This private resort sits on four acres of fertile green peninsula, on the Dominican Republic’s tranquil north coast, serenely looking out across the Caribbean.
As the ÀNI credo tells you, it’s all yours for between six and 28 guests, for a minimum of five nights. There are 14 sumptuous suites, spaced around the Amber and Larimar living villas. Named after jewels, these dark-wood, high-ceilinged, open-sided villas – each fronted by an expansive infinity pool – really are precious gems and are perfect for big anniversary and birthday celebrations or groups of family and friends who simply want to get together, without crowds and queues. ÀNI only hosts exclusive use parties.
At ÀNI, created from the Swahili word andjani, meaning a forward journey, staff outnumber guests and service is beyond superlatives. Guests can arrange fast-track arrival at the airport and a transfer that takes them straight to a chilled flannel and iced passionfruit juice welcome at the resort. Tedious check-in has been abolished, everything has been done online, and staff know your name before you even introduce yourself.
Resort
Far from the Dominican Republic’s mass tourism costas, the ÀNI resort overlooks the ever-changing aquamarine, azure and cobalt blues of the Piscina Natural where the daring dive from the rocks into the bay. The less adventurous opt to kayak or paddle board around the headland.
Everything is on hand for the most perfect of holiday escapes and the resort is all inclusive too. That takes care of activities, food, drinks, daily laundry services and up to 12 spa treatments a day for your party.
ÀNI believes in choice. Guests even select the fragrance of their toiletries: eucalyptus, lemongrass or lavender. After booking, the lead guest consults with management to put together a bespoke activities programme for the stay, building in as much sun lounger chill time as they like.
Room
On waking, guests reach from the comfort of their epically large double bed for the remote control, to raise the blind on the splendour of the Caribbean. Every room has an ocean view and none are overlooked. Such is the privacy, that suites feature an al fresco garden shower in addition to an interior free-standing half egg bath.
Cooled by both a ceiling fan and touch-controlled air-conditioning, the rooms have a glamorous photoshoot aesthetic of dark-wood ceiling, light marble tiling, wicker furniture, orchids, and flourishing ferns.
Art displayed on the walls is created at the nearby ÀNI Art Academy. Guests can visit this education charity, created by ÀNI founder Tim Reynolds to develop the skills of aspiring talented artists. He once said, “I can either fill my home with art or fill the world with artists.” Guests often commission an artist to create a family portrait or favourite landscape.
Food and drink
Prior to the visit, the executive chef provides the lead guest with sample menus to discuss food for the stay, plus kids’ menus too.
A healthy shot – cleansing, energising, or revitalising – is one way to start a breakfast that could include a Dominican special of cornmeal bread topped with fried cheese, sautéed onion and scrambled egg, though the chefs will cook breakfasts exactly to order. A chicken, veg and rice soup with plantain chips is one of the options, alongside red snapper in coconut sauce on a Dominican style lunch menu. Simple style family lunches contrast with the sophisticated seven-course tasting menu, with paired wines, which is served on the final evening.
Also included is a cocktail-making class, and it possibly it provides the most beautiful backdrop ever for shaking a passion fruit margarita, as a blood-orange sun slides into the Caribbean. Another evening, in the popular pre-dinner slot, guests enjoy sampling rums from a selection of 26 bottles and also try their hand at cigar rolling.
To do
An early morning guided walk is a fascinating introduction to an undulating Robinson Crusoe landscape of breadfruit, goats, mangos and plantains. Similarly, another morning, a bike ride explores the spectacular coastline.
Executive chef Juan shares some culinary tips with guests as he runs a cookery course, teaching guests to create a lightning-fast red snapper ceviche, while a pop-up beach club, created at an idyllic soft-sand crescent of a bay, at Rio San Juan is a memorable highlight. Alongside the sun loungers, umbrellas and impromptu bar, a barbecue lunch is served, before masseuses offer blissful head and foot massages.
Late afternoon, beginning in the mangroves of Laguna Gri Gri, a cruise takes guests along the coastline for an ocean dip before they enjoy sparkling wine and canapés as the sun sets.
Back at base there is a gym, pickle ball, tennis and a water slide outside, while interior attractions include darts, pool and shuffleboard. And always bringing the country to the guests, a dozen couples give a fleet-footed introduction to folk-dancing before inviting the audience to join in for a final euphoric dance.
In a nutshell
Probably the most luxurious, no-worries fun you can have in the Caribbean. It’s your party, you choose the activities, drinks, food and music and, most importantly, you choose who will be there. Sharing a private resort with family and friends is the ultimate luxury.
Factbox
Reservations start from a minimum of five nights at $14,000 per night.
Address: Autopista Rio San Juan Cabrera Km #3, Sector La Caribe, Rio San Juan, Dominican Republic
Phone: +1 (718) 887 8178
Website: aniprivateresorts.com
If you like the concept but prefer another location, ÀNI also has resorts in Anguilla, Sri Lanka and Thailand.
