Marriott International is recalibrating its strategy, aiming to increase its presence in the higher-priced super-luxury resort market in the Caribbean. The global hotel brand announced last Thursday that it is teaming up with Sanctuary Cap Cana to debut Marriott’s first all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana. Named Sanctuary Cap Cana, the Luxury Adult All-Inclusive Resort is an extension of The Luxury Collection brand in the Dominican Republic. The new resort is expected to open in the summer of 2022 under The Luxury Collection brand.

Located in Cap Cana, a private enclave in Punta Cana, this all-inclusive adult resort comprises 30,000 acres of stunning beaches. According to the brand, visitors will experience a wide variety of attractions, including the “Punta Espada” golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus, a state-of-the-art marina with more than 150 slips accommodating yachts up to 150-feet, as well as an equestrian center featuring two world-class polo fields designed by Alejandro Batros.

“In our first joint venture with Marriott International, Sanctuary Cap Cana is the perfect choice for the level of style and sophistication that has made Marriott’s The Luxury Collection resorts the standard-bearer for unique, one-of-a-kind vacations,” said Fernando Mulet, Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer, Playa Hotels & Resorts in a press release. “I would like to personally thank Mr Martinez for his continuous trust in Playa and commitment to the success of this magnificent property.”

The resort underwent a renovation in 2019. It includes five a la carte restaurants, six bars, five pools, and Sanctuary Town, the resort’s own nightlife destination. Owned by Francisco Martínez, Sanctuary Cap Cana is expected to become the first Playa -managed resort under a Marriott International brand.

“We are thrilled to bring our first The Luxury Collection all-inclusive brand extension to the Dominican Republic and we are grateful to the Martínez family for developing such a unique resort,” said Laurent de Kousemaeker, Chief Development Officer, Caribbean and Latin America, Marriott International. “We are also excited for the opportunity to work with Playa Hotels & Resorts, a very reputable all-inclusive operator.”