Anchoring Larimar City & Resort will be new Royal Sonesta and James hotels, two of Sonesta’s luxury and lifestyle brands.

Vast resort

Sonesta is partnering with real estate development firm CLERHP on both hotel properties and residences, with completion of the first phase of Larimar City & Resort expected in late 2025 to early 2026.

This development will include several entertainment venues including a retail mall, several dining options, a fitness centre, spa, country club with 18-course golf course, outdoor sports facility and a kid-centric activity centre.

Strategic priority

Brian Quinn, Sonesta’s chief development officer, said: “This development leverages two of our premier brands, The Royal Sonesta and The James, to grow our footprint in Latin America and the Caribbean, which is a strategic priority for Sonesta.

“Sonesta’s dedicated lodging development team and enhanced regional presence will allow us to capitalise on the demand for the Caribbean market, especially among luxury travellers, as an avenue for continued growth.”

Compelling investment

Juan Andrés Romero, CEO of CLERHP, commented: “Larimar City & Resort will be a destination designed with comfort, quality and luxury offering a unique living and travel experience and easy air access from major North American and European markets.

“The project has garnered support from international investors who view this mixed use development, the first of its kind in the Dominican Republic, as a compelling investment opportunity.”

Regional portfolio

The Larimar development in the Dominican Republic will be the latest addition to Sonesta’s extensive portfolio of Latin American and Caribbean properties. Since entering the Latin American region with the establishment of Sonesta El Olivar in Lima, Peru, in 1998, Sonesta has expanded its network, adding hotels in Colombia, Ecuador and Chile.

In North America, Sonesta is in the process of rebranding the 109-key Sonesta Select Chattanooga Hamilton Place in Tennessee, USA, to become Sonesta Essential Chattanooga, with completion due by the end of this year.