Marriott Just Opened a New Autograph Collection Hotel in the Dominican Republic

For years, Las Terrenas has been one of the Dominican Republic’s most quietly beautiful destinations — a coastal town known for its long beaches, independent hotels, and relaxed pace, far removed from the country’s larger resort hubs. Unlike Punta Cana or La Romana, Las Terrenas has grown organically, shaped more by boutique properties and local ownership than international hotel brands.

That balance is beginning to shift. With the debut of Donoma Las Terrenas Beach Resort & Spa, Marriott’s Autograph Collection is bringing a new level of global visibility — and a fresh chapter of luxury hospitality — to the Samaná Peninsula.

A New Opening for the Samaná Peninsula

Autograph Collection Hotels has expanded its Caribbean portfolio with the opening of Donoma Las Terrenas Beach Resort & Spa, a 94-room oceanfront resort situated along one of the region’s most pristine stretches of sand. The property is part of Marriott Bonvoy’s continued investment in high-end, design-focused hotels across the Caribbean and Latin America.

Developed by Edward González and Georgette Almanzar, Donoma was designed by the architecture firm GVA under the direction of Carlos Aguilar, with interiors by Liza Ortega of Ortega Arquitectos. The design emphasizes natural materials, handcrafted finishes, and open layouts that create a connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Local artwork and subtle color palettes reflect the surrounding landscape and the town’s understated character.

“Donoma Las Terrenas Beach Resort & Spa represents the distinctive spirit of the Autograph Collection brand — a destination that embodies individuality, character, and a deep sense of place,” said Brian King, President of Marriott International’s Caribbean and Latin America region. “Each Autograph Collection property is a personal expression of its locale, and Donoma beautifully captures the essence of Dominican warmth and coastal charm while embracing modern wellness and sustainability.”

Dining and Culinary Focus

Dining plays a central role at Donoma, led by SolMarella, the property’s signature restaurant, which combines Dominican and international influences. The restaurant offers an all-day menu of ceviches, pastas, and grilled seafood, and transforms in the evening into a refined steakhouse concept. Additional options include Splash, a casual venue catering to families, and Sunset, a beachfront restaurant offering light Mediterranean-style dishes.

Wellness is another focus of the resort. The Arena Sense Spa features four treatment suites and incorporates locally sourced ingredients such as coconut, cacao, and sea salt. Guests can also participate in yoga, mindfulness programs, and creative workshops as part of the resort’s broader approach to wellbeing.

Event and wedding venues at Donoma include open-air and garden spaces designed to take advantage of the property’s tropical surroundings. The resort can accommodate both small private events and larger gatherings, supported by dedicated culinary and event teams.

The opening of Donoma marks an inflection point for Las Terrenas, which until now has remained largely off the radar of major hotel groups. As international brands look to destinations beyond the Dominican Republic’s traditional resort centers, Las Terrenas is emerging as a new frontier for development — one that continues to balance local character with global reach.

Prices at the New Marriott

The resort is actually offering pretty good value, with rates below $300 per night right now, according to Google Hotels.

Getting to Las Terrenas

Las Terrenas is located on the northern coast of the Samaná Peninsula, about a two-hour drive from Las Américas International Airport in Santo Domingo and just over three hours from Punta Cana International Airport. Travelers can also fly into El Catey International Airport (Samaná Airport), which is about 30 minutes from town and offers seasonal service from several U.S. and Canadian gateways. From any of these airports, visitors can reach Las Terrenas via private transfer, rental car, or arranged hotel transport along scenic coastal and mountain routes.