Two-bedroom casas and 24 standalone casitas stand at the top of 60-foot cliffs at the edge of the Playa Grande. They are backed by a Trent Jones golf course with 10 ocean-front holes! Beyond that lie 2,000 acres of Caribbean jungle, bordering the golden beach and jewel-blue waters. The casitas’ bio-roofing and private gardens blend right into the verdure, each 32-foot swimming pool mimics the big water while the terraces showcase the ocean view. Cited on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic, Amanresorts’ latest, Amanera opens on November 23rd.
There do seem to be plenty of activities on offer, to offset the sheer luxuriousness. Horseback riding on the beach; deep-sea fishing and kite surfing; merengue dancing. At the Beach Club are hammocks, drinks—and free snorkelling gear, kayaks, surfboards and paddleboards for younger ’uns. And, of course, feasting, at the restaurant set atop a three-tier water feature, in the Casa Grande. The curved main infinity pool cascades down to meet it. Somewhere there is a bar-lounge and a cigar bar.
It is rumoured starting rates are $1,400 for the casitas; for more details, enquire at www.aman.com