Moon Palace to Become Hard Rock’s First Caribbean Resort

Hard Rock International will make its Caribbean debut next spring as an all-inclusive resort and casino in the Dominican Republic. The Moon Palace Resort in Punta Cana will be renamed the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana, according to an agreement between Hard Rock and Palace Resorts.

Palace Resorts will continue to own and operate the 1,790-room Punta Cana resort, which had a soft opening in late spring. By the time the Hard Rock flag is unfurled over the 121-acre site on Macao Beach, the resort will be fully operational.

Not yet completed are a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course; the 48,000-square-foot casino; 65,000 square feet of conference and event space; and 620 guest rooms. The casino will have 457 slots, 40 gaming tables, a poker room and a VIP lounge.

Other facilities will include the 60,000-square-foot Rock Spa with 48 spa suites; three floating wedding pavilions; 11 pools; four swim-up bars; a kids' pool and club; a lazy river; a fitness center; a rock climbing wall; and retail outlets. The rebranded resort also will feature a collection of Hard Rock’s music memorabilia.