In short… Designer Celerie Kemble’s confectionary bungalow-based resort on the DR’s quiet northern shore
The vibe… New York-based interior designer Celerie Kemble has created sheer magic and called it Playa Grande Beach Club. Nestled into the Dominican Republic’s quiet northern shore, it has nine of the prettiest bungalows imaginable. It’s the perfect spot for stealing away as a couple. We also dream of returning for a multi-generational family reunion where everyone has their own bungalow and we meet poolside each day for lunch, baseball games on the main lawn and dinner under the stars.
The rooms… The architecture is fanciful, islandy, white treillage—like Oliver Messel went to the beach—while interiors are confection-colored with pastel-painted floors, ceilings, and trim. Celerie has poured her heart into every part of Playa Grande and it is especially evident in the guest rooms. Each bungalow is entirely unique as it is filled with antiques, local accessories and artwork, alongside signature beach-themed hardware, which are different in each room – we had brass beach crabs on our nightstand drawers. The kitchen comes with vintage-style appliances and is stocked with gorgeous floral china and colorful tabletop linens. You can serve up your own barefoot tea party in the afternoon and then take a nap in the hammock on your private veranda.
The wellness… We swam all day every day, both in the pool and the ocean—each was warm and wonderful. And if you are feeling extra athletic, there are full-size tennis and basketball courts on the property with trellis-covered viewing platforms. Since the resort is perfectly placed along a horseshoe-shaped beach, we took long walks each day with the pebbly sand massaging our feet. The hotel staff is very happy to arrange for massages, yoga, surfing, paddleboarding and even dance lessons.
The food… Meals can be taken anywhere and the staff quickly becomes like family…even the dogs. Each night one of the resort’s four dogs waited patiently on our bungalow steps at sunset to escort us to dinner in the Great Room. This lobby-turned-dining room space also includes the hotel’s signature shell-encrusted bar, which is not only a stunning focal point, but the perfect spot for a local cold beer on a balmy evening. The menu varies each night and typically includes fresh local fish.
Be sure to… Take a boat ride! The hotel staff at Playa Grande Beach Club will happily drive you to the nearby village with a small harbor, where boats are available with a driver to take you through the mangroves and out into the ocean for a trip up the coast so you can jump into the warm water of a lovely caved-lined cove. We went in the afternoon and the light was beautiful and waters were calm.
Date of stay… August 2019
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