Playa Hotels & Resorts to open third Dominican Republic resort

The Spanish hotel chain Playa Hotels & Resorts, formed in 2006 by Grupo Barcelo in Palma de Majorca, Spain, acquired the 738-room all-inclusive Ocean Bavaro Spa and Beach Resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. The property will be rebranded a Barcelo property and renamed the Barcelo Dominican Beach Resort.

The resort, which is 12 miles from the Punta Cana International Airport, also includes more than 3,000 square feet of meetings space, a European-style spa facility, a theater, a casino, nine restaurants, seven lounges and two pools.

The resort marks Playa’s third in the Dominican Republic and the ninth that the company owns in Mexico and the Caribbean. In 2006, the company purchased the former Breezes Punta Cana Resort, Spa and Casino, now rebranded as the Barcelo Punta Cana Resort –a Barcelo Premium branded hotel, and it recently added the Sunscape Casa del Mar Resort ,adjacent to Casa de Campo, to its portfolio.

“The Ocean Bavaro Spa and Beach Resort is a significant acquisition to our growing portfolio of beach resorts across the Dominican Republic,” said Bruce Wardinski, chairman and CEO of Playa Hotels & Resorts.

“Under the Barcelo brand, we will enhance guest services and raise the quality of food and beverage services to be comparable with Barcelo’s all-inclusive programs. In addition, we plan improvements to the physical condition of the resort, including a series of guest room renovations,” he added.