Playa Hotels & Resorts has announced its acquisition of the 738 guestroom
all- inclusive Ocean Bavaro Spa and Beach Resort in Punta Cana in the
Dominican Republic.The property will be re-branded as a Barcelo Resort and
renamed the Barcelo Dominican Beach Resort. The resort, which is only 12
miles from the Punta Cana International Airport, also includes 3121 square
feet of meeting space, a European-style spa facility, a theater, and a new
casino that was recently completed in June 2007.
  This is the third resort purchased in the Dominican Republic by Playa
Hotels & Resorts. In 2006, the company purchased the Breezes Punta Cana
Resort, Spa and Casino, which has been re-branded as the Barcelo Punta Cana
Resort—a Barcelo Premium branded hotel. The company recently announced
the addition of the Sunscape Casa del Mar Resort adjacent to Casa de Campo.
These acquisitions bring to nine the number of hotels that Playa now owns
in Mexico and the Caribbean.
  “The Ocean Bavaro Spa and Beach Resort is a significant acquisition to
our growing portfolio of resorts in the best beach locations across the
Dominican Republic,” said Bruce Wardinski, Chairman & CEO of Playa Hotels &
Resorts, S.L. “Under the Barcelo brand we will enhance guest services and
raise the quality of food and beverage to be comparable with Barcelo’s
legendary all- inclusive programs. In addition, we are planning
improvements to the physical condition of the resort, including a series of
guestroom renovations.”
  “The Dominican Republic is well-positioned as a growing vacation and
meetings destination because of its pristine beaches, national ecological
parks and its wide array of championship golf courses. Playa Hotels &
Resorts continues to see much upside potential in the Dominican Republic,
with its array of resorts that appeal to a wide variety of North American
and international travelers,” added Wardinski.
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