Imagine stepping back in time to the 16th-century, tracing the same cobblestone streets as Christopher Columbus, relishing the grandeur of the new world’s first church and retreating to a stunning colonial mansion. For travellers to the Dominican Republic, this dream will soon be a reality at the brand new, boutique Casas del XVI, an eight-room luxury hotel, which opened in Santo Domingo’s emerging Ciudad Colonial in March this year.
Nestled in the heart of the New World’s oldest city, Casas del XVI is the first hotel in the Dominican Republic comprised of an exclusive collection of newly renovated colonial houses dating back to the 16th-century. Maintaining the integrity of the stunning, romantic architecture, the hotel preserves the beauty of the abodes that make up the old town neighbourhood, offering guests accommodations in eight rooms and suites spread between three individual houses each reminiscent of the island’s earliest European settlers.
With a focus on preserving the original architecture, celebrating the vibrant Dominican culture and drawing upon the area’s international influences, the interior of each house is decorated according to a theme relating to Dominican culture and sixteenth century history. Décor themes including maps, navigation and the pineapple, a symbol of hospitality to the indigenous people, evoke images of the Colonial City’s inception during the age of early exploration.
After all, “Pilot Alonso Perez Roldan,” who travelled with Christopher Columbus on his early expeditions to the Americas, originally inhabited one of the houses, Casa de los Barcos – now home to the hotel‘s large two-bedroom suite. The other two houses, aptly named Casa del Arbol and Casa del los Mapas offer a combined seven additional guest rooms.
Featuring an eclectic mix of ancient artifacts, local artwork and handcrafted local and international furniture, the cozy interior of each house enchants with its colonial charm. The international style evokes a sense of seamless luxury and brings modern sophistication to the historic surroundings, as a butler in each home attends to guests every need. You can enjoy access to stunning Spanish style courtyards in each home, a cigar bar and library in Casa del Arbol, an outdoor dining area and inviting pool in Casa del los Mapas and local art exhibitions in Casa de los Barcos.
Casas del XVI , Calle Padre Billini No. 252, Ciudad Colonial, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, casasdelxvi.com
