Hotel in Maria Trinidad Sanchez 33000, Dominican Republic
Amanera
Ultra-luxury clifftop resort overlooking Playa Grande with contemporary architecture blending into natural surroundings. Offers spacious casitas, world-class golf, and serene spa experiences with ocean vistas.
Amanera is an ultra-luxury clifftop resort set on the northern Atlantic coast of the Dominican Republic, perched above the remote and largely undeveloped expanse of Playa Grande near the town of Río San Juan in María Trinidad Sánchez province. The resort is part of the Aman group and opened in 2015, the result of years of site planning designed to minimise the property's visual footprint against surrounding jungle-covered headlands. The nearest commercial airport is Gregorio Luperón International Airport in Puerto Plata, approximately 95 kilometres to the west and around a 90-minute drive. Helicopter transfers from Punta Cana or Santo Domingo offer a faster arrival option.
The architectural approach draws on a Caribbean interpretation of colonial style: 30 free-standing casitas with indoor-outdoor layouts, cathedral ceilings, private plunge pools, and wide terraces oriented toward the Atlantic horizon. Each casita is positioned for maximum privacy, with the natural landscape of jungle, volcanic rock, and sea serving as the primary design element. Furnishings are bespoke and understated, incorporating Dominican craftsmanship and locally sourced materials throughout.
Dining is centred on a single main restaurant serving contemporary global cuisine with a strong emphasis on fresh local ingredients, supplemented by a beach club offering more casual fare directly on the sands of Playa Grande. The beach itself is one of the most visually striking on the island — broad, backed by dramatic rocky headlands, and characterised by near-complete absence of commercial development. Atlantic surf conditions make the beach more suited to walking and photography than swimming at certain times of year.
The spa offers six treatment rooms incorporating Aman's signature wellness philosophy, with outdoor jungle settings available for select therapies. An 18-hole championship golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr., located adjacent to the resort and managed exclusively for Aman guests, is regarded as one of the finest and most scenic layouts in the Caribbean. Yoga and fitness facilities are available on site.
Service mirrors Aman's global standard: high staff-to-guest ratios, minimal scripted interaction, and attentive anticipation of preferences without formality. The resort suits honeymooners, experienced luxury travellers, and those seeking genuine seclusion. Road access from Santo Domingo via the northern coastal highway takes approximately three hours.
Amenities
- infinity pool
- golf course
- spa
- fine dining
- beach club
- fitness center
Visit / Book / Contact
- Official website
- Phone: +1-809-468-3330
Location
Playa Grande, Rio San Juan, Maria Trinidad Sanchez 33000
19.6645, -70.0123 — View on map
Highlights
- Clifftop casitas with private plunge pools overlooking the Atlantic at Playa Grande
- Pristine, undeveloped Playa Grande beach backed by dramatic jungle headlands
- Robert Trent Jones Jr. championship golf course exclusively for resort guests
- Aman's signature high staff-to-guest ratio and understated service ethos
- Helicopter transfers available from Punta Cana and Santo Domingo
Tips
- Road access from Puerto Plata airport takes around 90 minutes; helicopter transfer from Punta Cana or Santo Domingo is more efficient
- Playa Grande has Atlantic surf; the beach is spectacular for walking but swimming conditions vary by season and tide
- The resort's remoteness means no alternative dining options nearby — plan activities around mealtimes
- Golf tee times are limited to resort guests and should be reserved well in advance of arrival
- Best cellular signal in the Río San Juan area is with Claro; other carriers may have limited or no coverage
FAQ
Is Amanera all-inclusive?
Amanera is not all-inclusive. The resort operates on a room-only or bed-and-breakfast basis, with dining, spa, and activities charged separately.
What is the nearest airport to Amanera?
Gregorio Luperón International Airport in Puerto Plata is the closest airport, approximately 95 kilometres west and about a 90-minute drive. Helicopter transfers from Punta Cana or Santo Domingo are also available.
How many casitas does Amanera have?
The resort has 30 casitas, ensuring a high degree of privacy and an intimate atmosphere consistent with the Aman brand's approach to scale.
Is golf available at Amanera?
A championship golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. is available exclusively for Amanera guests. The course is set on a clifftop site adjacent to the resort with views over Playa Grande and the Atlantic.
Is Amanera suitable for families with children?
The resort welcomes families including children and has no age restriction, though its seclusion and pace are primarily oriented toward adults. Parents should note that Atlantic surf at Playa Grande can be strong.
Accessibility
The clifftop terrain and the resort's open-air casita design present accessibility challenges for guests with limited mobility. Golf cart transport is available across the grounds. Guests with wheelchair or mobility requirements should contact the resort directly before booking to discuss casita suitability and route access between facilities.
When to visit
The Dominican Republic's north coast has a distinct weather pattern from the south. The driest and calmest months are typically March through June and again October through November. December through February can be windier and wetter on this coast. Hurricane risk is highest in September and October.