Salamander Hotels & Resorts Selected to Manage Sanctuary Cap Cana

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CAP CANA, Dominican Republic, Oct. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Salamander Hotels & Resorts has been selected to manage Sanctuary Cap Cana, with the goal of making the luxurious Dominican Republic oceanfront resort an American Automobile Association (AAA) Five Diamond award winner.

Effective immediately, the Virginia-based company will manage the magnificent 176-suite oceanfront resort, and adds the property to its exclusive Grand Resorts of Cap Cana collection, which already includes nearby sister properties Fishing Lodge and Ocean Club. The group's new website is www.GrandResortsAtCapCana.com.

Existing business at the Sanctuary will not be affected and all existing reservations – including wedding and group bookings – will be honored. Salamander will gradually transition the resort from its current all-inclusive, couples-only format to a traditional luxury experience, with a la carte dining offered by October 31. The Sanctuary will also begin welcoming families on December 12, just in time for the busy holiday season. The resort will honor all aspects of existing all-inclusive reservations, no matter when they are scheduled to stay, while introducing luxurious new packages that include full meal plans and an array of recreational activities. And, because of its unique design, the Sanctuary will feature a one-of-a-kind, adults-only experience in "The Castle," an upscale hotel within a hotel featuring swim-out villas, its own reception, bar and lounge, and infinity edge pool overlooking the Caribbean Sea.

"The Sanctuary is one of the most stunning hotels in the Caribbean and is a jewel of the Dominican Republic," said Salamander CEO Sheila C. Johnson. "We will work with the existing staff, elevate the already high levels of service through extensive training and create new, indigenous programming to achieve AAA's highest rating – which is what Resort Owner Corporacion Hotelera Internacional (CHI) deserves."

Developed at a cost of $110 million dollars and featuring architectural designs that reflect both Caribbean and European influences, the Sanctuary features beautiful suites and villas with ocean views and swim-out access, five restaurants and bars, five pools, a lavish spa, a Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf experience at Punta Espada Golf Club and 18,000 square feet of meeting space.

The Sanctuary becomes the latest property to join Salamander's new Grand Resorts at Cap Cana collection, which already features Fishing Lodge and Ocean Club. Opening October 12, 2011, Fishing Lodge Cap Cana includes 298 villas, is located within a masterfully designed village surrounding the largest inland marina in the Caribbean, and offers a variety of real estate opportunities. Ocean Club Cap Cana will open in 2012 as a 113-room boutique-style hotel, romantically situated where the marina meets the Caribbean Sea. The collection is being led by Managing Director Hendrick Santos, a highly respected industry veteran whose experience includes 19 years with Hyatt Hotels Corporation, where he served as general manager for many luxury properties including the Hyatt Dorado Beach, Puerto Rico; Hyatt Regency Aruba; and Hyatt Grand Champions Resort in Indian Wells, CA.

"We are delighted to unite our collection of resorts under Salamander's unique style of management," said CHI President Juan Pelayo. "We will make this transition carefully, fully respecting our existing and future guests. The Sanctuary is a very special resort and provides the type of luxury experience which is rare to find."

Salamander was founded 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. In addition to the Grand Resorts at Cap Cana, 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. Salamander's management team, led by Prem Devadas, features numerous executives with Forbes Five Star and AAA Five Diamond experience from luxury, independent properties like Kiawah Island Golf Resort, SC; and major luxury hotel brands like The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, Four Seasons Hotels and Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group.

The Sanctuary is located just 12 minutes from Punta Cana International Airport, served by 38 airlines offering flights from 100 cities worldwide. There are number of memorable dining options, including the architecturally stunning Blue Marlin restaurant, which perches above the Caribbean Sea on stilts and offers the area's finest seafood. The resort's luxurious and spacious accommodations range up to 5,500 square feet, while many include expansive ocean views, secluded beach access or even their own private islands. The resort also features an array of unique meeting and conference facilities, including several stunning outdoor function spaces that overlook the ocean.

Introductory guest rates of $249-599 per night at the Sanctuary are available from October 1-December 31, 2011, ranging across all styles and sizes of accommodation options. Usual pricing ranges from $375-725 per night. Introductory rates at Fishing Lodge Cap Cana begin at $99 per night.

For more information, visit www.GrandResortsAtCapCana.com or e-mail [email protected]. To call, use 1-866-855-4886 (within the US), 1-888-751-8544 (within the Dominican) or 1-809-544-4343 (other international countries). For the US-based sales office, call 1-540-687-3710. Visit Salamander at www.salamanderhotels.com.

SOURCE Salamander Hotels & Resorts