PUNTA CANA — The official opening of the very first all-inclusive resort for Marriott Internationalʻs W Hotels attracted celebrity guests perfectly in keeping with the famously style-forward brand.

W Punta Cana, Adult All-Inclusiveʻs grand opening last week brought a parade of famous faces, such as Victoria’s Secret model Joan Smalls, and Lucien Laviscount from the popular series Emily in Paris.

The festivities took place as part of the W Presents series and culminated in a top-level musical evening bringing together French producer and DJ Rodriguez Jr. and Mexican artist Sinego, music director for W Hotels in the Caribbean and Latin America.

The duo set the dance floor ablaze with their vibrant blends of Latin rhythms and electro, offering a unique experience between the splendid Uvero Alto beach and the intimate velvet atmosphere of W Punta Canaʻs 33 1/3 Speakeasy Club.

AN ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORT UNLIKE ANY OTHER

Before getting carried away by the music, the hand-picked group of guests sampled the rich and varied gastronomic offerings from this trailblazing all-inclusive resort. On the menu: Dominican and Caribbean flavours at La Scena restaurant, and delicate dishes inspired by Asian street food at Noodle.

The W Punta Cana distinguishes itself by favouring à la carte dishes over traditional buffets. To top it all off, 24-hour room service is also available.

EXCESSIVE REFINEMENT

The first all-inclusive resort from the W brand also stands out for its exceptional refinement and meticulous attention to detail in each of its spaces.

From elegantly furnished rooms and suites, combining designer furniture, natural inspirations and nods to Dominican culture, to the AWAY Spa and its divine hydrotherapy circuit, everything has been designed to immerse guests in a total sensory experience, where relaxation, aesthetics and well-being come together perfectly.

THE LUXURY OF FREEDOM

George Fleck, Senior VP and Brand Director, W Hotels, shared his vision of all-inclusive in an interview with Profession Voyages.

“Traditionally, the all-inclusive concept evokes an experience focused on quantity, everything you can eat, everything you can drink,” Fleck said. “For me, it has to go far beyond that perception. The experience we offer shouldn’t be any different from the one we offer at any other W hotel. ”

He added: “The only difference is that you never see the bill, you don’t have to sign anything. You are simply free to experience your stay as you wish. Ultimately, it’s your path, your adventure.”

Fleck noted that “in luxury, the three essential values are choice, freedom, and the feeling that the experience is unlike any other.”

Indeed, W Punta Cana includes a wide range of activities for all tastes, whether its listening to a DJ by the pool, practicing yoga in peace and quiet, taking part in an intense cardio session or indulging in rum and chocolates.

OTHER MARKETS IN SIGHT

Following the new W Punta Cana, other all-inclusive resorts from the W brand are expected to open soon in other locations.

“There are projects underway, even if nothing is official yet,” said Fleck. “We are naturally targeting regions known for their all-inclusive resorts, the Caribbean and Mexico.”

While details about new resorts are under wraps, Fleck shared his firm belief in the potential for modernized all-inclusive vacations.

“I believe this model has enormous potential in markets where it is still relatively uncommon. If you think about Florida, California, or even Europe, there is clearly a place for these kinds of reinvented, more immersive, and more inspiring experiences,” he said.

This article originally appeared at ProfessionVoyages.com, part of The Travelweek Group. For more information about W Punta Cana see all-inclusive.marriott.com/.

©Malik Cocherel