerbread house with a tropical twist. Mine mixed a rose and lime green color scheme, that started with the handpicked textiles on pillows and continue to the tiles spread across the bathroom floor. My bungalow had its own kitchen, with a vintage-inspired refrigerator stocked with goodies like Dominican beer, local mangoes and freshly-ground coffee should I want to wake for sunrise on the sand. The bathroom was its own separate sanctuary, complete with a massive copper soaking tub as the centerpiece of its design. I marveled at its size: how could the floor hold its weight? Did the house have to be built around its oversized port? It was one of a number of supremely special touches that wove together the visceral visual journey at this one-of-a-kind property. Bungalows each come with kitchens, making it an ideal destination for a longer-term stay. Playa Grande Beach Club Home Away From Home The intentionality of every design detail is Kemble's love for the property made manifest, giving it lived-in, well-loved quality that makes it comfortable rather than imposing. Perhaps it's the small size of the property, apt for less than thirty guests at a time, that enhances its homey feel. However, the family-and-friends-first founding of the property is even more likely the source of its welcoming vibe. While Kemble was the creative mind behind the property's design, she was just one of a close-knit group of owners who initially intentioned Playa Grande Beach Club to be a private destination reserved just for friends and family. Now, guests can book bungalows for their own home-away-from-home feel. In addition to just nine bungalows, Playa Grande Beach Club has a main house with a restaurant and bar, a two-story library and lounge, a beachfront pool with a covered lounge area for lazing, and a small gym. Rio San Juan and Beyond For such a set-apart property far from the tourist crowds, there's surprisingly plenty to do just outside the bounds of the resort. One morning I ventured out with a guide who led me up a mountainside that stands between the coastline and the expanses of the island, cracking open fresh coconuts, pointing out tropical fruit laden trees, and explaining the rich vegetation along our trek. At the end of the path was an incredible viewpoint overlooking the island's north coast, from which he pointed out the area's best beaches and departures for the area's other popular excursions: horseback riding, tours through the forest to swim in millennia-old sinkholes and boat rides through the mangroves. 'Why would anyone want to leave such a precious property?' I had thought, until I realized that I would need to plan a return trip to experience everything there is to do in this still largely untouched region of the country. Playa Grande Beach Club's elegant main house, home to the property's lounge space, bar and restaurant. Playa Grande Beach Club The Playa Grande Secret There is plenty to do during a stay at Playa Grande Beach Club, but noticeable absent is the laundry list of amenities that often feel like a to-do list to modern travelers. Here, the luxury is in the space, the solitude, the stretch of sand that feels almost all your own. It is the serenity of dining in the grand, romantic main house, chatting with friends and family over farm-fresh food highlighting island-inspired flavors. "The biggest benefit of staying at Playa Grande Beach Club is that you feel like you are in a family," says Alexandra Jeronimo, General Manager of Playa Grande Beach Club. "The hotel is a timeless place from yesteryear where generational stories are made," she says, referencing both the intimate feel of the property and high return rate of guests. At this boutique property, bungalows sometimes book up to a year in advance by guests who don't want to skip a season at Playa Grande. It's a destination to be shared with friends and family, but carefully. "A lot of visitors tend to say things like 'I don't know if I should tell anyone about this place, so I've decided to tell no one so I can keep it for myself,'" says Jeronimo. After all, what started as a hideaway for a group of close friends and family never lost its essence. Now, it that same sublime peace and welcoming spirit that makes Playa Grande Beach Club such a singular slice of paradise.
CBS News
15-07-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Chicago area family stranded in Dominican Republic after husband needs emergency brain surgery
A tropical vacation to the Dominican Republic ended with a far northwest suburban Chicago family stuck in the hospital, and drowning in medical debt. The Dervis family joined about 30 other people from the Johnsburg area on a trip to the Dominican Republic — all of them celebrating their kids' recent graduation from Johnsburg High School. Now, the Dervises are trying desperately to figure out a way to get back to the United States — finding themselves stranded after her husband had to go in for brain surgery. "I just want to go home," said Bonnie Dervis. "I just want to get to the United States. I just want to get medical treatment." Dervis spoke to CBS News Chicago from a medical center outside of Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. Far from the picture-perfect vacation she had planned with her husband, Greg, to celebrate the graduation of their son, Cole. "It's really hard on Cole, because he feels bad, you know? He doesn't know what to do either. He feels bad," said Bonnie Dervis, "and then he's worried about me, because I'm alone in a different country all by myself." Greg Dervis got sick on the trip, and was diagnosed with a blood clot in his brain. "They had to remove the whole blood clot and part of his skull to reduce the swelling," said Bonnie Dervis. "He needed to go to the ICU, but the hospital wouldn't put him in ICU until I gave them $10,000." Greg and Bonnie Dervis will be married 21 years in August. They work together at an HVAC repair company, and Bonnie said their insurance won't cover the overseas medical treatment — including the brain surgery. "I needed $15,000 just to give them to do the brain surgery," said Bonnie Dervis. "Twenty-five grand total I've done so far right now." Greg Dervis has been released from the ICU. He is talking and recognizes Bonnie. But doctors say due to swelling from the blood clot, he cannot get on a commercial flight for at least six weeks. A family friend, JD Sylvanus, started an online fundraiser through GoFundMe, in an effort to cover medical expenses and get the couple back to Johnsburg. The GoFundMe said the family needs desperate help with ongoing hospital and medical expenses, temporary housing near the hospital, food and transportation, and support for the Dervises' 7-year-old daughter, Morgan, back home. As of Monday night, the fundraiser had netted $14,495 out of a $25,000 goal. "It's very heart-wrenching to try and tear yourself in two to be there for your family members," said Bonnie Dervis. Both of the Dervis children are back with a family friend in Johnsburg.
The Sun
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Coronation Street's Cait Fitton SLAMMED for animal cruelty on holiday as she shares snaps RIDING a dolphin
CORONATION Street's Cait Fitton has been slammed for animal cruelty on holiday - after sharing a snap of herself riding a dolphin. Cait, 23, best known for playing Lauren Bolton on the ITV soap, posted a slew of shots from her tropical getaway to the Dominican Republic on Wednesday. It included an Instagram Story where she was seen in the sea, appearing to ride a dolphin. One of the snaps, from outside Dolphin Island Park in Punta Cana, was captioned: 'Such a surreal experience. Pictures pending …. Swim with dolphins in the wild.' In another, she kissed the mammal - joined by her boyfriend, Tony. But her posts have sparked outrage online, with animal rights charity PETA slamming the experience as exploitative and cruel. In a statement to The Sun, PETA's Vice President of Programmes Elisa Allen said: 'PETA is rushing Cait a copy of The Cove, as she simply can't be aware that dolphins exploited for these cute-seeming encounters are often violently torn away from their families and ocean homes and have almost no semblance of a real life. "Instead of exploring, raising their young, and swimming vast distances, captive dolphins are forced to spend decades performing confusing tricks in cramped tanks while being fondled by strangers. "We hope PETA's facts will open her eyes to the dolphins' plight and that she'll take down any social media pictures promoting this cruel industry, which imprisons wild animals for profit.' Cait's representatives have been contacted for comment. While dolphin experiences remain popular with tourists, animal welfare groups have long warned that the practice often involves keeping highly intelligent creatures in unnatural, confined environments. It was just two weeks ago that Cait went Instagram official with her new boyfriend, praising her man for "blessing my life". My teacher asked me what I wanted from life when I was five-years-old – I said 'I want to be in Coronation Street' The actress posted a gushing tribute to her other-half in a series of social media slides celebrating his 23th birthday. Cait had teased her mystery man weeks ago, after telling fans she'd received a Jellycat cuddly toy gift from "my boyfriend". She later returned the favour, arranging for a series of 23-shaped silver balloons to fill his room as well as a happy birthday banner. Cait added the sweet caption: "A day celebrating you." Deciding not to name her partner, she then posted a series of snaps showing happy moments together, including them glammed up as well as holding hands. 6 Cait then wrote: "Happy birthday to my man. "Thank you for blessing my life." The soap star, who joined the show back in 2022, previously decided against revealing her partner's identity. OFF SCREEN Cait's life away from the Weatherfield cobbles recently came to light. She is originally from Lancashire and ventured into performing arts at the age of three. While it's clear Cait has a talent when it comes to acting, having also starred in Doctors, she's also a great singer. She previously wowed her followers online after posting a clip of her singing a rendition of Ben E. King's Stand By Me. Cait always had her sights set on Coronation Street, previously telling us she told her entire class in school how she wanted a role on the ITV soap. She spoke exclusively to The Sun and said: "The teacher asked us, 'What do you want to be when you're older?' Children were saying 'a fireman' or 'a nurse', and I said, 'I want to be in Coronation Street'. "I remember all the teachers were amused, they couldn't believe it. I watched it religiously." Corrie's 15 most popular characters in 2024 Dee-Dee Bailey - 214 episodes - 1st Nick Tilsley - 178 episodes - 2nd Toyah Habeeb - 163 episodes - 3rd Leanne Battersby - 156 episodes - 4th Carla Connor - 145 episodes - 5th Sarah Platt - 144 episodes - Joint 6th David Platt - 144 episodes - Joint 6th Kit Green - 138 episodes - Joint 8th Daniel Osbourne - 138 episodes - Joint 8th Bethany Platt - 138 episodes - Joint 8th DS Lisa Swain - 128 episodes - 11th Steve McDonald - 126 episodes - 12th Roy Cropper - 125 episodes - 13th Billy Mayhew - 121 episodes - Joint 14th Bernie Winter - 121 episodes - Joint 14th When she announced her role on Corrie, Cait paid tribute to the family members she's sadly lost over the years. She wrote: "My younger self is screaming right now!!! I want to say a big thank you to all the cast and crew at @coronationstreet for inviting me in with open arms and making me feel so welcome! "Thank you to my amazing agent Brooke Kinsella at @intertalentactors for constantly supporting me and always pushing me to achieve." Remembering family members who have passed on, she continued: "Also a massive thank you to my family and friends who have supported me throughout this process and been with me along the journey so far! I dedicate this role of achievement to my family who were huge fans of the show but unfortunately are no longer with me, but I know if they were, they'd be bursting at the seams!" 6
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
JdV by Hyatt hotel brand debuts in the Caribbean
Hyatt Hotels has marked the debut of its JdV brand in the Caribbean with the opening of Royal Beach Hotel Punta Cana, in partnership with Grupo Martinon. A part of Hyatt's lifestyle portfolio, this new hotel offers 66 guest rooms with multifunctional amenities. This property is located 25 minutes from Punta Cana International Airport. Royal Beach Hotel Punta Cana general manager Juan Alejandro Sánchez said: 'It's a pleasure to be part of this milestone project and debut the JdV by Hyatt brand in the Caribbean. 'Following an extensive renovation, we look forward to welcoming business and leisure travellers to connect and live in the moment with endless opportunities to explore the local vibe – white sand and clear beaches included.' The hotel is equipped with two fully furnished boardrooms, capable of housing groups of 12-16 people for corporate events. Additional amenities at the property include a 24-hour fitness centre and a pool with loungers. The Royal Beach Hotel joins a global network of more than 55 JdV by Hyatt properties and expands Hyatt's presence in Punta Cana, where it already operates 20 Hyatt Inclusive Collection resorts. Hyatt's extensive portfolio spans over 1,450 hotels and all-inclusive properties in 79 countries in six continents. In October 2024, Hyatt Hotels expanded its Caribbean presence with the launch of Hyatt Centric Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic, introducing the Hyatt Centric brand to the region. "JdV by Hyatt hotel brand debuts in the Caribbean" was originally created and published by Hotel Management Network, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
