Caribbean Journal was on hand this week as AMResorts, an Apple Leisure Group company, officially reopened the all-inclusive Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana following a $36 million renovation.
The reopening ceremony — which consisted of a traditional interpretation of the National Anthem, ribbon-cutting, resort showcase, and executive panel – was held both in-person and virtually.
During our stay, Caribbean Journal noticed that many of the guests were engaging in social distancing and mask wearing.
Luis Nunez, regional commercial director of the Dominican Republic for AMResorts, told Caribbean Journal that the property, like all AMResorts hotels, will be capped at 60 percent occupancy.
He said when hotels come close to hitting 40 percent, management will close off the cheaper rooms and even consider raising rates to maintain the cost of operating the resorts.
At the time of Caribbean Journal’s stay, the occupancy was about 20 percent, representing about 200 people, Nunez said.
Nunez said most guests were tested at the airport via breathalyzer equipment made in Israel.
If a guests gets sick at the hotel, they are brought to an isolated room, treated by a doctor and then sent to a hospital, said Nunez.
The completed $36 million renovation project signifies continued growth and economic recovery for the destination despite the pandemic.
Some of the most notable include the addition of 90 rooms, bringing the resort total to 639, suites featuring private pool access (a new suite category), marble floors, hydro tubs and updated décor; a new El Patio Restaurant serving gourmet Mexican cuisine; and two additional bars, making the resort total 11. There are also two new pools. The pools are a 52-meter Olympic-sized pool and a lazy river with a swim-up bar and a connected infinity pool.
The reopening of Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana follows that of several other properties in the country, including Zoetry Agua Punta Cana, Dreams Dominicus La Romana, Dreams Punta Cana Resort & Spa, Dreams Palm Beach Punta Cana, and Sunscape Puerto Plata.
Guests at Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana will have access to enhanced offerings and amenities.
All AMResorts branded properties in the Dominican Republic will be reopen by the end of the year, the company said.
For more, visit Secrets Royal Beach.