Introducing Playa Grande Beach Club in the Dominican Republic

October 12, 2023 by Perrie Hartz

Nestled on a mile-long, powdery white sand beach on the North Coast of the Dominican Republic, Playa Grande Beach Club is a hidden gem of the Caribbean that promises an idyllic and remote tropical escape. Sitting between lush green mountain forests and the azure waters of the Atlantic, this under-the-radar retreat spans 2,000 acres of unspoiled coastline, making it one of the most secluded and tranquil beachfront destinations in the Caribbean.

New York-based interior designer Celerie Kemble designed this boutique property, which was once her vacation home. Now, this preppy-meets-tropical escape still retains a distinctly personal feel, and its chic bungalows are ideal for party takeovers: there is a true feeling of intimacy, plenty of lush acreage for privacy, and distinct personal touches that make each stay feel truly unique. The resort is comprised of a collection of traditional Dominican colonial bungalows and a Beach Club, which includes a Great Room with a dining area, lounge, and bar. There is also a library, an upstairs evening bar, and a lap pool with adjacent cabanas.

Kemble’s South Florida influence is apparent in the preppy Palm Beach elements mixed in with decorative artwork by local artisans and traditional Caribbean flare throughout the property. There are five one-bedroom villas, one two-bedroom villa, and three three-bedroom villas (16 rooms in total), all designed differently with charm and warmth, though each features latticework, a large porch, and pastel-painted doors. The interiors are chic, happy and beachy, a pleasing mix of custom-made wicker furniture, antiques and original artwork, vibrant ikat textiles, and preppy pink and green tiled floors. Bathrooms are big and brightly tiled with free-standing copper soaking baths and open-air showers. 

All bungalows are equipped with full kitchens (ovens, fridge, freezer, coffee makers and toasters), A/C, high-speed internet, and telephones. Larger groups and families will likely enjoy the two-story, three-bedroom bungalows, which have a master bedroom, master bathroom, living room, dining room, and large kitchen on the first floor. Upstairs there are two baths and two bedrooms (one room with twin beds and the other with a queen bed), and a living room/children’s playroom.

The Beach Club’s Great Room serves as the property’s social hub: it is a dining area, lounge, and bar all in one, and is decorated with tall plants, wicker chairs, and pops of pastel-colored furnishings. The Great Room serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, with a menu of Caribbean cuisine that showcases locally sourced ingredients, expertly crafted into creative dishes that fuse Dominican and international flavors. Breakfast is a spread of bright tropical fruits and house-made granola, with the option for sweet treats like dulce de leche French toast and fluffy squash pancakes. Lunches and dinners offer seafood dishes like just-caught fish, teriyaki octopus, quinoa-coated tuna tataki, and fresh ceviche. Before dinner, The Great Room’s stool-lined bar is the perfect place to grab an aperitif, but afterwards, guests can head upstairs to the cozy and colorful bar above the library for Caribbean cigar and rum tastings, espresso martinis, mojitos, and craft cocktails infused with island spices.  

With the relaxing sounds of crashing waves and palm tree breezes as a constant soundtrack, you might be tempted to simply relax in a hammock all day on your bungalow’s private terrace, but for guests craving a bit more excitement during their holiday, Playa Grande Beach Club offers a great list of activities, including surf lessons, paddle boarding, tennis, and hiking. Guests interested in wellness experiences can enjoy yoga classes, personal training sessions, and spa services from the comfort and privacy of their own bungalows. There will also be an on-property gym opening in 2024.  

At Playa Grande Beach Club, the warmth and personal touches of a family home co-mingle beautifully with the service and amenities of a 5-star resort, making this boutique island retreat the very definition of intimate luxury. Perfect for couples, families, and groups alike, Playa Grande beckons guests to experience the beauty of the Dominican Republic’s North Coast, and remote slice of Caribbean heaven that still somehow feels pleasantly quiet and undiscovered.

Contact:

Playa Grande Beach Club

Email: reservations@playagrandebeachclub.com

Website: www.playagrandebeachclub.com