Forget the predictable Punta Cana. This year, Marriott’s St. Regis Cap Cana has arrived, redefining luxury with a bold stroke. Imagine a 200-room architectural masterpiece, a playground for design aficionados. Beyond the stunning facade lies a world of culinary delights in its numerous restaurants and bars, sun-drenched family pools, serene adults-only havens, and a rejuvenating spa. And of course, the iconic St. Regis rituals: daily Champagne sabering and a signature, locally-inspired Bloody Mary, both served with effortless panache. This isn’t just a resort; it’s an experience, waiting to be uncorked.

Fresh off the ribbon-cutting, we dove headfirst into the brand-new resort, eager to uncover its secrets. A few expected opening-week stumbles and a dash of Mother Nature’s mischief couldn’t overshadow the promise radiating from this place. Join us as we pull back the curtain on a visit just weeks after its grand debut.

First impressions at The St. Regis Cap Cana

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The St. Regis Cap Cana doesn’t just whisper luxury; it announces it. Entering the gated enclave, I was immediately captivated. A dramatic geometric staircase stood guard before a floor-to-ceiling indoor waterfall, a breathtaking prelude to the elegance within. Think rich, dark woods embracing soft creams, punctuated by vibrant textures and patterns – a sophisticated symphony played across every inch of the resort.

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The hotel buzzed with a global energy. I shared stories and laughter with kindred spirits from New York, Chicago, Atlanta, the Dominican Republic, and corners I’d never imagined. From the first warm greeting, the staff orchestrated a symphony of service that promised an unforgettable experience.

The rooms at The St. Regis Cap Cana

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My Palm Luxe Swim Out room, boasting two queen beds, was more than just a place to sleep; it was a sanctuary of modern luxury. Imagine sinking into unbelievably comfortable beds after a day in the sun, or enjoying a nightcap from the well-stocked minibar and stylish liquor cart. But the real magic? Technology at your fingertips. With touch panels, controlling everything from the curtains to the “Do Not Disturb” sign was effortless. Waking up was a dream – one touch, and the blinds glided open, flooding the room with sunlight. And those ingenious, recessed floor lights? Lifesavers for midnight bathroom runs.

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Waking up and slipping into the cool embrace of the swim-up pool felt like a secret indulgence, a stolen moment of bliss before the day truly began. The balcony, a sun-drenched haven, begged for lazy mornings and lingering sunsets. But remember, this aquatic ribbon of paradise is shared; fellow travelers may drift by as you soak up the serenity.

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The bathroom was a sanctuary. Twin sinks gleamed under bright lights, flanking a decadent, egg-shaped tub that begged for a long soak. A colossal rainfall shower promised invigoration, while a discreet wash closet hid the necessities. I luxuriated in the embrace of oversized towels and the plushness of Frette bathmats. However, my love affair with luxury hit a snag: the ridiculously fluffy bathmat waged war against the sliding toilet door, forcing me to wage my own war to simply enter.

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The room wasn’t just comfortable; it was a sprawling haven, perfect for sharing with my mother. But the real magic lay in the St. Regis’s legendary butler service. Our incredibly gracious butler offered to liberate us from the tyranny of suitcases, both upon arrival and departure. While the allure of a perfectly repacked suitcase was tempting, I ultimately decided to embrace the chaos of my own packing.

Dining at The St. Regis Cap Cana

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Nina, the crown jewel of The St. Regis Cap Cana, isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a culinary pilgrimage. Celebrated Chef Diego Muñoz orchestrates a Peruvian-inspired symphony of flavors that left me speechless – almost. The Wagyu beef katsu sandwich, a decadent tower of crispy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness crowned with potato chip confetti ($38), was pure genius. But the pan-seared scallops? Forget everything you think you know about scallops. Nestled in a velvety pool of sweet cream corn, they were an ethereal experience. And the service? Let’s just say they anticipated my every desire before I even knew it myself. Nina isn’t just dining; it’s a masterclass in hospitality and culinary artistry.

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Marola’s poolside garlic prawns ($23) – an obsession bordering on addiction. Two days straight, I surrendered to their garlicky, oceanic allure. The memory still haunts my taste buds. Their chicken and chorizo paella ($25), however? A culinary ghost town, leaving me utterly unmoved.

Mornings began at Cassava, lured by a $50 buffet brimming with familiar favorites: sun-kissed fruits, crunchy cereals, golden pastries, and the savory duo of scrambled eggs with bacon and sausage. But the real temptation lay in the a la carte options – Eggs Benedict, a decadent indulgence, or eggs crafted precisely to your whim. Requesting mimosas felt like uncovering a delightful secret, met with charming surprise yet swiftly fulfilled. As evening descends, Cassava transforms, its Latin and Dominican soul revealed through a menu rich in succulent meats and ocean-fresh seafood.

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Don’t miss the St. Regis bar, where elevated bites meet bespoke cocktails. Think miniature lobster rolls bursting with flavor ($26), Wagyu sliders that melt in your mouth ($24), and platters of fresh oysters and scallops ($21) that sing of the sea. And for the St. Regis devotee, prepare to be delighted by the Quisqueya Mary, Cap Cana’s intoxicating twist on the classic Bloody Mary. Local rum dances with the savory crunch of fried plantains in this only-here concoction.

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The pool buzzed with a frenetic energy as servers darted between sunbathers, a tempting mirage of icy cocktails in hand. I indulged in a few spicy margaritas, each a gamble at over $23 a pop. Some were fiery masterpieces, others… less so. For that price, I craved unwavering perfection. Surprisingly, for a resort barely a month old, the staff were disarmingly friendly, eager to cater to every whim with an enthusiasm that belied their new surroundings.

Amenities and service at The St. Regis Cap Cana

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“From the concierge to the groundskeepers, every team member radiated genuine warmth, greeting guests with beaming smiles – a testament to their dedication, especially considering the hotel’s fresh start.”

Dive into paradise! This hotel boasts not one, but three incredible pools. Families will adore the sprawling, kid-friendly pool and the adjacent splash pad, complete with delightful surprises like a snack buffet and ice cream cart (keep your eyes peeled!). Seeking serenity? Escape to the adults-only oasis, where plush lounge chairs and shaded cabanas – equipped with refreshing refrigerators – await. And for a bird’s-eye view, there’s even a rooftop pool, though we confess, the allure of the adults-only tranquility stole our hearts.

• A state-of-the-art gym spans two levels and includes ample Technogym equipment and an entire spin classroom. “Indulge in timeless spa rituals or elevate your experience with a bespoke treatment on our rooftop sanctuary, where the ocean’s breath mingles with the gentle touch of expert hands.”

• A children’s club is available for kids 12 and under.

• A Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course is available next door at the Punta Espada Golf Club.
• Butler service is available for any and every need.
• The concierge desk can help arrange activities from excursions to nearby adventure parks to deep-sea fishing.
• On-site shops offer everything from high-end clothing to sunscreen and souvenirs.
• The nightly Champagne sabering is a St. Regis tradition, and guests all get a glass to toast with.

The beach at The St. Regis Cap Cana

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Punta Cana’s winter beaches have always held me captive with their beauty. But summer in paradise can be a fickle mistress. During my early June visit, the beaches were under siege. Not by tourists, but by sargassum, that relentless, stinking seaweed. Ocean netting strained, a tireless clean-up crew battled the invasion, yet the onslaught continued. Paradise lost, at least temporarily, to nature’s unruly tide.

Sun-drenched bliss was ours, thanks to the resort’s multiple pools – a shimmering oasis that effortlessly shrugged off any sargassum woes. Imagine sinking into plush beach chairs under breezy cabanas when the seaweed tides recede (a natural rhythm beyond the hotel’s control). A quick tip: Sargassum visits many Caribbean and Mexican shores, so a little destination research unlocks the perfect time to bask in the sun.

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Location and logistics at The St. Regis Cap Cana

Touch down in Punta Cana, and paradise is just a smooth 20-minute ride away at The St. Regis. Forget navigating unfamiliar roads; for approximately $30 per person, let the hotel whisk you away in style. Prefer a local vibe? Ride-hailing options hover around $15-$20, a steal for those chasing instant gratification and depending on demand. Your Dominican escape starts the moment you land.

Touch down in paradise! Punta Cana’s sun-kissed shores are easily accessible, with a flock of airlines eager to whisk you away. Domestic giants like Delta, American, United, and JetBlue lead the charge, while international carriers such as British Airways and Air Canada ensure a seamless journey from across the globe. Your Caribbean escape starts here.

What it costs to stay at The St. Regis Cap Cana

Escape to The St. Regis Cap Cana this summer and discover paradise without the premium. While the Dominican sun shines brightest, nightly rates begin at an enticing $587. As summer heats up, so does the demand, with prices ascending to a luxurious $700 – $1,000 per night. Book your slice of Caribbean bliss now.

Marriott Bonvoy tantalizes members with award nightsstartingat 100,000 points. But here’s the rub: prepare to see that number just asmidgehigher – often hovering around 104,000. Sneaky, right? This frustrating pricing game effectively locks you out of using that coveted 85,000-point free night certificate (even with the 15,000-point top-up). Suddenly, those seemingly perfect dates are just out of reach.

Unlock Luxury: Maximize Your St. Regis Cap Cana Escape

Dreaming of a lavish escape to The St. Regis Cap Cana? Before you book, amplify your indulgence! The right credit card can unlock a treasure trove of perks, from accelerated Marriott Bonvoy points to automatic elite status upgrades. Imagine sipping complimentary cocktails poolside, all thanks to savvy credit card choices. Ready to elevate your St. Regis experience before you even arrive?

• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

Unlock unparalleled luxury and accelerate your ascent to Marriott Bonvoy royalty. Imagine earning 6x points on every dollar you spend at participating Marriott hotels, catapulting you towards free nights and unforgettable experiences. Plus, instantly elevate your status to Platinum Elite, unlocking exclusive perks and pampering. Get a head start on next year’s elite status with 25 complimentary elite night credits – a fast track to even greater rewards.

• Marriott Bonvoy Bevy® American Express® Card

Unlock a world of luxury: Earn 6x Marriott Bonvoy points on hotel stays, automatically achieve Gold Elite status, and accelerate your journey to higher tiers with 15 elite night credits annually.

Unlock a World of Rewards with the Marriott Bonvoy Bountiful Card!

Imagine earning 6x the points on every dream escape at Marriott Bonvoy hotels. The Bountiful Card doesn’t just offer rewards; it catapults you to Gold Elite status automatically, unlocking exclusive perks. Plus, snag a head start with 15 Elite Night Credits each year – paving your way to an even more lavish travel experience. Your journey to elite status, and unforgettable moments, starts here.

• Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card

Unlock a world of travel rewards: Score 6X points on hotel stays within the Marriott Bonvoy universe. Plus, instantly elevate your status to Gold Elite and receive a head start with 15 elite night credits annually – paving your way to even greater perks.

• Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

Unlock a World of Marriott Bonvoy Rewards: Score 6X points on hotel stays, enjoy instant Silver Elite status, and accelerate your journey to higher tiers with 15 Elite Night Credits – every year!

• Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card

Unlock VIP treatment! Get 3x points on hotel stays within the Marriott Bonvoy program, automatic Silver Elite status, plus a head start of 5 elite night credits annually toward your next status upgrade.

Accessibility at The St. Regis Cap Cana

Indulge in unparalleled luxury at The St. Regis Cap Cana, where accessible elegance awaits. Discover meticulously designed, mobility-friendly havens, including the two-queen Superior room, thoughtfully equipped with an accessible tub. Your unforgettable escape begins here.

For a seamless stay, especially abroad where accessibility standards vary, TPG advises a quick call to the hotel. Confirm room options and discuss how they can best cater to your unique requirements.

That said, the resort felt generally level and accessible with many elevators. I did not, however, notice a pool lift.

Bottom line

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Forget predictable all-inclusives. The St. Regis Cap Cana just redefined luxury in the Dominican Republic, offering an opulent, albeit pricey, counterpoint to the area’s laid-back vibe. Prepare to be spoiled – if your wallet allows.

Picture this: sun-drenched days melting into balmy evenings, a turquoise ocean whispering secrets to a pristine shore. That’s the allure of this resort, a haven of luxury where the price tag matches the paradise (yes, even those $23 margaritas!). My stay wasn’t flawless – think occasional service hiccups delivered with a smile – but the sheer beauty and potential captivated me. I left dreaming of a return visit, eager to witness this gem polished to its full, dazzling brilliance.

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