The skyscraper resort that changed Punta Cana forever

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It wasn’t just an atmosphere, it was the law. The government formally promised that no building on the coastline would ever cross the border 4 stories (the height of a coconut tree).

This legal guarantee is exactly what has kept Punta Cana from becoming a new country Cancun or Miami. It kept the skyline low, the atmosphere tropical and the concrete hidden behind the palms.

But as you drive north toward Macao Beach today, you’ll see something holding up traffic.

A huge 18-storey tower rises from the jungle and transforms the skyline. This is the new Moon Palace Punta Canaand its existence has sparked fierce debate over the island’s future.

How did it happen? In 2017, the government passed a new law, overturning the rules for this particular mega-project to go vertical.

Is this the beginning of a modern, luxurious era for the DR? Or is this the end of the island charm we all fell in love with?

Here are both sides so you can decide for yourself.

Criticism: the impact on local character

For the “Old Guard” of Punta Cana, it’s not just about how the building should be constructed looks– that’s how it is feels to stay there.

1. The “concrete wall” effect Although the rooms have balconies, the design is a radical departure for the DR. Unlike the hidden, thatched-roof bungalows of traditional Punta Cana, these towers rise above the tree line like massive white cliffs. Critics claim that seeing an 18-storey concrete grid from the sand creates a ‘psychological disconnect’ – instead of feeling immersed in nature, you feel dominated by the architecture. It’s the difference between a beach hut and a city hotel.

2. Density and the ‘Vegas’ vibe Verticality means density. When you pile 2,000 people into one tower footprint, you lose the ‘spread out’ feel of a tropical resort. The pool decks feel busier, the lobby feels louder, and the whole energy shifts from “relaxed island” to “high-energy Vegas.” It feels less like a retreat into nature and more like a cruise ship that never leaves port.

3. The slippery slope Now that the loophole has broken the seal on asking for 25 stories, what’s stopping the next developer? Many fear that in ten years, Bavaro’s coastline will look like a wall of concrete, blocking the sea breeze and sunrise for everyone else.

The strategy: why go vertical?

On the other hand, the developers (the Chapur family) and government officials claim that the old laws were outdated and that going vertical actually better for the environment.

1. The ‘footprint’ logic
This is the strongest argument for the tower. If you want to build 2,171 roomsyou have two choices:

• Option A (horizontal): You bulldoze 500 hectares of jungle to spread low-rise buildings (urban expansion).
• Option B (vertical): You build one tall tower on 10 hectares and leave the remaining 490 hectares as pristine mangrove and jungle. The developers argue that by building they actually preserve more nature at ground level.

2. Modern travelers want a view Let’s face it: luxury travelers love a view. At a traditional Punta Cana resort, only the front row has an ocean view. In an 18-storey tower, everyone gets a panoramic view of the Caribbean. Proponents argue that to compete with Dubai, Mexico and Hawaii, the DR must offer this kind of modern, high-altitude luxury.

3. The economic reality The Moon Palace project is a huge economic driver. It will create thousands of jobs and expensive tourist dollars, and elevate the ‘Macau’ region from a sleepy surf spot to a luxury destination. It is difficult for a developing country to say ‘no’ to a billion dollar investment because of an old zoning rule.

One thing is certain: regardless of the debate, the tower will be full. Moon Palace has built one of the most loyal followings in the travel industry, with thousands of devoted fans who refuse to vacation anywhere else. For these travelers, the ‘Palm Tree Rule’ is far less important than the consistent, high-quality luxury service the brand is famous for in Mexico and Jamaica. If you are one of them, make sure you have your calendar ready:reservations because this groundbreaking building officially opened on June 1, 2026.

What travelers can expect

The tower has been built. The debate is over or it should exist is over. The reality is that Punta Cana is evolving.

It is no longer just a sleepy village of thatched bungalows. It is a tourism superpower.

The existence of the Moon Palace doesn’t necessarily ruin the destination; it simply provides a choice.

• Do you want the classic, low-rise, hidden in the jungle atmosphere? You still have 95% of Punta Cana.
• Want a Miami-style mega-resort with 18th-floor sunsets and energetic luxury? Now you have Macau.

The skyline is forever changed. Whether that’s a scar or a sign of progress depends entirely on whether you prefer the sound of palm trees or the hum of high-rise buildings.