The spa’s architecture by Cala Design Group was inspired by the Taíno sun god Yukahu Bagua Maorokoti.
The spa uses rammed earth walls and skylights to provide a cavernous sanctuary, combined with lush gardens and a natural pool.
Lynn Currie of Currie Spa Consulting also worked on the project.
The spa will have seven treatment bungalows, a pharmacy and a water heating facility.
Marriott International will debut the Luxury Collection Punta Cana Resort with a tropical destination spa called Playa Serena Spa in the Dominican Republic in the fourth quarter of 2026.
The property is owned by Grupo Puntacana and the 1,200 square meter spa was designed by Ana Ramirez of Kala Design Group. Other collaborators on this project include Lynn Curry of Curry Spa Consulting; The interior design is by Susurrus and the landscape architecture is by Maat Handasa.
The conceptual design phase will begin in 2024, with construction and facilities continuing into 2026, ahead of the hotel and spa’s grand opening towards the end of the year.
concept and design
Ramirez spoke exclusively to Spa Business about the spa’s design. “My role was to create a sanctuary where architecture, nature and indigenous inspiration come together in an awe-inspiring and enchanting journey.
“Conceived as a curated retreat and apothecary, the spa translates the spirit of the Caribbean into a space where filtered light, cascading water and tactile materials awaken the senses and celebrate the healing power of the land,” Ramirez continued.
She described Playa Serena Spa as a living sanctuary carved from the earth, inspired by the Taíno sun god Yukahu Bagua Maorokoti, a symbol of vitality, light and life. The architecture is created to embody the island’s natural rhythms, fusing biophilia, sacred geometry, and contemporary wellness design.
Rammed earth walls in a warm terracotta color reflect the Caribbean soil, stabilizing the senses with warmth and texture.
Ramirez added: “Skylights channel sunlight from above and are reminiscent of Taino caves, once believed to be bridges between the human and spiritual worlds. Each space becomes a vessel of light, where natural elements interact to create a meditative flow.”
“Hanging gardens, natural pools and handcrafted details soften the architecture and dissolve the boundaries between inside and outside,” she said. “The result is a sensory journey where the sound of rushing water, shifting shadows, and tropical plants awaken a deep state of calm and rebirth.”
Lynn Currie told Spa Business: “Working with Anna and her amazing team was inspiring, extremely productive and magical throughout the design process. Ownership has been a great client for all of us and has embraced the unique guest experience we have been creating.”
“We are very excited about this project, the connection to nature it brings, and the combination of treatment room and ocean health,” Curry said. “This spa brings joy to guests as soon as they step into this tropical paradise.”
The pair said the spa’s target customers are discerning travelers between the ages of 30 and 65, including couples and wellness enthusiasts. They are expected to come from North America, Europe and Latin America.
facility
The spa has seven treatment bungalows, five of which are singles with private shower gardens. The remaining two rooms are double suites with private steam rooms, shower gardens and plunge pools, designed to allow you to relax and immerse yourself in the jungle for a few hours.
Living Earthcrafts offers therapeutic beds and spa equipment.
There is a social thermal area with herbal sauna, hot and cold plunge pools and experiential showers.
The spa’s hydrotherapy circuit features watsu pools, reflexology experiences, and other water-focused rituals.
Pharmacists provide herbal mixology and tailored skin care.
The spa will also feature a full-service beauty salon with equipment from Welonda, Gamma and Bross.
Other spaces include a boutique, an air-conditioned relaxation lounge and an outdoor relaxation terrace.
A yoga pavilion and movement garden will also be featured.
treatment method
The spa will feature its own bespoke botanical skincare line created in its in-house pharmacy. Featuring local herbs, clays and tropical essences.
The signing ceremony includes:
Sacred Sun Ritual – A revitalizing therapy inspired by the Taíno sun god, using sun-infused oils, rhythmic massage and acoustic resonance to restore vitality.
Healing Clay Journey – A detox experience with mineral-rich local mud, hydrotherapy and a watsu experience.
Caribbean Bloom Ceremony – A floral-infused ceremony that celebrates the island’s biodiversity through aromatherapy and tactile experiences.
