Surf’s Up at Amanera Resort

Dominican Republic Resort Making Waves in Luxury

By Jack Kirkendall and John Niehaus | Photography courtesy of Amanera

Amanera, a private resort in the Dominican Republic by the esteemed Aman luxury group, is a place where tangible peace and serenity abound. Stepping out of the black car onto the porte cochere, we were greeted by a soft kiss of the sea-salt-infused wind. With “Aman” meaning “peace” in Sanskrit and “era” meaning “water” in the language of the Taino people, Amanera is perfectly named. The destination perches atop sixty-foot cliffs, overlooking the gorgeous landscape of Playa Grande while the waves of the Atlantic crash onto the pristine sandy beaches. Adjacent to the lush fairways of the lauded Playa Grande Golf & Ocean Club and backed up to the water by the deep, dramatic Cordillera Septentrional mountainous rainforest, the resort offersincredible 360–degree views and a breath of relaxing fresh air.

Even the journey to the resort felt magical. As we descended into Santiago Airport, breathtaking views of deep-blue waters greeted us, glowing in a way we’d never seen before. An agent from Amanera waited at the gate to guide us through the airport and left us with a private driver to whisk us away, navigating busy streets and winding roads. The drive through lush greenery, climbing one side of the mountain and descending the other, culminated in the soothing sound of swelling waves, signaling our arrival at Amanera.

We approached the main entrance and walked over a gorgeous suspended walkway to the front desk, where we enjoyed refreshing wellness cocktails. Casa Grande, the expansive primarybuilding, sits on the edge of a cliff, offering stunning views of golden sands and azure waves that almost brought tears to our eyes. The second story features a lounge bar, library, and boutique, while the first hosts a beautifully balanced indoor–outdoor restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a focus on seasonal local ingredients. Our Ocean View Pool Casita, a fully private stand-alone suite with a bar, living area, and outdoor space, took our breath away upon entering. After a warm welcome and tour of our suite, we returned to Casa Grande for dinner, where the attentive staff already knew us by name as if we were old friends. Our table soon filled up with fresh juices, tuna ceviche, grouper, and Angus ribeye as we conversed about our disbelief in being somewhere so remarkable. It was the perfect end to our first day at the stunning resort.

Casa Grande, the expansive primary building, sits on the edge of a cliff, offering stunning views of golden sands and azure waves that almost brought tears to our eyes.

The following day, we woke up with the sun, feeling refreshed as its light filled the room. For breakfast, in-room dining was the way to go—avocado toast, bacon, and smoothies made with fresh, organic ingredients to start our day with clean energy. Amanera’s staff arranged a post-breakfast hike for eight o’clock. After our meal, we met our guide at Casa Grande and ventured through the tall front gates to begin our hike across the street.

As we pushed through lush vegetation and mango-laden trees, our guide pointed out our destination: a covered pavilion atop the mountain. We trekked up a beautiful path while soaking in the sights and sounds of the forest. After a hearty forty–minute hike, we reached the summit, greeted by a birds-eye view of the landscape. We enjoyed another delicious breakfast and sipped iced lattes, marveling at the expansive property, with Casa Grande overlooking the scattered Casitas below.

Back at the resort that afternoon, we called a cart to take us down the cliffside to Club de Playa, the resort’s private beach club tucked into a sandy cove on Playa Grande. We stepped into a sleek, modern, open-air restaurant, where the welcoming staff invited us to sit at a table closest to the soft sands and crashing waves. The food was some of the best I’ve ever had—we ordered grilled octopus and two styles of tacos. While we enjoyed our meal, Natacha, Amanera’s groups and events coordinator, found us and offered to show us one of the most stunning Casitas on the property: the Amanera Casita. This suite is the crown jewel among the resort’s twenty-fiveexquisite suites, boasting panoramic views of the seven-mile beach and seemingly endless horizon.

The day flew by, and it was time for dinner before we knew it. We were excited to attend a champagne tasting featuring Billecart-Salmon, a luxury French champagne brand. The tasting began with asparagus cappuccinos and scallop carpaccio, followed by lobster tortellini and A5 wagyu steak, all paired with the brand’s wine. The tasting concluded with gourmet desserts and even more champagne on the top deck of Casa Grande, where we chatted with the hospitable general manager, Lionel, and the Billecart-Salmon ambassadors.

Our Ocean View Pool Casita, a fully private stand-alone suite with a bar, living area, and outdoor space, took our breath away upon entering.

Our Sunday morning plans included surf lessons with the nationally renowned surf champion, Junior. As we enjoyed breakfast at Casa Grande before our adventure, we received our daily “Amanera Newspaper,” which informed us of inclement currents in the ocean. Shortly after, Natacha approached us to share the news that surfing would be too dangerous for the day. The Amanera team prioritizes safety, and while we were eagerly anticipating our surfing experience, we understood the careful decision. We took the opportunity to sit down with Natacha and learn more about the exciting water activities Amanera offers.

At the stunning Playa Grande, surfing rises above recreation; it embodies a lifestyle intertwined with health, nature, and joy. Nestled along the breathtaking coastline of the Dominican Republic, this idyllic spot, just a five-minute drive from the resort, offers not only incredible waves but also a vibrant community that celebrates the ocean’s beauty and energy. For those seeking a personalized adventure, private surf lessons through Amanera provide a unique opportunity for a one-on-one experience tailored to each individual’s skill level and goals.

Under the guidance of expert instructors like Junior, participants delve into essential surfing basics, including paddling techniques, proper stance, and wave selection. Instructors prioritize ocean safety, ensuring guests understand the changes in the sea and how to navigate them confidently. The excitement of riding the perfect wave can only be enhanced by the serene backdrop of Playa Grande’s golden sands and lush palm trees, creating an atmosphere that inspires excitement and tranquility. In addition to teaching technical skills, these lessons encourage a deep connection with nature. Surfing at Playa Grande allows participants to immerse themselves in the stunning coastal landscape, fostering a sense of mindfulness and appreciation for the environment.

Amanera’s commitment to providing exceptional water experiences extends beyond the surf lessons. They also offer kite-surfing, board yoga, boat tours, kayak or stand-up paddle boarding eco–tours, and deep–sea fishing. Learning about all the resort had to offer made us want to return as soon as possible!

We closed out our last full day under the beating sun of the beach, enjoying massages under the palm trees growing out of the cool sands. At night, we headed over to Club de Playa again for dinner. They were hosting cuatro fuegos, or “four fires,” which celebrates classic Dominican flavors with a modern twist. There was live music, a calm breeze, delicious food, and smiles on our faces as we spent our last night reminiscing about the indescribable peace we felt during thepast few days.

The following morning, we were sad to part ways with the staff we had grown so fond of and say goodbye to our gorgeous lodging and the resort’s beautiful architecture. What we did take with us were memories of an idyllic, romantic getaway. We still dream of the sound of crashing waves, hoping to one day return and conquer the surf on a board. Until we meet again, Amanera!

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To learn more about Aman properties, visit Aman.com and follow @aman on Instagram. To reserve lodging at Amanera, visit Aman.com/resorts/amanera and see more at @amanera on Instagram.