Prohotel Properties Keep It 'High-End Without Being Pretentious'

For wealthy clientele looking for privacy coupled with high-end service and amenities, Prohotel International is adding three ultra-luxurious resorts in off-the-beaten path locales to its portfolio.

Prohotel president Samir Saab said they’re the kind of “high-end without being pretentious” properties travel agents can offer up to “surprise clients with fresh and interesting suggestions they can’t find on their own through a search engine.” All three are members of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and offer 10% commission.

In Honduras, the Lodge and Spa at Pico Bonito is nestled on 400 acres of rainforest in La Ceiba, on the edge of the country’s second largest national park. It’s the only resort in the area; Prohotels had to receive special permits from the government to build on the protected tropical wilderness. With the help of biologists, the ecological resort was carefully constructed to incorporate the nature around it, while not to disturb its surroundings. Surrounded by lush vegetation and wildlife, it’s a good fit for bird watchers, yogis and families.

Pico Bonito is surrounded by tropical rainforest. 

The resort was carefully constructed to incorporate the nature around it.

It also caters to wellness retreats, with a spa offering therapies rooted in pre-Hispanic indigenous healing cultures and traditions, dating back to ancient Aztec and Mayan cultures. The spa has three circular cabins: one for individual massage, one for couples’ therapies and one cabin for the Vichy Shower. There is also a Temazcal – a Mayan-style sauna to purify the body – and a plunge pool. 

The five-star resort has 22 terraced luxury lodges, each approximately 400 square feet in size. The grounds also have a pool designed to resemble a pond, and a yoga platform overlooking the river.

One of the 22 terraced luxury lodges. 

The other two properties are in the Dominican Republic. Speaking about the Sublime Samana Hotel, Saab said “it’s very different from a typical all-inclusive in the Punta Cana. There are views of the mountains and the sea; it’s very secluded. The surrounding beaches and natural waterfalls are hidden and unspoiled.”

Bed cabanas by the pool at the Sublime Samana Hotel.

Each of the 18 private suites in the main building and eight private casitas features floor-to-ceiling windows, a private balcony or terrace, elegant furnishings, full dining rooms and fully equipped kitchens. Interconnecting pools flow throughout the property and a 5,382-square-foot spa uses natural ingredients like coconuts and honey.

Sublime Samana Hotel has eight private casitas.

Sublime Samana's spa jacuzzi. 

The other resort in the Dominican Republic is Casas del XVI, a boutique hotel comprised of four newly renovated colonial houses dating back to the Spanish conquistadors. It’s located in the heart of Santo Domingo’s Ciudad Colonial, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The interior of each house is decorated according to a theme relating to Dominican culture and Spanish Colonial history, with ancient artifacts, local artwork and handcrafted local and international furniture. The design has been featured in several different magazines, including The New York Times, Conde Nast and Travel + Leisure.

Casas del XVI library.

Outdoor sitting area.

“We created a concept that was unique; we didn’t destroy or disturb the houses but instead channeled the history and culture into the design. So we preserved the original architecture,” Saab said.

Saab noted it’s been popular with couples and business travelers holding retreats. It can host high-end events for 40 to 50 people.

Dining space at Casas del XVI.