July 27, 2025

Punta Cana Develops Largest Oceanfront Resort in the DR

News Summary

Punta Cana is set to welcome the Moon Palace The Grand Punta Cana resort, which is poised to be the largest oceanfront resort in the Dominican Republic, opening in spring 2026. Spanning 297 acres, the resort will feature over 2,171 rooms with direct ocean views, aiming for sustainability through renewable energy sources. It plans to offer numerous amenities including 19 dining options and a golf course, while significantly impacting local employment and housing through a $1.5 billion investment. This landmark project signifies a major boost to regional tourism.

Punta Cana Sets Stage for the Largest Oceanfront Resort in the Dominican Republic

The tourism sector in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, is preparing for a significant development with the upcoming Moon Palace The Grand Punta Cana resort, scheduled to open in spring 2026. This new project is projected to become the largest oceanfront resort in the country, offering a substantial boost to local hospitality and employment sectors.

Scope and Scale of the New Resort

Developed by Palace Resorts, the Moon Palace The Grand Punta Cana will occupy a vast 297-acre beachfront site in the popular Bávaro area. The resort will feature two 18-story towers alongside a central clubhouse, with structural construction completed. Current construction activities are focused on interior work, mechanical systems, and finishing touches, moving steadily toward the scheduled opening.

Upon opening, the resort will boast a total of 2,171 rooms, with approximately 66% offering direct ocean views. This makes it the Dominican Republic’s leading destination for oceanfront accommodations, accommodating thousands of guests daily with its extensive facilities.

Design, Sustainability, and Environmental Preservation

The resort’s distinctive vertical layout aims to preserve the surrounding natural vegetation. Over 228,000 square meters of natural green space will be maintained, aligning with environmental sustainability goals. A significant feature is a 400-meter mangrove protection zone, integrated into the site plan to uphold local ecosystems.

To enhance guest experience and connectivity, the development includes elevated pathways linking the accommodations to the beachfront. The design emphasizes sustainability, with plans for the resort to operate entirely on renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power starting in 2027.

Facilities and amenities

Guests will have access to 19 restaurants, bars, and nightclubs, catering to a daily influx of over 5,000 visitors. The resort also plans to feature a Greg Norman “eco-signature” golf course, although the opening date for the course has not been specified.

Other key amenities include extensive pools, entertainment facilities, and diverse room types designed to meet various preferences. The resort’s layout and amenities aim to promote leisure and sustainability simultaneously, with a focus on eco-consciousness and environmental preservation.

Future Development and Community Impact

The project represents a total $1.5 billion investment, highlighting its significance for the region’s economic development. It is expected to generate approximately 5,700 direct jobs during construction and operational phases, offering substantial employment opportunities to the local community. In addition, Ciudad Palace will be developed as a community hub for hospitality workers, including 1,800 apartments, schools, and parks, to address local housing needs and improve quality of life.

Operational Timeline and Booking

The resort’s opening is targeted for early 2026, with preliminary recruitment of staff beginning three months prior to the launch. Additionally, bookings for the resort are scheduled to open on September 1, 2025, allowing travelers to reserve accommodations well in advance of the opening date.

Additional Notes

As the first Palace Resorts property in the Dominican Republic, the Moon Palace The Grand Punta Cana signifies a major expansion for the company, which currently operates ten all-inclusive resorts across Mexico—including the well-known Moon Palace Cancun—and manages Moon Palace Jamaica in Ocho Rios. The new resort aims to enhance Dominican Republic’s reputation as a premier tourist destination with luxurious amenities and sustainable practices, contributing significantly to regional economic growth and environmental conservation.

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Author: STAFF HERE VIRGINIA BEACH WRITER

VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER The VIRGINIA BEACH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREVirginiaBeach.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Virginia Beach, Virginia Beach City, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Virginia Beach Neptune Festival, East Coast Surfing Championship, and the American Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Virginia Beach Chamber of Commerce and Visit Virginia Beach, plus leading businesses in tourism and defense that power the local economy such as the Virginia Beach Convention Center and Northrop Grumman. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.

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