Jimmy Buffet fans can expand their salt-shaker search parameters to the Dominican Republic this fall with the opening of a new all-inclusive Margaritaville resort. However, adding a small twist to the cocktail is that Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana will be a product of a partnership with Karisma Hotels & Resorts under the Island Reserve brand.
Scheduled to open in November, the resort is designed to combine the easy-going, fun vibe of Margaritaville resorts with the luxury bona fides of Karisma, which owns and manages an extensive portfolio of resorts in Latin America, the Caribbean and Europe, including Azul, Allure, El Dorado, Nickelodean, Sensatori, and other brands.
Margaritaville is one of the world’s fastest growing resort companies with 20 locations and another 20 in the pipeline; the brand, based on the island-style music of Jimmy Buffet, also boasts 60 food and beverage outlets, retail locations with branded products, and much more, catering in part to a built-in audience of Buffet fans dubbed “parrotheads.”
The five-star resort, located in Cap Cana (near Punta Cana) on the southwestern-most tip of the DR, will mark the second resort for the Island Reserve brand after Cancun. (Another is planned for the Mayan Riviera by 2022). Notably Island Reserves are the first all-inclusive Margaritaville resorts.
“Cap Cana is the ideal setting for the newest addition to the portfolio, truly encompassing the carefree escapism that is central to the brand,” says Mario Mathieu, a Senior VP at Karisma Hotels & Resorts.
Adds John Cohlan, CEO of Margaritaville: “Our expanding partnership with Karisma is all about delivering the ultimate island experience – relaxation, fun, exceptional dining, over-the-top service, and quality entertainment – all to be enjoyed in the Margaritaville state of mind.”
Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana sits on Playa Juanillo, renowned for its miles of pristine white sand beaches, clear turquoise waters, and idyllic sunsets. Located 15 minutes from the Punta Cana International Airport, the resort will feature 228 suites and 40 villas designed with elements inspired by the destination’s seaside surroundings.
Margaritaville’s signature “no worries” experience is facilitated by resort’s local Island Ambassadors who cater to guests’ every need, as well as rooms outfitted with modern conveniences such as customized in-room refreshment centres with goodies from Joe Merchant and access to 24-hour in-room dining.
Guests will have 13 luxury room types to choose from, including swim-up and honeymoon suites as well as signature villas.
A signature element of the property is the 40 ultra-luxe Island Reserve villas where guests have exclusive access to a sprawling lagoon pool and an S.O.S. Swim Up Bar featuring hanging beds. Each villa features a king-size bed, kitchenette, breakfast bar, living room, and expansive outdoor terrace offering either a private pool or direct access to the lagoon pool.
At the heart of the resort, the Gourmet Village will provide guests with music, entertainment, and unpretentious-yet-refined culinary and mixology offerings, including seven of the resort’s 10 food and beverage locations, such as Frank & Lola’s Italian Trattoria, JWB Steakhouse, and Mon So Wi.
Adjacent to the infinity pool will be Rum Runners, where guests can mix, mingle, and order food and drinks with nods to the Dominican Republic and West Indies’ long history of producing some of the best rum in the world.
Other amenities include a spa, 24-hour fitness centre, and Sports Hub, where guests can sign up for activities ranging from pickleball to tennis and aqua fitness classes.
Kids are catered to at the Parakeet Club with supervised daily activities. And the Margaritaville’s premier Sky Wedding location offers stunning views from a private rooftop, providing the ultimate romantic setting for exchanging vows.
The resort’s upcoming opening is expected to have a significant impact on the local tourism industry in the Dominican Republic, bringing much needed economic growth following the Covid-19 pandemic.
