Why make a reservation?
This tranquil Dominican Republic resort features thoughtful design, a private beach, a stunning pool, and fine dining. If you want to escape from the hustle and bustle and experience quiet luxury in a sophisticated setting, come here.
Set the scene.
The St. Regis Resort, making its debut in the Dominican Republic, is located at the southern tip of the resort area of Cap Cana, and is a luxury resort where you’ll find just as many newlyweds on their honeymoon as well as wealthy solo travelers lounging by the pool, waking up early and heading out early to play a few holes of golf, as well as eccentric celebrities and dignitaries. In fact, the St. Regis hosted the President of the Dominican Republic within two weeks of opening.
Our white-shirted staff will greet you at the giant door and welcome you into the spacious, multistory lobby. Chapi Design and architecture firm Acebal Canny, responsible for several Ritz-Carlton and St. Regis properties, collaborated to create a luxury resort that honors the unique character of the Dominican Republic. The usual luxurious materials are used (marble and leather), but local flair is the basis of the design: tropical plants, patterned brickwork, and curved ceilings adorned with the island’s typical wickerwork. Beyond the monumental reception area, the indoor-outdoor resort maintains a tranquil atmosphere with minimalist décor, shaded hallways bordering lush gardens, and plenty of secluded sitting areas. Artwork by Dominican artists is scattered throughout the building, giving the resort a gallery-like feel.
It’s easy to get lost in this rambling, low-rise building with 200 rooms, including 36 suites. Staff are always nearby and will guide you with a smile. From a distance, the building and its lush roof (which also has a pool) blend into its surroundings. Two wings (one for private residences) surround a central outdoor area with landscaped landscaping, a tranquil pool, and a private beach. From bed to breakfast, beach to pool, lunch to cocktails and dinner, you can relax knowing that everything is taken care of while you wander around languidly.
Back story:
When you arrive, our staff will greet you with, “Welcome to the House of Astor,” a reminder of the legendary history of the St. Regis name. The New York landmark was built in 1904 by real estate magnate John Jacob Astor IV. Although the brand has changed hands and modernized over the years, it still showcases the same luxury that the Gilded Age family expected. Suspended in front of a breathtaking waterfall of water is the centerpiece of the reception area. A dramatic curved wooden staircase creates an entrance to the theater. Wafting throughout is the brand’s signature scent called Caroline’s Four Hundred. It was inspired by John Jacob’s mother, Caroline, who was known for her love of roses and her lavish dinners for New York City’s elite 400. Just like back then, luxury offerings include butler service and delicacies such as caviar, lobster and seafood towers.
room
Decorated in colors evocative of sand and ocean, the modern, luxurious accommodations feature all the attention to detail you’ve come to expect from the brand, including smart lights that detect motion and illuminate your path, Frette sheets and robes, and full turndown service including bedside slippers. Special ground floor suites have a swim-out area if you don’t want to join other guests in the large pool. The bathroom, which is about the size of many living rooms in New York City, has double sinks, a separate toilet, a shower stall suitable for small parties, and a deep, deep soaking tub (which many tall people will appreciate). Having a butler run your bath may be the ultimate luxury. Of course, room service, a fully stocked minibar and bar cart are available.
Eating and drinking
There are plenty of food and drink options on site. Enjoy a buffet breakfast each morning in the main restaurant Cassava, or order à la carte (be sure to get a side of mofongo). Poolside, grab a cocktail at Carey Bay Seaside Bar and tuck into a lunch of grilled fish and other snacks at Marola (or stay in a cabana and have it delivered). If you’re by the rooftop pool, dine at Cielo Mio, a modern tiki bar.
For happy hour drinks and snacks, the famous St. Regis Bar, with its striking artwork of a Dominican “faceless doll,” offers an extensive list of Blood Marys and other cocktails (a particular standout is the Damafana, highlighting the Dominican spiced drink Mamajuana). Afterwards, enjoy something more casual with Cassava (we recommend the ahi crudo poured over a pool of mango sauce), which offers distinctive Dominican flavors, or go for something more upscale at Nina, which boasts a menu created in collaboration with chef Diego Muñoz and a 100-bottle strong organic wine list. You can dine on the terrace as the sun sets, or sit indoors where a DJ creates a cool and relaxed atmosphere. Both the St. Regis Bar and Nina are open to the public for reservations.
For a more tailored experience, book El Huerto, our small dining room and kitchen, and enjoy a private meal prepared by a guest chef. Wine lovers can enjoy wine tasting by booking the Uma Wine Cellar Room in Nina. And if you’re a cigar aficionado, you’ll want to visit the cozy Amber Room. There, a cigar sommelier will select a special roll for you, and a “lumelier” will pair it with a Caribbean spirit.
spa
Decorated with warm woods and cool marble, the spa features 14 treatment rooms, as well as separate areas for men and women with indoor and outdoor lounges, hot and cold baths, steam rooms and saunas. Couples can book treatments in rooms with private terraces for the ultimate in private luxury.
Neighborhood/region
Located in the resort enclave of Cap Cana, the St. Regis is one of the most exclusive hotels in a leafy corner of the DR. Because it is located between the sea and the golf course, it is a place where only the sounds of the sea and trees can be heard. Tennis courts and a marina are just a short drive away, where you can go snorkeling.
service
As you would expect from a hotel inspired by the Gilded Age, the service here is attentive. A butler (and WhatsApp) is on hand to cater to your every whim, and can arrange tennis lessons, boat tours, horseback riding, and more. Score a private cabana and let your servers pet you as you watch the curtains sway in the sea breeze.
family friendly
In addition to the family-friendly pool, there is also a kids and teenagers center with toys, video games, and cozy nooks for watching movies. There’s also a separate room where teens can socialize or relax while scrolling through their phones, as usual.
Eco initiatives
Part of the Cap Cana resort community, the St. Regis is affiliated with the Cap Cana Foundation, which oversees the protection and preservation of marine and terrestrial wildlife and habitats. Solar energy is used throughout the enclave and 100% of the treated wastewater is used to irrigate the golf course. Cap Cana has partnered with NUVI Plastic Recovery to recycle plastic used at the resort and reintegrate it into the production cycle.
accessibility
There are fully accessible rooms, parking and entrances throughout the property, as well as ramps and elevators.
Is there anything worth mentioning?
It’s not an all-inclusive stay, so be prepared. The Jack Nicklaus Signature Punta Espada Golf Course is right next to the St. Regis, so you’ll find plenty of golfers. Finally, when the resort first opened, there was still construction going on on some of the land adjacent to the resort and the permanent residence in the north wing.
