Amanera

Amanera is arranged on a hillside in tiers and has been related to an amphitheatre, the golden sands and aquamarine waters of the Dominican Republic forming the stage below. Its name comes from "era" a Taino (indigenous people of the Caribbean) word which translates to 'peaceful water', an apt ending to the name of a resort which looks to the ocean. Secluded in 2,000 acres of ancient jungle and landscaped gardens, Amanera is surrounded by a landscape comprising green hills and provincial towns waiting to be explored.

Through its tiered layout, all 24 of Amanera's residences afford panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, private gardens with access paths and terraces and some their own swimming pool. Closest to the beach, the Amanera Casita and Bay View Casa have the finest views, the latter is the largest residence with two separate bedrooms and its own infinity pool. Further up the hillside are the Bay View Casitas and Hill Casitas and close to the main lodge a further two Casitas are located.

This is the first Aman resort to be combined with a golf course, one that boasts the most ocean side holes in the western hemisphere and therefore some of the best views on the green. However if this is not your game, try watersports, horse riding on the beach, a trip to the spa or merely lay in a hammock by the Club de Playa where barefoot dining is encouraged.

For more formal options, at the heart of the resort is the Casa Grande, an impressively constructed main lodge above a three-tiered water feature where you can find the open air bar, lounge, library and cigar bar and the signature restaurant which uses the freshest local ingredients. The layout of this part of the resort means the curved main swimming pool elegantly cascades around the dining areas with the option of a pavilion for a more intimate venue.