The first phase of Roco Ki, the luxury
resort and residential development under construction in Punta
Cana, Dominican Republic, will open at the end of 2007.
But the whole
project will be in development for 15 years, according to Nick
Tawil, president and CEO of Roco Ki.
"The master plan
includes six to nine high-end resorts with between 3,000 and 4,000
rooms plus up to 8,000 private residences," said Tawil. "Each of
the hotels must be as highly rated as Westin or above."
Westin plays a
key role in the project, as the 327-room Westin Roco Ki Beach &
Golf Resort makes its debut late next year, along with 130
Westin-branded condos, a conference center, seven restaurants, a
gourmet market, an 18,000-square-foot spa and a Nick Faldo-designed
golf course.
"This will not be
an all-inclusive resort," Tawil said. "We want our guests and
owners to get out and see and explore the Dominican
Republic."
Tawil's vision of
Roco Ki (the project name comes from a Taino Indian phrase that
means "honoring the land and the past") is a high-end, upscale
destination "where residents and guests can interact with the
culture of the Dominican Republic."
"We want an
entire infrastructure of homes, schools and churches for and of the
people and the guests of the D.R.," Tawil said. "We need to provide
a high level of service, and we feel strongly that the Dominican
people can provide it. Westin will handle the training of all
employees at Roco Ki."
Conservation and
protection of the environment are part of the Roco Ki philosophy,
according to Tawil. Well before ground was broken, architectural
surveys were carried out by the National Museum in Santo Domingo.
The surveys unearthed a number of artifacts and 18 skeletons, which
were taken to the museum.
"We're planning a
government-run Macao Village interpretive museum at Roco Ki as part
of the cultural infrastructure," Tawil said.
As for the
environment, more than 25,000 mangroves have been planted and a
nursery begun.
Ultimately, Roco
Ki will have a marina, 72 holes of golf on three courses as well as
resorts, homes and communities for the locals.
"The architecture
will blend into the location, mirroring the geography of the
region, which includes a seven-mile-long beach as well as forests
and mountains," he said.
Airlift that
already serves the area, the interest of local partners and
investors, a new road system that will be in place next year and
the wide pricing range of the homes and villas being built are
factors that will help make Roco Ki a success, said
Tawil.
To contact reporter Gay Nagle Myers, send e-mail to [email protected].