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Get ready to update your travel bucket list. The Dominican Republic, already a giant in the Caribbean travel scene, is going all-in on a brand-new coastal paradise. Forget what you know about Punta Cana for a second—the nation is busy building a new “Cancun” from the ground up on its stunning, untouched southwestern coast.
This isn’t just a rumor from a travel forum. Travel Off Path has confirmed six of the biggest names in the resort world have officially signed on to transform the remote province of Pedernales into the next must-visit luxury destination.
Welcome to Pedernales: The Last Frontier
Right now, Pedernales is the Dominican Republic’s best-kept secret. It’s a wild, beautiful region famous for having some of the most pristine beaches in the entire Caribbean, like the jaw-dropping Bahía de las Águilas (Eagles Bay). This isn’t your typical tourist strip; it’s a rugged frontier of white sand, turquoise water, and vast national parks.
Because it’s so undeveloped and sits closer to the Haitian border, it has remained off the mainstream tourist radar for decades. But that’s all about to change in a very big way. The Dominican government is backing a massive project to turn this sleepy coast into a vacation powerhouse, complete with a new international airport and cruise ship port.
The Heavy Hitters Are Coming to Town
So, who is moving in? The lineup is a who’s who of luxury and all-inclusive resorts. Six major international hotel chains have confirmed they are building new properties in the area, a move that solidifies the project’s legitimacy.
The confirmed hotel giants are:
- Hilton
- Marriott International
- Iberostar Group
- Karisma Hotels & Resort
- AmResorts (part of World of Hyatt)
- Sunwing
This isn’t just a plan to build one or two hotels. This is a coordinated effort to create a world-class resort destination from scratch, backed by the biggest and most trusted names in the business.
First on the Scene
Talk is cheap, but construction is real. The first two brands to break ground are Iberostar and Hyatt’s Inclusive Collection. Their resorts are already well underway, and officials project they will be ready to welcome their first guests by early 2026. The first phase of a development will bring around 4,700 new hotel rooms to the coast. The long-term plan is even bigger, aiming for a total of 12,000 rooms over the next decade.
To support this boom, crucial infrastructure is being built. The new Pedernales International Airport will allow travelers to fly directly to this new hotspot, while the recently completed Port Cabo Rojo has already started welcoming cruise passengers eager for a first look.
Okay, But Is It Safe?
Let’s address the elephant in the room: Pedernales is located near the border with Haiti. It’s a fair question to ask about safety. The Dominican Republic is taking this concern head-on with a multi-layered security strategy to protect its massive investment and future visitors.
President Luis Abinader has massively reinforced the border with over 11,000 troops. More importantly, the country is nearing completion of the first phase of a high-tech border wall. This isn’t just a simple fence; it’s a smart barrier with surveillance towers, night-vision cameras, and drone patrols designed to prevent illegal crossings and trafficking.
Furthermore, the dedicated Tourist Police force, known as POLITUR, is already active in Pedernales. You can expect their presence to be highly visible within the new resort areas, providing a security bubble specifically for tourists, just as they successfully do in Punta Cana. The new hotel zone itself is designed to be a self-contained luxury enclave, ensuring a secure and relaxing environment far from any potential border instability.
Is It Really the Next Cancun?
Calling something the “next Cancun” is a bold claim, but all the pieces are here. You have government backing, massive private investment from hotel giants, a new international air port, brand-new infrastructure, and, most importantly, a stunning natural coastline that can rival any in the world.
The goal is to create a modern, high-end destination that learns from the past. By building with sustainability and luxury in mind from day one, Pedernales has the chance to become a new kind of Caribbean hotspot. For now, it’s a pristine paradise waiting for its grand debut. But with bulldozers on the ground and contracts signed, the secret is officially out. Keep your eyes on this spot.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.