In a groundbreaking partnership, Four Seasons and Cisneros Real Estate (Cisneros) recently announced the luxury development of the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Dominican Republic at Tropicalia.
Nestled on a pristine 60-acre (24-hectare) beachfront site along Playa Esmeralda in the northeastern Dominican Republic, this project combines the world-renowned Four Seasons hospitality with Cisneros’ decades-long legacy in the Dominican Republic, Latin America, and the United States. Set to open its doors in early 2026, this resort promises a new era of sustainable elegance for discerning travellers worldwide.
A Vision of Natural Splendour
Designed by Brazilian architect Isay Weinfeld, the Four Seasons Resort and Residences Dominican Republic at Tropicalia boasts a tropical modernist design that harmonizes effortlessly with its natural surroundings. With a 95-key resort and 25 Private Residences featuring three- and four-bedroom units just steps from the beach, this property offers an unparalleled immersion in nature.
Tropicalia itself is a private estate owned by the Cisneros family, showcasing a diverse ecosystem, including white-sand beaches, crystal-clear aquamarine waters, coral reefs, mountains, forests, mangroves, lagoons, rivers, a working coconut plantation, and an organic farm.
Adriana Cisneros, CEO of Cisneros, underscores the project’s commitment to sustainability, driven by the company’s nonprofit Fundación Tropicalia, which has been dedicated to the region’s well-being for over a decade. “Tropicalia reflects our family’s cultural values,” notes Cisneros. “Our goal was to create a new kind of luxury destination that is in balance both with nature and with the local community. We’re pleased that Four Seasons shares our vision, both for Tropicalia and the future of tourism.”
Tropicalia is owned by Cisneros Real Estate, the development arm of Cisneros, a diversified business group with a nearly century-old history in media, real estate, consumer products, and social leadership. Committed to long-term ownership of Tropicalia as a legacy project, Cisneros also prioritizes the socioeconomic sustainability of the community, region, and country.
A Luxury Oasis in the Caribbean
Alejandro Reynal, President and CEO of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, expresses his enthusiasm for expanding Four Seasons’ global portfolio to the Dominican Republic, a market long regarded as a luxury travel destination. “We are proud to bring this project to life with our partners at Cisneros, who share our values of supporting the environments and communities in which we operate,” says Reynal. “Together, we will remain focused on these values as we welcome guests and residents alike in 2026 and become stewards of this beautiful destination.”
David Collado, Minister of Tourism of the Dominican Republic, hails the arrival of Four Seasons at Tropicalia, emphasizing the project’s contribution to diversifying the country’s tourism and promoting sustainable development. “This project, which will have the highest standards of luxury, will further diversify the types of travellers coming to our country and reaffirm Tropicalia’s commitment to the sustainable development of the country’s tourism, allowing us to continue being a model destination for the world.”
William Phelan, President of Tropicalia, highlights the strategic location of the Dominican Republic, making it easily accessible from major international cities. “Four Seasons will bring a new level of luxury hospitality to the Dominican Republic, a premier Caribbean destination,” says Phelan. The resort offers a wide array of activities, from scuba diving and sailing to observing and conserving sea turtles in their natural habitat. Land excursions include Los Haitises National Park, a paradise for explorers, and the upcoming Tom Doak golf course, set to open after the completion of the new Four Seasons Resort.
Eco-Friendly Luxury
The Four Seasons Resort and Residences Dominican Republic at Tropicalia is designed with sustainability in mind, aiming for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification, a testament to its commitment to environmental stewardship. The resort’s design, construction, and operation prioritize environmental and social management systems, from biodiversity to waste and water management, air quality, and greenhouse gas emissions.
Isay Weinfeld’s design seamlessly blends with the island’s native materials and colonial-era towns, using Coralina limestone, brick, and stucco to create a sense of authenticity. Guests will experience a seamless transition from indoor to outdoor living, with open spaces, passive cooling, and lush landscaping using native species. Spacious guest rooms with private terraces and cutting-edge technology, along with green spaces and interior gardens, ensure an unparalleled guest experience.
A Commitment to Social Responsibility
The project assembles a team of experts, including luxury development firm Sinergo, international design firm Gensler, and Bouygues Construction of France as the general contractor. The master planner and landscape architect, EDSA, works closely with former Dominican botanical garden curator Ricardo Garcia to ensure holistic development and landscaping with primary native species. IMI Worldwide Properties, an innovative real estate firm with over 30 years of experience, oversees luxury residential sales.
Tropicalia is deeply committed to socioeconomic inclusion and sustainable development. Through initiatives like PROTORTUGA, guests and residents can actively participate in habitat preservation and support for leatherback turtles. Visitors can also engage with local communities through programs like the “Soy niña, soy importante” initiative, promoting gender equality and inclusion. Tropicalia’s symbiotic relationship with the sustainable organic farm, Estancia La Querencia, offers unique farm-to-table experiences and a deeper understanding of local ingredients and gastronomy.
Adriana Cisneros, drawing on her family’s legacy, established Fundación Tropicalia over a decade ago, aligning it with the United Nations Global Compact to promote human rights, labour, environmental responsibility, and anti-corruption. The foundation’s work has been recognized globally for innovative economic development programs, including recognition by the United Nations World Trade Organisation (UNWTO) for Innovation by Non-Governmental Organizations.
As Tropicalia continues to shape the future of luxury tourism in the Dominican Republic, it remains dedicated to fostering positive change, both for its guests and the local community, in an environmentally responsible and culturally enriching way. Discover a new world of luxury at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Dominican Republic at Tropicalia, where elegance meets sustainability.
