Ani Villas Dominican Republic Open

The Ani Villas Dominican Republic has opened in Rio San Juan on the north coast of the Dominican Republic.

The 14-suite oceanfront resort sits on four acres on a peninsula surrounded by the sea on three sides and two private beaches.

Two villas, one with eight suites and the other with six, can host a single group or two parties, each in their own private space.

The 10 1,200-square-foot master suites feature pitched ceilings, screens of backlit onyx, South American hardwoods, local travertine limestone, soaking tubs and enclosed gardens.

The centerpiece of each of the two villas is an open-walled living and dining area, tanning decks and infinity pools. Trained chefs customize menus based on guests' preferences and dietary needs.

Beyond each villa's indoor and outdoor dining areas are dining spots on the beaches, in the bars and in a large event pavilion, which can accommodate 40 at a sit-down dinner and 100 for a wedding celebration.

Ani Villas features a spa, a tennis court and a range of on-site activities as well as off-site excursions.

Rates range from $4,000 per night for a group of eight to $15,000 per night for a group of 30 during the peak season. The company also has villa properties in Anguilla, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

For every private resort built, Ani opens an Arts Academy that provides fully funded three- and four-year programs for local students. The Ani Arts Academy in the Dominican Republic opened in 2013 in the hills above Rio San Juan and is home to more than 30 artists in training.

Source: Travel Weekly