Melia, Grupo Puntacana Break Ground on New Resort Project
A new chapter is beginning on the north coast of the Dominican Republic, with two hospitality heavyweights joining forces.
It’s set in what could be the next big investment frontier in the Dominican Republic.
In the heart of Puerto Plata, construction has officially begun on the Hotel Meliá Bergantín Beach — a five-star, 400-room resort that’s part of an ambitious plan to transform Punta Bergantín into one of the Caribbean’s next great sustainable destinations.
The project is a collaboration between Grupo Puntacana and Meliá Hotels International, with two of the region’s most prominent hospitality companies joining forces. It’s designed not just as another beachfront resort, but as the centerpiece of a larger master plan that ties together culture, nature and innovation — a deliberate strategy to reposition Puerto Plata on the global tourism map.
A New Tourism Vision for the North Coast
Punta Bergantín represents a shift in how the Dominican Republic is approaching tourism development. Built on a public-private model, the initiative aims to attract major international hotel brands, boost investment and revitalize the region’s tourism economy.
Along with Meliá, both Westin Hotels & Resorts and Hyatt Hotels Corporation have announced plans to build properties in the destination, part of a coordinated push to make Puerto Plata a true luxury alternative to the country’s more established resort hubs.
New infrastructure is also coming. The planned Amber Highway will link Santiago, Moca and Puerto Plata, creating easier access to airports and cutting travel time to the coast. At the same time, neighboring destinations like Sosúa are being restored to highlight their historic character, creating a broader tourism corridor on the north shore.
Returning to the Roots of Dominican Tourism
For Frank Elías Rainieri, CEO of Grupo Puntacana, the development is more than business. It’s a return to where Dominican tourism began. “Punta Bergantín will not be just a row of hotels facing the sea,” he said. “It will be a space where nature, culture and innovation meet — a model of the new Dominican tourism.”
Gabriel Escarrer, Executive Chairman of Meliá Hotels International, called the project a milestone for the company’s Caribbean strategy. “We are proud to be part of this new stage, positioning Puerto Plata as a world-class destination,” he said.
The Next Big Destination
With its mix of established cruise tourism, emerging luxury developments and new connectivity, Puerto Plata is poised for a strong return to the spotlight. Punta Bergantín, anchored by the new Meliá Bergantín Beach, is at the center of that strategy — a destination built to balance investment and impact, luxury and authenticity.
