Punta Bergantín: The Best Project Coming to the Dominican Republic
Whether you choose to enjoy through tourism or as a resident, in the next few years the North Coast will undergo a massive economic shift.
Every year, the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Tourism travels to Spain to showcase new construction projects coming to the DR. This year, what they have planned for Puerto Plata will steal the show.
I first became aware of the future plans a year ago, but now that construction is underway and the team from the Ministry of Tourism has just returned from their trip to Spain (January 21, 2026) to present to a world forum of investors, I think it’s time for me to talk about the main highlights that caught my eye.
Punta Bergantín
In many ways, this project is a gift for the residents of Puerto Plata. It will add immense value to the province and for property owners alike. The low density luxury lifestyle will offer approximately 6,625 residences in total, ranging from luxury villas to condos with beachfront views and golf views overlooking the greens.
Since you’ll never have to leave, it will feature a gym, a golf course, and plenty more to entertain. As for club membership, I hope those of us who live outside the project can pay a fee to use the facilities.
Something I’m sure we will all be able to enjoy is the food. Punta Bergantín will be full of many different 5 star restaurants that will welcome everyone. For those on vacation who want to share the experience of this standout location, you’re covered. There is no lack of resorts and 5 star hotels in this project, as Hyatt, Meliá, Westin, and Hilton have all committed to the project.
The Film Studio Complex
A piece of Hollywood is coming to the Caribbean to stay. Movie star Vin Diesel, with the support of President Luis Abinader, signed an agreement to build a world-class film studio in Puerto Plata. Locals will tell you that Vin Diesel loves the Dominican Republic because he is always here.
The government expects that the film studio will contribute tens of thousands of jobs. This sounds really cool and is a win-win for everyone. Instead of a secluded studio, the Dominican government and Vin Diesel’s team are integrating the movie industry directly into a luxury vacation hub.
Movies will be filmed at the studio, but not in a closed warehouse. In Punta Bergantín, the infrastructure is designed to be dual-purpose. I’m not a movie buff myself, but it would be cool if Mr. Diesel could use his influence to attract other stars. There is potential to become the “Hollywood of the Caribbean. I can see it now, movie stars lingering at the resorts while the paparazzi camp out waiting for that perfect pic lol.
Speaking of a true Hollywood experience, the Planet Hollywood Beach Resort Puerto Plata is currently under development. The resort will feature the brand’s signature “Vacation Like A Star” experience, including authentic Hollywood memorabilia, themed restaurants, the PH Spa, and an Elite fitness center. At this location, guests are staying right where films are being made, and the sets remain walkable attractions for the guests.
The Innovation Hub “Silicon Beach”
Beyond tourism, the Punta Bergantín innovation hub includes an academic campus designed to attract tech companies and “digital nomads.”
A massive training initiative is underway to develop over 10,000 local tech talents in fields like coding, Big Data, and Artificial Intelligence. The goal is to create a homegrown workforce so that international companies don’t just bring their own staff, but hire locally.
Rather than just solo freelancers, the project targets tech companies and R&D departments to move to Puerto Plata and benefit from tax incentives and the quality of life. According to the Ministry of Labor, Punta Bergantín is set to generate between 15,000 and 20,000 direct jobs spanning the hospitality, film, and tech sectors. This is in addition to an estimated 80,000 indirect jobs.
Cruise Port Expansion
I like how the Punta Bergantín project is focused on not leaving anyone out; there is something for everyone. Whether you’re a tourist, an expat, or a local Dominican, you name it. The outcome of this project will be connecting all sorts of people together.
Speaking of connecting, the cruise sector just got a huge upgrade. Cruise terminals Amber Cove and Taino Bay are expanding the destination experience. Cruise ships will pass along the coast of Punta Bergantín, giving passengers a high-end, land-based destination that didn’t exist before.
While Taino Bay brings passengers into the historic city center, Punta Bergantín offers a more exclusive resort-style escape just minutes away. A core feature will be Pueblo Marino (Marine Village), a walkable commercial center with upscale shops, local artisans, and international dining.
To keep a sense of the Dominican culture, the government mandate requires low-density development and public beach access. It specifically enforces a “Dominican identity” theme for Pueblo Marino, featuring interactive aquariums, recreational pools, theme parks, and cultural shows. This ensures the space remains a socially connected hub rather than just another gated resort.
Amber Highway (Autopista del Ámbar)
A drive from Puerto Plata to the vibrant city of Santiago de los Caballeros usually takes an hour and a half, but soon it will take just under 30 minutes. The Amber Highway will connect Santiago’s airport and industrial hub directly to the Punta Bergantín area.
Santiago is the second largest city in the Dominican Republic, also known as “La Ciudad Corazón” (The Heart City). For tourists, it’s a chance to check out the historic landmarks, arts, and rich culture that Santiago offers. For those who live here, I personally like going to PriceSmart, it’s like the Dominican version of Costco.
With so much happening in Santiago, a faster commute back and forth to Punta Bergantín makes for a much better experience for both tourists and residents. With the project now moving into the construction phase, it’s clear that in the next few years, Punta Bergantín will become one of the top locations in the Dominican Republic.
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