A few months ago, we embarked on a beautifully curated exploration of the northern coast of the Dominican Republic — a region that continues to charm us with its dramatic landscapes, untapped potential, and deeply luxurious properties. This special journey was made possible by our wonderful friends at Bonvido, who thoughtfully designed an itinerary for us to experience five distinct venues across Cabrera and Río San Juan.

From private cliffside villas to five-star coastal resorts, each property offered its own take on luxury and intimacy. We explored Amanera with its iconic jungle-meets-ocean setting, the romantic heritage of Hacienda Tres Amarras, Villa Cantamar with its raw edge-of-the-world views, the fully personalized exclusivity of ÀNI Dominican Republic, and the serene minimalism of Villa Alia. Each space sparked new ideas for destination celebrations — inspiring new possibilities for couples seeking extraordinary destination weddings in the Caribbean.

Here’s an inside look at what we discovered through Rudney Novaes & Modern Love Production‘s eyes:

---

Amanera – Where Nature and Luxury Align

Carved between lush jungle and pristine coast, Amanera is a masterclass in refined retreat. Overlooking the golden sands of Playa Grande, this Aman property feels untouched, even in its exquisite design. Every casita is a private haven, and the resort offers a fluid mix of secluded relaxation and jaw-dropping venues for celebration.

Whether you’re imagining a barefoot ceremony on the beach or an elegant seated dinner overlooking the cliffs, Amanera’s understated elegance makes it all feel effortless.

• Lodging Capacity: 25 individual casitas with private terraces and ocean views.
• Event Capacity: Casa Grande accommodates up to 110 for cocktails and 80 seated. But there are infinite possibilities.

Highlights:

• Clifftop positioning with cinematic ocean and jungle views.
• Direct access to Playa Grande — an ideal setting for a barefoot welcome or morning-after rituals.
• Signature Aman design that blends structure with the land’s raw beauty.

The Potential:

• Rehearsal Dinner: Coastal dining with refined barefoot luxury.
• Ceremony: On a clifftop platform overlooking the beach below.
• Reception: Sophisticated plated dinner in Casa Grande or al fresco with nature’s soundtrack.

---

Hacienda Tres Amarras – Timeless Spanish Charm

With its terracotta floors, arched corridors, and blooming courtyard, Hacienda Tres Amarras feels like a Spanish fairytale transplanted to the Caribbean coast. This estate whispers timeless elegance — a place where every doorway tells a story.

The property’s hacienda-style layout makes it ideal for multi-day wedding celebrations, offering both indoor refinement and lush outdoor spaces, framed by bougainvillea and the sound of the sea.

• Lodging Capacity: 9 bedrooms for up to 18 guests.
• Event Capacity: Suitable for events of up to 100 guests.

Highlights:

• Central courtyard bursting with bougainvillea — perfect for cocktail hours or acoustic sets.
• Infinity pool and ocean-view veranda for daytime lounging or welcome gatherings.
• Elegant indoor dining spaces ideal for formal receptions or backup weather plans.
• Direct access to private beach, perfect for setting a bonfire.

The Potential:

• Welcome Party: Aperitivo-style gathering in the courtyard with Spanish guitar.
• Ceremony & Reception: A romantic beachfront setting surrounded by palms and the sound of the waves.

---

Villa Cantamar – Raw Clifftop Elegance

Rising from the cliffs of the exclusive SeaTree Estates, Villa Cantamar delivers sweeping views of the Atlantic that immediately silence you with awe. The architecture embraces an elegant fusion of natural textures and clean lines — think warm woods, organic stone, and serene Asian-inspired touches that draw your attention outward to the horizon.

The lawn stretches seamlessly to the sea, creating the perfect ceremony setting that feels as though you’re exchanging vows on the edge of the world. Inside, the villa offers a calm, balanced layout ideal for intimate wedding groups, with private suites and natural gathering spaces throughout.

• Lodging Capacity: 4 ocean-view suites with en-suite bathrooms.
• Event Capacity: Outdoor areas accommodate up to 100 guests comfortably.

Highlights:

• Expansive oceanfront lawn for ceremonies or dining under the stars.
• Outdoor lounges with custom furniture and shaded nooks.
• A tucked-away pathway leads to a hidden cliffside hot tub and a small private beach — a perfect photo-ready moment or a romantic escape for the couple.

The Potential:

• Welcome Party: Sunset cocktails with curated lounge seating and ambient sound.
• Ceremony: Clifftop vows framed by wind-swept florals.
• Reception: Alfresco candlelit dinner under string lights and a sky full of stars.

---

ÀNI Dominican Republic – The Ultimate Private Buyout

There is no place quite like ÀNI. This fully private resort is reserved exclusively for one group at a time, offering the level of personalization and privacy usually reserved for royalty. With two villas, 14 suites, and a peninsula of lush tropical grounds to yourself, ÀNI is designed for meaningful, immersive celebrations.

From tailor-made menus to curated excursions and spa experiences, every guest feels seen — and every couple, fully celebrated.

• Lodging Capacity: 14 suites for up to 28 guests.
• Event Capacity: Up to 80 guests outdoors; 40 seated indoors in the event pavilion.

Highlights:

• Positioned on a 4.2-acre private peninsula with 270° ocean views.
• Exclusive access to “La Piscina Natural” — a natural cove perfect for morning dips or welcome rituals.
• Elevated dining decks, private pools, and luxury service with warmth and soul.

The Potential:

• Welcome Party: Sunset cocktails and beach bonfire.
• Ceremony: Peninsula point, surrounded by ocean on all sides.
• Reception: Custom full-scale production with five-star cuisine, dancing, and immersive guest experiences.

---

Villa Alia – Contemporary Serenity on the Hill

Tucked into a hilltop clearing on 4.5 acres of private land, Villa Alia feels like a breath of fresh, curated air. Modern and warm, minimal yet cozy, this architectural gem balances Caribbean openness with European restraint. Every frame is deliberate — ocean views from nearly every angle, sunlight pouring into every room.

This is a home that invites peace, but also knows how to host. The great room’s towering ceilings and the expansive terrace offer effortless spaces for intimate weddings or pre-wedding events.

• Lodging Capacity: 5 bedrooms for up to 10 guests.
• Event Capacity: Ideal for up to 25 guests for intimate events.

Highlights:

• Elevated terrace with panoramic views — perfect for ceremonies or rehearsal dinners.
• 24-foot ceilings and open-plan great room for relaxed luxury.
• Dedicated bar/game room and indoor-outdoor common spaces for guest connection.

The Potential:

• Welcome Cocktail: An elegant gathering with close family.
• Rehearsal Dinner: Farm-to-table dining at golden hour on the terrace.

---

While we weren’t able to visit Playa Grande Beach Club during this recent trip, we know firsthand how extraordinary this property is and couldn’t leave it out. Here are a few glimpses from a past visit in 2020, beautifully captured alongside photographer and friend Asia Pimentel. A true gem of the north coast.

---

This site visit was a powerful reminder of the diversity, luxury, and untouched magic of the Dominican Republic’s north coast. Whether you dream of cliffside vows, a hacienda celebration, or a fully private destination wedding weekend, this region offers endless inspiration for couples seeking intentional beauty and elevated experiences.

Thank you to our incredible host, Sergio, from Bonvido for the thoughtfulness, hospitality, and for reminding us just how many stories are still waiting to be written in this breathtaking corner of the world. A special thank you as well to the gracious team at Hacienda Tres Amarras for so warmly hosting us during that unforgettable week.

And a heartfelt thank you to Rudney Novaes for capturing the essence of each space with such artistry and intention through his photography, and to Osiris & Michele from Modern Love Production for translating the experience into motion so beautifully through video. Their work brought this journey to life in the most meaningful way, allowing us to share the magic with our community near and far.

If one of these destinations speaks to your heart, or if you’re still seeking the perfect setting for your celebration, we’d be honored to guide you there. Visit our website to learn more about our destination wedding planning services and how we bring thoughtful, beautifully tailored experiences to life.

For more inspiration, explore a few of our other venue visits and destination features:
➤ The perfect spot in Jamaica
➤ Our favorites in Costa Rica
➤ True gems of San Miguel de Allende