Fishing Lodge Cap Cana to Open October 1, 2011

CAP CANA, Dominican Republic, June 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Fishing Lodge Cap Cana, the highly anticipated luxury resort development on the Eastern tip of the Dominican Republic, is scheduled to open to guests as a Salamander Marina & Beach Resort on October 1, 2011, and begin taking reservations in July.

Fishing Lodge will include 302 spacious, Mediterranean-style villas with stunning marina views and designer furnishings -- 220 of which will be available to resort guests. Built on low-rise docks, many feature private infinity pools and swim-out access. Guests and owners will also enjoy a secluded beach, which is a scenic two-minute ride by private watercraft. Although the majority of the residences have already been purchased, there is still a premier selection of one-, two- and three-bedroom homes available.

As the first property to open within Salamander's Grand Resorts at Cap Cana collection, Fishing Lodge is located within a masterfully designed village which surrounds the largest inland marina in the Caribbean. Upon opening, it will include two restaurants and two bars, four pools, fitness center, and boutique shops on Main Street and plaza settings. Future restaurants, a nightclub, and additional shops are also planned. The second property, Ocean Club Cap Cana, will open in 2012 as a 92-room boutique-style hotel, romantically situated where the marina meets the Caribbean Sea.

Unlike many other Dominican destinations which are only all-inclusive, the Fishing Lodge experience will be open to all guest types and stays -- from family reunions to executive group retreats -- and also features a Jack Nicklaus Signature experience at the exclusive Punta Espada Golf Club, the top-ranked golf course in the Caribbean and Mexico.

"This is a different type of Dominican resort destination, one that offers numerous experiences within a Mediterranean seaside setting, an energetic centralized location and freedom from traditional boundaries," said Sheila C. Johnson, founder and CEO of Virginia-based Salamander Hotels & Resorts. "Resort Owner CHM has created an iconic destination and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to develop a long-lasting relationship with the Dominican people."

Salamander was founded in 2005 by Johnson, who also has ownership in three professional sports teams: the WNBA's Washington Mystics, the NBA's Washington Wizards and the NHL's Washington Capitals. The company's portfolio currently includes the recently renovated Innisbrook Resort near Tampa, FL, host to the PGA TOUR Transitions Championship; the Forbes Five Star- and AAA Five Diamond-rated Woodlands Inn near Charleston, SC; and the under-construction Salamander Resort & Spa, a 340-acre equestrian-themed resort located near Washington, D.C.

"The combination of Cap Cana's Fishing Lodge, Ocean Club and marina lifestyle creates a powerful new and alluring experience -- both for guests and homeowners," said Resort Owner Juan Pelayo. "Salamander Hotels & Resorts is the ideal company to fulfill our vision, and to manage this incredible new destination because of its five star experience and the vision of Sheila Johnson."

Located less than 10 minutes from the modern Punta Cana International Airport, which is served by over 100 flights from around the world, Cap Cana is an ecologically pristine, 30,000-acre exclusive retreat. Fishing Lodge will feature an array of unique meeting, function and wedding spaces, including a historically designed chapel.

"The Dominican Republic is a fantastic choice for groups and meetings," said Prem Devadas, president of Salamander Hotels & Resorts, who has personally developed and managed four independent Five Star and Five Diamond properties. "This spectacular new resort, as well as the area's superior airlift, provides an exciting option for planners seeking an incredible destination."

Special introductory guest rates of $129-599 per night at the Fishing Lodge are available from October 1-December 31, 2011, ranging across all styles and sizes of accommodation options. Usual rates range from $275-725 per night.

For more information, including group bookings, visit www.FishingLodgeCapCana.com or e-mail [email protected]. To call, use 1-866-855-4886 (within the US), 1-888-751-8544 (within the Dominican) or 1-540-687-3710 (other international countries). The resort will begin taking leisure reservations in July, 2011.

Information/images: www.salamanderpressroom.com/lodge

SOURCE Salamander Hotels & Resorts