Gansevoort Dominican Republic

Defined by whitewashed stone buildings accented with steel, glass, and dark slatted wood, Gansevoort Dominican Republic is a bold, contemporary property. The grounds have an exclusive, intimate feel, with the property’s suites housed in a handful of mid-rise buildings, and the hotel is small enough to see the ocean from nearly every vantage point. Sparkling blue pools and manicured green lawns pop against the otherwise minimalist black-and-white color scheme. Unlike Gansevoort’s other properties, which mainly draw hip singles and couples here to see and be seen, the chain’s Dominican outpost attracts well-heeled families with its apartment-style units. Although you might spot the occasional kid spilling food onto the table at lunch or splashing in the main pool, the atmosphere is nonetheless posh and refined. 

Gansevoort Dominican Republic is located down a nondescript side street, on the fringes of busy Sosúa. The property offers direct access to modest Playa Imbert beach, plus there are a few restaurants and grocery stores within walking distance; however, guests will need to take a car or taxi to reach the heart of Sosúa, which is about a 10-minute drive away. The town’s main beach, Playa Sosúa, is five minutes away by car. Although sex tourism is quite prominent in Sosúa, Gansevoort is located far enough from downtown that guests are unlikely to see prostitution in the immediate area. The shops and restaurants of downtown Caberete, a popular nightlife and kitesurfing spot, can be reached in around 15 minutes by car. Puerto Plata is a 35-minute drive away, while the nearest airport is Gregorio Luperon International Airport, which is 20 minutes away by car. 

Gansevoort Dominican Republic features beautiful one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites, as well as four-bedroom penthouses. Sleek, white floors and walls are complemented by soft beige and blue color palettes along with dark wood and rattan furniture. Decor varies from unit to unit, with accents like glossy coffee table books and eye-catching artwork making each suite feel homey, yet upscale. Open Italian kitchens have granite stone counters and stainless steel appliances. In addition to full-size fridges, microwaves, and four-burner gas stoves, kitchens offer espresso machines, panini presses, and dishwashers. While our unit had a good range of plates and cutlery, kitchenware like pots, pans, and even a kettle were strangely absent. There are also washers and dryers concealed in closets. Techie features include Smart flat-screen TVs, Bluetooth docking stations, and free Wi-Fi.Beds are fitted with soft, Egyptian cotton linens, and bedrooms also include walk-in closets. Frosted glass doors lead to large bathrooms with marble walk-in showers and gleaming vanities with square vessel sinks. L’Occitane bath products are provided, and some bathrooms also have separate tubs. All units have furnished balconies or terraces, most of which offer full or partial ocean views (although a few overlook the resort’s well-kept grounds). Some units include private plunge pools, with four-bedroom penthouses adding rooftop sundecks, private hot tubs, and outdoor barbecues. 

Gansevoort Dominican Republic has an impressive roster of amenities -- particularly considering its relatively small size -- all of which cater to its affluent clientele. The focal point of the hotel is a dramatic, three-part infinity pool. Smart black loungers and beach umbrellas, along with cushioned white daybeds, line the sleek stone deck surrounding the pool. A row of loungers with built-in shelters face the coast, offering wonderful views. A wide ocean view sundeck with more loungers and daybeds connects the main pool to a smaller, adult-only pool, which also includes a square hot tub and additional stylish seating areas. The hotel offers direct access to Playa Imbert, a half-moon-shaped stretch of golden sands. This private beach is small and somewhat rocky, but attractive. Guests have free use of non-motorized watersports equipment, such as snorkeling gear, paddleboards, kayaks, and hobie cats. Beachfront yoga classes are also hosted here. The hotel’s fitness center is small but bright, and features a varied Technogym cardio and weight training equipment. Floor-to-ceiling windows along one wall offer show-stopping views of the main infinity pool and coastline. The small game room on the floor below has a similar layout and view. Decked out virtually head-to-toe in white, The Spa by L’Occitane mirrors the hotel’s swanky aesthetic. The two-floor spa has four treatment rooms, a hammam sauna, a juice bar, and a L’Occitane boutique. It offers a variety of massages, facials, manicures and pedicures, and other relaxing treatments.  Free Wi-Fi is available throughout, but each area of the property has its own modem, which means you have to log on to various networks as you walk around. There’s a free parking garage on-site, and pets are welcome for an additional fee. FoodThree glamorous dining options and an outstanding free breakfast The hotel’s main restaurant, Baia Lounge, is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Headed by chef Giancarlo Fiori, whose credits include a stint at the Michelin-starred El Bulli restaurant in Spain, the restaurant offers an excellent (if expensive) menu of Mediterranean fare. With its wooden furniture and black accents, the restaurant’s design echoes that of the adjacent pool, plus it also has sweeping views of the coast. A top-notch a la carte breakfast at Baia Lounge is included in the room rate, with options including a traditional American breakfast, Dominican breakfast, and lighter fare like smoothies. All come with delicious platters of tropical fruits and pastries. Room service is also available. The upper floor of Baia Lounge is home to Aguazul, which serves Peruvian-Japanese cuisine for dinner. The restaurant features more hip, white-on-white decor, along with an open-kitchen and eye-popping ocean views. The lower level of Baia Lounge has a handsome wine and cigar cellar, which offers an extensive selection of wines and Dominican cigars. It includes an intimate dining area that can be reserved for private dinners, as well as a leather-clad lounge area with a flat-screen TV, plus books and magazines.