A new luxury resort has opened its doors in the Dominican Republic: Marriott International’s new Ocean Club, a Luxury Collection Resort, Costa Norte, Caribbean Journal has learned.

The new luxury resort, set in Sosua, is the first of three hotels in development on the north coast of the Dominican Republic by developer Grupo Ocean Club. 

It’s also Marriott International’s first Luxury Collection resort in the Caribbean, joined by seven properties in Mexico and another on the outskirts of Panama City.

“We are excited to present the Ocean Club, from the Luxury Collection line,” said Ian Schembri-Sant, CEO of Grupo Ocean Club. 

The company is part of a broader group of investors that are investing $350 million in projects on the north coast, an area on which the Dominican Republic is focusing much of its tourism energy.

The Ocean Club is a residential-style resort, with a total of 68 suites, including several four-bedroom penthouse suites. 

That’s along with a bi-level, seaside pool complex (with two pools) and a spa branded by leading French company L’Occitane and a private beach, among other amenities. 

Dining concepts include Agua Azul, an Asian-Peruvian fusion eatery; a tapas-focused spot called Wine Cellar; an oceanside bar called Rock Bar; and the international-cuisine Peperoni Costa Norte. 

The new resort has some serious luxury chops, being led by Hervé Humler, co-founder and former CEO of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. 

It’s a significant boost for the greater Puerto Plata area, according to Dominican Republic Tourism Minister David Collado, who was on hand for the inauguration ceremony. 

For more, visit The Ocean Club. 

— CJ