What No One Tells You About the Dominican Republic (But Should)
Redefining the Dominican Republic
A fresh take on the island’s quieter, more refined north coast, rooted in community, design, and soul.
If your idea of the Dominican Republic begins and ends with Punta Cana, it’s time to look again.
Grace recently returned from the north coast, where she visited a trio of properties that feel worlds away from the mega-resorts you might expect. No buffet lines, no wristbands, no packed beaches. Instead each of these special properties boast a completely different kind of luxury: quiet, unhurried, and rooted in place.
These hidden gems hire locally, cook seasonally, and go above and beyond to make every moment feel thoughtful and refreshing.
ÀNI Dominican Republic
For milestone moments and meaningful gatherings
ÀNI is a fully private, exclusive-use resort designed to host just one group at a time. Set on a secluded peninsula with sweeping ocean views, it offers the rare luxury of total privacy. With 14 suites spread across two contemporary villas, it’s perfectly suited for families, retreats, or groups of friends looking for an experience that feels both elevated and deeply personal.
The team here doesn’t just serve their guests, they care for them. Almost all of the staff are hired locally, and their warmth sets the tone for the entire stay. And the FOOD! Menus are customized and fresh, with much of the produce grown right on the island, so every meal feels vibrant, nourishing, and entirely personal. Cliff jumping, yoga, snorkeling, tennis, and beach excursions are all part of the experience, as is the team of 30+ local staff who create magic behind the scenes.
ÀNI is one of those places that’s hard to fully capture in words. But take it from us, what you’ll find is a rare blend of warmth, understated luxury, and thoughtful details woven into every moment.
Amanera
Where minimalist design meets untamed coastline
Just minutes from ÀNI, Amanera is sleek, quiet, and deeply restorative. Set high on the cliffs above Playa Grande, the resort was designed to blend into its surroundings and never compete with them. Suites open to sweeping views of the sea, with private plunge pools and terraces for lingering.
Aman’s partnership with the neighboring Playa Grande Golf Course is an absolute highlight. It features an ultra-exclusive course that’s full of playful, surprising moments, like hidden tequila tastings and treat-filled pantry stops. It’s the kind of place where everything is considered, but nothing feels forced.
Playa Grande Beach Club
Annnndddd this is where Grace fell hard: “I’m obsessed. It’s the quirkiest, most delightfully adorable place I’ve ever stayed.”
Colorful, offbeat, and quietly magical
Playa Grande Beach Club is the most delightful expression of low key Caribbean maximalism. It is small, personal, and wildly charming, with just nine bungalows tucked along the coastline. Each one is filled with hand-painted tiles, vintage details, and joyful design touches that make it feel more like your cool Aunt’s eclectic home than a resort.
Days here move slowly: morning surf in front of your bungalow, tennis on the shaded court, a hike to a nearby waterfall, or simply lounging with a book while listening to the waves. By evening, your bungalow is buttoned up for a cool, quiet night’s sleep, and dinner is served with fresh, locally grown ingredients and a laid-back sense of celebration.
It’s joyful, peaceful, and deeply personal. Exactly the kind of place you’ll want to keep all to yourself!
What You Should Know
Fly into Puerto Plata (POP) – about 90 minutes to all three properties
The coastline is untamed and cinematic, not the polished, turquoise waters you might think of elsewhere in the Carribean
Northern DR is incredibly safe, relaxed, and community-driven
Much of the food is grown locally, and it shows in every meal
The properties here are committed to hiring and supporting local talent
A More Thoughtful Side of the DR
If you’re looking for something unspoiled, character-rich, and uniquely luxurious, the north coast of the Dominican Republic might just surprise you in the best possible way.
📩 Send us a note here to start planning. We’d love to share this hidden corner of the Caribbean with you!