If you thought Punta Cana was done building, you haven’t seen the construction cranes lately.
For a while, the big news in the DR was all about renovations—slapping a fresh coat of paint on a 20-year-old lobby, renaming the buffet, and calling it “new.” But entering 2026, the game has changed. We are talking about massive, ground-up projects that are finally nearing the finish line.
These aren’t just “rebrands.” These are brand-new footprints on the sand.
At The Dominican Republic Sun, we track these openings like hawks because we know the drill: opening dates in the Caribbean are… optimistic. Deadlines slip, and “Winter 2025” often becomes “Spring 2026.” But based on the latest progress reports and concrete pouring, these four contenders are on track to welcome guests this year.
Here is what you need to know before you book your 2026 vacation.
1. Moon Palace The Grand Punta Cana
The Vibe: The “Vegas of the Caribbean.” Projected Opening: Spring 2026.
This is the big one. Palace Resorts has been teasing this project for years, and it is finally becoming a reality.
“Massive” is an understatement. We are talking about a 2,100+ room behemoth that is effectively its own city. Unlike the low-rise, spread-out resorts typical of Punta Cana where you need a golf cart to get to the beach, Moon Palace is going vertical and high-density.
It’s bringing the heavy artillery: a dedicated water park that rivals legitimate theme parks, a Greg Norman signature golf course, and 19 different restaurants.
Check Prices At Moon Palace The Grand Punta Cana (Reservations Open For June Bookings)
The Reality Check: If you hate crowds, this place will be your nightmare. It is designed to be loud, busy, and intense. But if you are the type of traveler who gets bored after two hours on a beach chair and needs constant stimulation, this is your new mecca.
Key Takeaway: This will likely become the most expensive family resort in the region overnight. Start saving now.
2. Secrets Macao Beach Punta Cana
The Vibe: The sophisticated sister on a wild beach. Projected Opening: Mid-to-Late 2026.
Macao Beach is one of the few places in Punta Cana that still feels a bit wild. The waves are bigger, the cliffs are dramatic, and until recently, it was mostly undeveloped.
Dreams Macao Beach opened a few years ago for families, and now Hyatt is dropping an adults-only Secrets right next door. This is a huge win for couples. You get the stunning, golden sands of Macao without the screaming toddlers at the buffet.
The resort will feature 406 suites and the brand’s signature “Preferred Club” rooftop pools. Since it’s a new build, expect the modern “open-concept” bathrooms and swim-outs that are standard in the newer Secrets properties.
The Reality Check: The ocean at Macao is rough. It’s great for photos and surfing, but if you want calm, glass-like water for swimming, stick to Bavaro or Cap Cana.
Bookings not open yet.
3. Fiesta Americana Funeeq Punta Cana
The Vibe: The Mexican giant enters the chat.Projected Opening: Early 2026.
For decades, if you wanted the specific style of hospitality Fiesta Americana offers, you had to fly to Mexico. Now, they are crossing the Caribbean Sea.
“Funeeq” (pronounced unique) is their new concept focused heavily on the digital-nomad family lifestyle and high-tech amenities. It’s located in the Uvero Alto region (the northern part of Punta Cana), which means it’s quieter, but the beach is a bit more golden and rougher than the white sands of the south.
They are promising a high-tech approach to the all-inclusive experience, likely pushing app-based services and modern room controls that older DR resorts lack.
The Reality Check: Uvero Alto is far. You are looking at a 45-minute drive from the airport. But for many, the seclusion is worth the extra time in the shuttle.
Check prices at Fiesta Americana Funeeq Punta Cana (Reservations Open For April Bookings)
Which New Build Fits You?
Tap a card to check the Vibe & Opening Window.
Moon Palace The Grand
Macao / Uvero Alto South
Check The Vibe ↻Best For: Action Junkies
- The Draw: Massive water park & 19 restaurants.
- The Vibe: “Vegas of the Caribbean.” Loud & fun.
- The Risk: It will be expensive and crowded.
Secrets Macao Beach
Macao Beach
Check The Vibe ↻Best For: Couples
- The Draw: Brand new luxury on a wild beach.
- The Vibe: Sophisticated, quiet, and romantic.
- The Risk: The ocean here is rough (waves).
Fiesta Americana Funeeq
Uvero Alto
Check The Vibe ↻Best For: Digital Families
- The Draw: High-tech amenities & Mexican service.
- The Vibe: Modern, connected, and different.
- The Risk: It’s a long drive from the airport.
Playa Serena
Puntacana Resort
Check The Vibe ↻Best For: Big Spenders
- The Draw: Rare Overwater Villas.
- The Vibe: Exclusive, private, and ultra-luxe.
- The Risk: Probably not All-Inclusive (EP).
4. Playa Serena at Puntacana Resort & Club
The Vibe: Ultra-luxury for the 1%.
Projected Opening: Late 2026.
This is the curveball. While the others are massive all-inclusives, Playa Serena is a boutique jewel inside the gated, exclusive Puntacana Resort & Club (where the airport owners live).
The headline here? Overwater Villas.
The DR has historically lacked the “Bora Bora style” bungalows because the Atlantic ocean is too rough. But Playa Serena is building a protected setup to offer 5 overwater villas alongside its 75 suites.
This isn’t for the budget traveler. This is for the traveler who flies private into the FBO terminal and wants to disappear.
The Reality Check: Do not expect all-inclusive pricing here. This is likely an EP (European Plan) or ultra-high-end model where you pay for exclusivity.
Reservations not open yet.
The Bottom Line
New hotels in the Caribbean always have teething issues. The hot water might be glitchy, the service will be slow, and you might hear a drill in the distance. The smart move? Wait 3 months after the “Grand Opening” to let them work out the kinks.
If you want to see which of these fits your budget (or find a resort that’s already open and proven), check our tools below.
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