Playa Grande Rio San Juan, Dominican Republic
Renovated
2024
Price
$$$$
Outside the door
The brand
AmanModernist clifftop estate
Stepping stone paths over water lead into open air concrete and teak pavilions perched high above the Atlantic surf.
“Emptiness is the true luxury at this enormous Dominican Republic hotel, intentionally employed throughout the property…”
Where it shines
Remarkable
John Heah pavilions floating over reflecting pools, lined with handmade Aguayo tiles.
Remarkable
Artisanal turndown gifts and swift airport escorts across twenty-five secluded cliffside casitas.
Remarkable
A two-thousand-acre jungle reserve cradling a Rees Jones coastal championship golf course.
What they say
Two Michelin Keys
Michelin
Forbes Four-Star
Forbes Travel Guide
2026
Also in Condé Nast Traveler, Wallpaper* and AFAR.
Privacy is paramount: all accommodations are located within free-standing casitas scattered along the shoreline cliffs, each offering unobstructed views of the sea.
“One of the best places to take it all in is at the 131-foot heated swimming pool, where a curving infinity edge seems to disappear into the sandy bay…”
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
Golden sands curve below the cliffs, backed by two thousand acres of protected coastal jungle and the Cordillera Septentrional mountains.
1 of 7
The rooms
Freestanding casitas feature floor-to-ceiling glass, warm teak framing, and private oceanfront terraces, many with ten-meter heated swimming pools.
The cliffside pool
Bring a swimsuit.
A 40-meter curved heated infinity pool traces the cliff edge, looking straight out across Playa Grande and the ocean.
At the table
The main restaurant serves fresh Dominican seafood on clifftop terraces, and Club de Playa brings ceviche to the sand.
Expect the brand's customary polished minimalism and obsessive attention to detail, plus panoramic beach views from the cliffside pool and bungalows.
How it began
Opened in 2015, the retreat pairs the Sanskrit word for peace with the indigenous Taino word for water across its clifftop campus.
“Artfully scattered over 60 foot cliffs, which overlook Playa Grande beach, the resort respectfully slots into its lush environs…”
Stay here
Amanera
See rooms and prices on the hotel's own website.
Add dates to see the price for your stay.
Rio San Juan
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ÀNI Dominican Republic
“Private peninsula citadel”
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.