Katmandu Park, the first true theme park in the Caribbean, is opening at the beginning of next year in Punta Cana. 

The $350 million project is the brainchild of Falcon’s Beyond, a global entertainment company, and Melia Hotels International, the second Katmandu after the popular resort destination in Mallorca. 

And it also includes Melia’s newest Caribbean resort, which officially opened its doors this month. 

The new, all-inclusive Falcon’s Resort by Melia in the Dominican Republic is a dramatic transformation of two resorts: the former Paradisus Grand Cana and The Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real. 

The all-suite, more than 600-unit resort has three signature dining concepts, along with amenities like pools, swim-up suites, a kids’ camp, and importantly for families with kids, a water park (the water park is already open). It’s a multi-phase project that will complete its final phase sometime next year. 

So what about the park, which Melia calls “the first world-class theme park in the Caribbean?” 

Each guest will have a complimentary pass for Katmandu park, along with a private shuttle to the park; guests in elevated room classes have broader pass benefits. 

Officials say visitors “uncover captivating mysteries, face fantastical creatures, and portal to breathtaking worlds.”

“Here, explorers of all ages chart their own unique course for adventure in incredible attractions, delectable dining, and first-rate retail experiences,” according to a statement. 

That means new ride technologies, interactive storytelling, and what Falcon’s Beyond calls “captivating mega park level attractions,” albeit in smaller-size location than traditional American or European theme parks. The park will also include two “immersive” 18-hole mini-golf experiences. 

The resort will be open to guests at other resorts in greater Punta Cana, one of the most popular destinations by volume in the entire Caribbean — and almost 50,00 hotel rooms in the area. 

It’s a new concept for the Caribbean tourism industry, where the word “resortainment” hasn’t yet existed. 

And it’s just the beginning: Falcon’s Beyond-Melia resort is opening its doors in Play del Carmen on the Caribbean coast of Mexico. 

That resort is slated to welcome guests in 2025. 

For more, visit Falcon’s Resort by Melia.