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Donoma Beach & Spa: Marriott's New Caribbean Jewel in the Autograph Collection

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Wednesday, November 12th 2025 at 18:12 GMT by Travel + Leisure

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Donoma Beach & Spa – The New Autograph Collection Jewel in the Dominican Republic

In a highly‑anticipated reveal, Marriott’s Autograph Collection has added a fresh, design‑centric property to its portfolio: Donoma Beach & Spa (formerly known as La Terrena). Nestled on the turquoise shores of La Romana, this boutique retreat marries tropical luxury with a distinctly local flavor, offering guests an intimate, immersive experience that sets it apart from the typical Caribbean resort. Below is a concise yet comprehensive rundown of what the property promises, based on the original Travel + Leisure feature and the various resources linked within.

1. The Story Behind the Rebrand

La Terrena, a modestly sized boutique complex that opened in the late 2000s, had long been recognized for its serene setting but had struggled to find a distinct identity amid a crowded market. In 2023, the owners partnered with Marriott’s Autograph Collection, a brand dedicated to “authentic, one‑of‑a‑kind” hotels that retain unique character while benefiting from Marriott’s global loyalty program. The result is a complete re‑imagination: the resort was renamed Donoma Beach & Spa, a nod to the local term “donoma” meaning “home,” and was given a new architectural and operational facelift.

A press release linked from the Travel + Leisure piece highlights that the rebranding was led by LUX & Co., a boutique design firm that has worked on a number of high‑profile resorts across the Caribbean. “Donoma is not just a hotel; it’s a destination that reflects the culture, history, and natural beauty of La Romana,” the release states.

2. Location & Landscape

The resort sits on a 4‑acre stretch of unspoiled beach that is only a short walk from the town’s historic center and the famed Casa de Campo Golf Club. The Travel + Leisure article points out that the location offers two major draws:

• Stunning Views: A panoramic stretch of white sand, calm turquoise waters, and a backdrop of the Sierra de Bahoruco mountains.
• Proximity to Local Attractions: Easy access to the Altos de Chavón cultural village, the 18th‑century historic fort of La Romana, and local eateries that showcase Dominican cuisine.

Additionally, the resort’s setting in a protected marine reserve has prompted a stronger focus on sustainability, a theme that is woven throughout the property’s design and operations.

3. Architecture & Design

The redesign by LUX & Co. sought to fuse modern elegance with traditional Caribbean motifs. Key elements noted in the article include:

• Materials: Local stone and wood, sourced from sustainable forests and nearby quarries, dominate the interior and exterior finishes.
• Color Palette: A soothing mix of sea‑foam greens, sandy neutrals, and pops of coral that echo the surrounding landscape.
• Layout: The resort is broken into two distinct sections: the “Beachfront” zone with 30 rooms and 10 villas and the “Garden” zone with 20 suites that offer a quieter, more secluded experience.

The article also highlights a signature “sky garden” terrace that provides a communal space for guests to enjoy sunsets over the ocean, a concept borrowed from nearby resorts like the Four Seasons in Punta Cana but adapted to a smaller scale.

4. Accommodations

• 30 Rooms: Each offers floor‑to‑ceiling windows that frame the ocean view, a private terrace, and an on‑suite balcony. The rooms come equipped with smart TVs, Bluetooth speakers, and a high‑speed Wi‑Fi connection.
• 10 Villas: These spacious homes feature private pools, outdoor jacuzzis, and a separate living area. They’re ideal for families or guests who wish to entertain in a private setting.
• 20 Suites: Located in the Garden section, these suites include a mini‑kitchen, a private garden patio, and are perfect for couples seeking a more intimate stay.

A linked gallery in the article showcases the meticulous attention to detail in each room, from handcrafted furniture to locally produced linen.

5. Spa & Wellness

The centerpiece of Donoma’s wellness offerings is its LUX & Co.‑designed spa, a 4,000‑sq‑ft sanctuary that occupies the building’s upper level. Highlights include:

• Treatment Rooms: Twelve rooms, each offering a view of the sea or gardens, equipped with the latest spa technology.
• Holistic Services: Traditional Dominican massages, yoga classes, and aromatherapy sessions.
• Sustainable Practices: Organic, locally sourced ingredients are used in treatments, and the spa uses a water‑conservation system that reduces usage by 30% compared to average resorts.

The Travel + Leisure article quotes a wellness director who says, “We’ve built a place where guests can connect with nature and themselves without the noise of a crowded hotel.”

6. Dining & Gastronomy

Donoma offers a curated selection of culinary experiences that aim to celebrate Dominican cuisine while maintaining an international standard.

• The Beach Café: Open 24/7, this casual spot serves fresh seafood, tropical smoothies, and a signature “Donoma Daiquiri.”
• Le Jardin: A fine‑dining French‑Dominican fusion restaurant that focuses on seasonal produce from the resort’s own garden.
• The Terrace Bar: Sunset cocktails and live music, featuring local musicians performing across genres from bachata to jazz.

A link in the article directs readers to a menu preview that showcases dishes like “Ceviche de Pulpo” and “Pollo al Mojo de Achiote” with a modern twist.

7. Activities & Services

Beyond the beach and spa, Donoma offers a variety of activities that reflect both the local culture and the resort’s upscale positioning:

• Water Sports: Kayaking, paddle‑boarding, and a curated snorkeling tour to the nearby coral reefs.
• Golf: Partnerships with the Casa de Campo Golf Club allow guests discounted green fees and tee‑time arrangements.
• Cultural Excursions: Guided tours to Altos de Chavón, the historic fort, and local coffee plantations.
• Kids’ Club: A supervised program with activities that blend learning and play.

The resort also prides itself on a 24/7 concierge service that can arrange private charters, island hopping, and other bespoke experiences.

8. Sustainability & Community Engagement

A central pillar of Donoma’s identity is its commitment to sustainability, highlighted throughout the article and linked press release:

• Energy: Solar panels installed on the rooftops provide up to 30% of the resort’s electricity needs.
• Waste: A comprehensive recycling and composting program reduces landfill output.
• Local Employment: Over 80% of staff are sourced from La Romana, with ongoing training programs for hospitality and hospitality management.

Additionally, the resort supports local artisans by featuring their craftwork in the public spaces and offering them a platform to sell their goods at the resort’s boutique.

9. Reception & Future Outlook

The Travel + Leisure article rounds off with the sentiment that Donoma Beach & Spa represents a new chapter for boutique resorts in the Caribbean. The combination of Marriott’s brand credibility and LUX & Co.’s design pedigree has positioned Donoma as a flagship property for travelers seeking both authenticity and luxury. Early reviews suggest that the resort has successfully addressed its predecessor’s shortcomings, delivering on comfort, service, and an intimate atmosphere that encourages guests to “stay longer, stay more.”

Looking forward, the resort plans to expand its suite lineup by 2025, add an additional dining venue focused on vegan cuisine, and further enhance its water‑conservation measures.

Key Takeaways

1. Rebranding & Design – La Terrena’s transformation into Donoma Beach & Spa reflects a careful blend of local culture and modern luxury, guided by LUX & Co.
2. Unique Positioning – As part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, the resort offers boutique charm with the advantages of a global loyalty program.
3. Sustainability – Solar energy, waste reduction, and local sourcing underscore Donoma’s commitment to responsible hospitality.
4. Wellness Focus – The LUX & Co. spa provides a full spectrum of wellness services tailored to the serene Caribbean environment.
5. Guest Experience – From private villas and beach suites to curated dining and cultural excursions, the resort delivers a comprehensive, high‑quality experience that encourages longer stays.

With its compelling combination of design, sustainability, and luxury, Donoma Beach & Spa stands as a prime example of how boutique resorts can thrive in the competitive Caribbean market. Whether you’re a digital nomad seeking a quiet, inspiring workspace, a couple on a romantic getaway, or a family looking for a personalized vacation, Donoma offers an experience that’s both deeply local and universally appealing.