Opens resort in Dominican Republic 

The popular Sports Illustrated media brand has diversified and has moved into hospitality. 

Authentic Brands Group, which owns Sports Illustrated’s intellectual property, has announced the official opening of the first-ever Sports Illustrated resort. The resort opened last week in Cap Cana, Dominican Republic.

The Dominican Rep government, which confirmed the news, says the new Sports Illustrated Resorts Marina and Villas Cap Cana is the rebranding of the former Ancora Cap Cana resort. 

Sports Illustrated Resorts CEO Chris Schroeder said the brand chose Cap Cana for its diverse, active lifestyle from top golf courses like Punta Espada to its equestrian centre and its outstanding fishing and boating. 

Dom Rep’s new Sports City, which includes a mountain-bike circuit, sports fields and tennis was also a factor in Sports Illustrated’s move to the Caribbean destination.

The move by Sports Illustrated is part of a broader trend of creating branded entertainment and media resorts in the Caribbean from Karisma’s Nickelodeon brand in Punta Cana and the Riviera Maya to Planet Hollywood, which has resorts in Cancun and Costa Rica. 

Michael Sherman, executive vice president of strategy, business and tactical operations at Authentic Brand Groups, commented that “we hope to be a key and strong promotional partner of the Dominican Republic and Cap Cana for many years to come”.