Bahia Principe Hotels and Resorts has reopened its Bahia Principe Luxury Esmeralda all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. 

The property is reopening on Dec. 1 after nearly eight months and a $35 million investment, with a focus on what Bahia Principe called a “culturally immersive experience.”

“We recognize the importance of investing in the continual enhancement of our hotels, allowing us to align our offerings with the ever-evolving demands of our valued guests,” said Helen Montijano, VP Sales Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts. “This recent renovation goes beyond mere space and facility improvements, it is rooted in a profound product conceptualization, deeply connected to the unique essence of the hotel’s location and heritage, paying tribute to an influential culture that has left a mark on the Dominican people.”

“We look forward to welcoming our guests to a transformative experience that seamlessly blends modern luxury with a profound respect for the rich cultural heritage of this beautiful region,” she said.

The property has refocused around what it calls the “Taino Soul” concept, guests can enjoy new culinary offerings, upscale amenities and new room categories starting December 2023. 

Notably, the resort’s grounds feature a distinctive tribute to the traditional Taíno sport of “batú.”

This ancient game, played within a rectangular space enclosed by rocks, is reimagined through the incorporation of stone elements and rugged textures, Bahia Principe said.  

Within this design, the lobby and buffet areas serve as a symbolic representation of the home of the cacique (referring to the local leader of a Taino group), the property said. 

The living and entertainment spaces are designed for the “nitaínos, the nobility and warriors, while the outdoor areas and theater are dedicated to the culture, embodying the spirit of the bohiques, who held the roles of priests and healers.”

The transformation project included enhanced room amenities, as well as new room categories and the inclusion of Premium Deluxe swim-up suites.

In a first for the Bahia Principe brand, the resort proudly added two themed specialty restaurants: Taino Restaurant and Mongolian Restaurant. 

Guests at Bahia Principe Luxury Esmeralda have “exchange privileges” that allow access to the company’s neighboring properties, which include Bahia Principe Luxury Ambar, Bahia Principe Grand Aquamarine, Bahia Principe Grand Punta Cana, Bahia Principe Grand Bavaro and Bahia Principe Grand Turquesa + Fantasia Punta Cana. 

This allows guests access to a total of 26 restaurants, 34 bars and nine swimming pools, all conveniently connected by an internal shuttle service.

It’s the second major relaunch for Bahia Principe in the Dominican Republic this year, following the June debut of the completely reimagined Cayo Levantado resort in Samana. 

For more, visit the Bahia Principe Luxury Esmeralda.