Grand Bahia Principe: Dominican Republic resort where three Americans died within five days
A Dominican Republic resort has been at the center of attention and controversy recently after three American citizens died within just five days at two of its properties last month.
Pennsylvania woman Miranda Schaupp-Werner, 41, arrived at Bahia Principe Bouganville on May 25 and after having a drink from the minibar in her room, passed away. A Maryland couple, Edward Holmes and Cynthia Day, also died soon after they arrived at their destination at Grand Bahia Principe La Romana, a sister hotel on the same property. The couple missed their checkout time, prompting staff to look for them. The couple is said to have died of respiratory failure and pulmonary edema.
The grand property, which boasts of prime locations in the country, along with "excellent cuisine, unbeatable treatment, and the very best experience and service" has slammed any false dissemination of information, saying in a statement that the resort has suffered "serious insults and threats" that have been "levied on some of our more than 15,000 employees and their families, who are the backbone of our company and before whom we cannot stand idle on the sidelines."
The resort on its website says that their hotels have a range of activities to entertain their guests along with unlimited drinks at all hotel bars with a large selection of local drinks, beers, and beverages. The website also says that the minibars are restocked once a day.
At the La Romana property, one night at the Junior Suite, that has 2 full-size beds or 1 king-size bed and an ocean view comes for $90, while the same at the Bahia Principe Bouganville could cost you $106 per night in the month of June.
Both properties are a short distance away from the beautiful Santa Ana Beach and can be accessed by foot. The properties have an old world vibe to it and look absolutely gorgeous.
Out of the two properties, the Bahia Principe Bouganville, advertises itself as the perfect getaway for couples. It's great for "soaking up some sun, relaxing in the spectacular bay and pampering yourself with our superior services," says the website.
Both properties are owned by Grupo Piñero and it is a family owned business. The resort was established in 1995 with the opening of its first hotel in the town of Rio San Juan on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic.
Currently, the company operates a total of 27 hotels and resorts across the world, including Palma de Mallorca and Tenerife in Spain; Riviera Maya in Mexico; Samaná, La Romana, Punta Cana, and Río San Juan in the Dominican Republic; and Runaway Bay in Jamaica.