Amanera, Dominican Republic
The first golf-integrated Aman, Amanera is set on the idyllic north coast of the Dominican Republic. Backed by the dramatic Cordillera Septentrional mountain range, the resort offers breathtaking ocean views and direct access to the exquisite Playa Grande beach. But for kitesurfers, it is the resort’s proximity to Cabarete, where kitesurfing is rumored to have first begun, that makes Amanera such an exciting destination. A vibrant seaside town renowned as much for its kitesurfing as for its seafood and buzzing nightlife, Cabarete is a 45-minute drive from Amanera.
Strong, consistent trade winds blow side-shore and side-onshore all summer (May to October), although June, July and August are regarded as the ideal months for kitesurfing. Amanera has partnered with Kite Club, the largest and most renowned watersports centre in the country to offer guests a superb kiteboarding experience, whether they are at expert level or complete novices. Kite Club’s certified training programmes offer comprehensive private or semi-private lessons with three-hour, to three-day packages available.
There is also plenty to do on no-wind days, as Amanera is situated within a vast natural kingdom, a large part of which is pristine rainforest. Guests can SUP or kayak from Playa Grande beach, or simply relax at Amanera’s Club de Playa, tucked into a sandy cove where lunch is served from a comprehensive menu of local and South American classics.
Playa Preciosa is the resort’s second, more secluded beach. Amanera also enables the exploration of Laguna Gri Gri, a beautiful freshwater lagoon lined with mangroves and ideal for swimming, snorkelling and stand-up paddleboarding. Sea caves nearby can also be explored before or after a beach picnic.
