Apr 25, 2007

Sanctuary Cap Cana Golf & Spa Opening

So, it has been a long time coming and well worth the wait. It is just not there yet.

I have just come back from the nearly-finished Sanctuary Cap Cana Golf & Spa in the Dominican Republic. And, yes, this is the most talked about area this week since Donald Trump announced on the Apprentice last Sunday night that his choice of Stefani Schaeffer as Project Manager for Trump at Cap Cana would earn her a meager $250,000. Apparently her beauty and brilliance will catapult the condominium development even further with her expertise. I think the beauty of the area will have a lot to do with her success...

This is a stunning land development, which Trump shares with AltaBella Hotels, the owner of Sanctuary Cap Cana Golf & Spa. In the twenty-five years that I have been involved with hotels in the Caribbean, I have never seen anything like the Sanctuary Cap Cana Golf & Spa. Lovingly built by artisans who are chiseling out stone by hand, inlaying intricate tiles with tactile details you would wish could be in your own home, and ultimately decorating the finished product with natural woods and fabrics from Malaysia and other eco-rich areas that impart a warmth and texture that is utterly sensual.

There are many of us who have been waiting for the opening of this 176 all-suite resort, with its stunning ocean front views, championship Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course with eight of its eighteen holes directly on the ocean, a 20,000 square foot Mandara spa, and Asian and European service people to complement the gracious Dominican service staff. Meeting space abounds, as do eight restaurants of international cuisine.

The 500 slip marina is opening this Saturday, April 28, 2007...more on that when the event takes place. For now, know that my experience was extremely gratifying. AltaBella is taking all the right components and putting them together to create the Caribbean experience no one has even thought of building.

And so, you ask, when WILL Sanctuary Cap Cana Golf & Club finally open? To be safe, I would say plan for October 2007, if you are really looking for the finished product, with no traces of construction and with lush landscaping. Just know that if you have ever had a fantasy that included a beach...this is the one.

For more on what Donald Trump has to say on Cap Cana click on the link below and select Part 3 to see a video tour of the Cap Cana facilities that was aired on the Season Finale of the Apprentice.

www.nbc.com/Video/rewind/full_episodes/apprentice.shtml">

15 comments:

Unknown said...

Just wondering if you have found out when the resort is opening???

Gail Flannigan said...

As of today we would say November 28th is the opening date for the hotel.

Anonymous said...

What do you know about Punta Perla? It doesn't seem as upscale as Cap Cana, but do you think it worth a look?

Gail Flannigan said...

Sorry to say, but we have never heard of Punta Perla? Their website is a touch tricky I would say with no real map as to where they are exactly located within the Punta Cana area... will keep looking but for now this is the first we have heard of it!

Anonymous said...

Any news on whether Sanctuary has been completed as yet?

Gail Flannigan said...

Sanctuary Cap Cana is in the final stages of completion at this time. It will begin accepting guests December 22nd and will welcome groups starting in March 2008. Gail is currently at the property and will be posting a more accurate update later on in the week.

Anonymous said...

I would like to call Sanctuary to make a reservation for February as a surprise for my wife's 50th birthday, but am having no luck with getting a call or email to go through. I have tried everything I can think of to get a hold of someone at the hotel and want so badly to take my wife there in February 2007.

Could you PLEASE help me with contacting them. My time is running out!!!!

Anonymous said...

Has anyone else recently stayed at Sanctuary? I have reservations for March.

Gail Flannigan said...

I was at the hotel last week and it was fantastic. The staff is AMAZING and the food was phenomenal. I highly recommend the mahi mahi at the Blue Marlin! Each restaurant has a boat that corresponds with it and each morning the boats head out to catch the daily specials... amazing is an understatement. The food at David Crockett was delicious and Le Divellec was one of the best meals I had had in a long time. The resort is making major headway towards its completion and is so uniquely special and charming at this point that I can safely say that it will be a incredible addition to the Dominican Republic and the Caribbean when all is said and done.

Ms. Berkowitz said...

I just got back from a stay at Sanctuary Cap Cana. It was the most beautiful hotel I have ever been to. Although the hotel was not completely finsihed (only 3/8 restaurants open, no spa, no gym) we had an amazing time in paradise!

Ms. Berkowitz said...

I just got back from a stay at Sanctuary Cap Cana. It was the most beautiful, amazing, hotel I have ever stayed in. The hotel is not finished yet, (only 3/8 restaurants open, no gym, no spa) but it was the most amazing experience in paradise.

larry said...

my wife and 2 teenager stayed at the santuary last week...the hotel is amazing...its the nicest resort we have ever stayed in ( other than old european castels) and we have traveled all over the world...the resorts looks like it will be fully open in 30-60 days...the beach is awesome and the service impecable...the beach club and golf rival the best in the US....cap cana is going places

Gail Flannigan said...

Thank you for the wonderful reviews Larry- we love hearing guests reactions to the hotel. I think you hit the nail on the head when you said "Cap Cana is going places" with the Champions Tour arriving in only a few days, it is truly an exciting time to be a part of the something as special as Sanctuary Cap Cana! I hope you are able to return soon!

Ms. Berkowitz said...

I just want to add that I was there about a month ago, and we are in talks to book a return trip. We (my entire group) had such an amazing experience, we have decided to go back. I am still telling people how beautiful the hotel is.

Gail Flannigan said...

mb- Couldnt agree with you more. Was there myself at the end of January and I too am already looking forward to my return, especially with all of the changes that have happened in such a short amount of time- 3 additional restaurants and the casino are all opening in a matter of days. It is such a unique and wonderful experience its hard to want to go anywhere else. Thanks for keeping us updated on your visits- be sure to do so going forward as well!