This Historic Dominican Republic All-Inclusive Just Reopened After a Major Renovation

A legendary Dominican Republic resort has reopened after a major renovation, debuting a new identity and a renewed focus on both leisure and meetings travel. 

The former Santo Domingo Bay hotel complex, originally opened in 1950, has been relaunched as Santo Domingo Bay Convention Resort & Casino, an all-inclusive property operated by Spain-based Globalia Corporación Empresarial.

The transformation follows an investment of more than $48 million, updating one of the Caribbean’s historic beachfront hotels and positioning it as a modern urban–beach resort. Globalia, whose portfolio includes Air Europa, Be Live Hotels and airport services company Groundforce, now brings its international hospitality footprint to one of the Dominican Republic’s most storied properties.

Located just 10 minutes from Las Américas International Airport and 30 minutes from Santo Domingo’s Colonial City, the resort is designed as a meeting point between the capital and the coast. Its new concept blends contemporary architecture with Dominican design, with inspiration drawn from the coral formations that frame Boca Chica Bay.

The resort now features 350 fully renovated rooms and suites, more than 90 percent of which offer ocean views. Amenities include a private beach, three pools, a fitness center, spa, casino and one of the metropolitan area’s largest convention facilities. The property is targeting both vacationers and the MICE market, with four main ballrooms, boardrooms, private meeting spaces and a dedicated coworking area for executives and digital nomads.

Dining is a central part of the new concept, with Italian, Asian and international restaurants as well as bars and snack venues included in the all-inclusive program.

“Santo Domingo Bay represents the rebirth of an icon and the beginning of a new era for tourism in the capital,” said Iván Cunillera, the resort’s general manager. He described the project as a blend of history, innovation and Dominican hospitality.

Raúl Melgen, the resort’s commercial director, said the vision is to deliver “a new version of all-inclusive — sophisticated, diverse and emotionally connected — where every guest feels the energy of the Caribbean from the moment they arrive.”

The hotel has long played a part in Dominican history, hosting figures such as Walt Disney and his wife Lillian during its original era. Its operators say the new identity aims to honor that legacy while introducing a contemporary take on Caribbean luxury.