Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana to become a Dreams

A Jimmy Buffett-inspired property in the Dominican Republic that’s known for its island-inspired decor, margarita-flavoured popsicles, floating taco bars and giant flip-flop sculptures will soon be no more.

Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana, which is managed by Karisma Hotels and Resorts, will soon close and be handed over to Hyatt Hotels Corporation, which will transform the property into a Dreams Resorts & Spas.

A notice posted to the Margaritaville hotel’s website confirms the news.

READ MORE: On Location: Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana hits the right notes with more choices

“Margaritaville is growing and changing all the time. While we continue to celebrate new locations, we may also see a property change coordinates.  Margaritaville Island Reserve Resort Cap Cana will no longer be part of the Margaritaville portfolio as of November 27, 2024,” the post reads.

In a press release Tuesday (Nov. 19), Hyatt noted it has entered into a management agreement with Cobbo Bay Developers SA for a new Dreams Resorts & Spas-branded resort in the Dominican Republic by the end of the year.

The all-inclusive property will feature 519 guestrooms, including 40 villas and 100 swim-up suites, “creating an ideal retreat for families seeking a Caribbean getaway.”

PAX has visited Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana twice over the years, ever since the playful property opened in November 2021.

The laid-back haven – inspired by the works of late singer-songwriter, author and entrepreneur Jimmy Buffett had dedicated sections for adults and families.

The site’s pool, surrounded by palm trees, featured an oversized blue-green Margaritaville-branded Adirondack chair, submerged in shallow water, where guests could snap Instagram-worthy pictures.

Reserved for grownups were the luxurious “Island Reserve Villas,” a private enclave of 10 two-storey buildings, each with four units.

The property is located on Juanillo Beach, an idyllic stretch of white sand and pristine palm trees, about 10 minutes from Punta Cana airport in an upscale gated community.

The high-end neighbourhood is home to one of the largest inland harbor marinas in Central and South America, two amusement parks, Los Establos Equestrian Centre (which houses stables, riding arenas, and polo fields) and Punta Espada Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course.

The new Dreams property will join other Hyatt hotels that sit on the same stretch of beach, including Secrets Cap Cana, Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana, and Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana.

“The Dominican Republic is an integral part of Hyatt’s regional development strategy, and our thoughtful growth enables us to meet the evolving consumer demand for family-friendly, luxury, all-inclusive experiences on the island,” said Cristobal Enriquez, vice-president of business development of Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection. “The forthcoming opening of Dreams Cap Cana Resort & Spa is a testament to growing our brand footprint in destinations that matter most to guests, customers, and World of Hyatt members.”

The new Dreams Resort promises array of amenities, including ten à la carte restaurants, unlimited top-shelf spirits at six bars, 24-hour room and concierge services, daily activities, daytime and nightlife entertainment and a 11,000 sq. ft spa with 13 treatment rooms.

Kids will have dedicated programs at the Explorer’s Club and Core Zone Teens Club while adults can unwind at one of the resort’s four pools and lazy river, two pickleball courts, a tennis court and state-of-the-art fitness centre.

The resort also features a theatre and flexible meeting spaces.

The new Dreams expands Hyatt’s footprint in the Dominican Republic. Recent 2024 include Hyatt Centric Santo Domingo and Secrets Tides Punta Cana, with nearly 20 hotels and resorts in the destination anticipated by the end of 2025.

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