News Summary
The construction of Moon Palace The Grand Punta Cana is advancing quickly and is set to open in Spring 2026. This premier oceanfront resort will be the largest in the Dominican Republic, featuring two towers, 2,171 rooms, and numerous amenities. The development emphasizes environmental sustainability with a mangrove protection zone and aims to enhance local tourism while contributing significantly to the economy through job creation. Booking will be available starting September 2025, making this a highly anticipated addition to the region’s hospitality offerings.
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic —
Construction of the Moon Palace The Grand Punta Cana is progressing rapidly and is scheduled to open in Spring 2026. Once operational, it will be the largest oceanfront resort in the Dominican Republic, offering a significant addition to the region’s tourism landscape.
Major Development Details
The resort is being built on a 297-acre beachfront site within the Bávaro area of Punta Cana. The project includes the development of two 18-story towers and a central clubhouse. All these structures have already reached structural completion. Current construction efforts are focused on completing the interior spaces, installing mechanical systems, and finishing details to prepare for opening.
Room Capacity and Design
The resort will boast a total of 2,171 rooms, with 66% of these offering direct ocean views. The vertical layout of the resort is designed deliberately to preserve green space and minimize its environmental footprint. Notably, the site plan incorporates a 400-meter mangrove protection zone to safeguard local ecosystems.
Sustainability and Environmental Initiatives
Reflecting a commitment to sustainability, the design includes elevated pathways for guest movement, connecting accommodations with the beach while protecting natural vegetation. The resort’s structure preserves over 228,000 square meters of natural vegetation and aims to operate on renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, starting in 2027.
Facilities and Amenities
Guests will have access to a variety of dining venues, entertainment options, and pools. The resort will feature 19 restaurants, bars, and nightclubs, designed to serve over 5,000 visitors daily. Additionally, a Greg Norman “eco-signature” golf course is planned to accompany the resort; however, the opening date for the golf course has not yet been announced.
Additional Development Projects
Beyond lodging and leisure facilities, the project includes Ciudad Palace, a community designed for hospitality workers. This development will comprise 1,800 apartments, schools, and parks, aiming to address local housing needs and support the workforce associated with the resort.
Investment and Employment Impact
The entire project is backed by a $1.5 billion investment, reflecting its significance for the local economy. It is expected to create approximately 5,700 direct jobs during construction and operation, providing a boost to employment in the region.
Operational Details and Opening Timeline
While the resort’s official opening is scheduled for early 2026, booking opportunities for stays will be available starting September 1, 2025. Recruitment efforts for staff will begin three months before opening to ensure a full team is in place for the launch.
Palace Resorts’ Presence in the Region
This will mark Palace Resorts’ first property in the Dominican Republic, expanding the company’s portfolio beyond its existing resorts in Mexico and Jamaica. Currently, Palace Resorts operates ten all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, including the popular Moon Palace Cancun and others, as well as Moon Palace Jamaica in Ocho Rios.
The development of Moon Palace The Grand Punta Cana signals a major investment in the Dominican Republic’s tourism industry, combining luxury accommodations, environmental sustainability, and community development as central pillars of its design.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Carib Journal: Palace Resorts Opening First Dominican Republic All-Inclusive
- Access Newswire: Moon Palace The Grand Punta Cana to Debut
- Dominican Today: Fire Breaks Out at Moon Palace Resort Construction
- Travel Agent Central: Palace Resorts Breaks Ground on New Moon Palace Punta Cana
- Travel Weekly: Palace Breaks Ground on Third Moon Palace
- Wikipedia: Punta Cana
- Google Search: Moon Palace The Grand Punta Cana
- Google Scholar: Palace Resorts
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dominican Republic
- Google News: Moon Palace Punta Cana
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WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
