Latest news with #DominicanRepublic
South China Morning Post
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Meet SNL star Marcello Hernández's girlfriend, Ana Amelia Batlle Cabral: he reportedly dated Sabrina Carpenter and Kaia Gerber, but made things official with this New York architect on the red carpet
Saturday Night Live's Marcello Hernández, who went viral in 2024 for his sketch persona Domingo, recently made his red carpet debut with his girlfriend, Ana Amelia Batlle Cabral. Hernández, who previously sparked romance rumours with celebrities like Sabrina Carpenter and Kaia Gerber , attended the New York premiere of the upcoming Adam Sandler-led film Happy Gilmore 2 with Batlle on July 21. Saturday Night Live star Marcello Hernández with his girlfriend Ana Amelia Batlle Cabral at the Happy Gilmore 2 premiere in New York, on July 21. Advertisement This is the first time since the 27-year-old comedian joined the cast of SNL in 2022 that he has publicly confirmed a relationship. So what do we know about Ana Amelia Batlle Cabral? Read on to find out. She is an architect Ana Amelia Batlle Cabral graduated from Yale's School of Architecture. Photo: @anabatlle/Instagram Unlike her celebrity boyfriend, Batlle doesn't work in the entertainment industry. She's an architect who graduated from Savannah College of Art and Design in 2018 with a BFA in architecture and minors in business, architectural history and electronic design. She also has a master's degree in architecture from Yale University. Batlle is currently based in New York but has roots in the Dominican Republic too, according to her Instagram. How long has she been dating Marcello Hernández?
Travel Weekly
18 hours ago
- Business
- Travel Weekly
Is this the Dominican Republic's next hot spot?
Meagan Drillinger Once a modest fishing enclave on the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic, Bayahibe Dominicus has been experiencing a steady transformation. Long overshadowed by the busy tourism corridors of Punta Cana and nearby La Romana, this pocket coastal community is now emerging as a low-key yet increasingly desirable destination, especially for travelers and investors looking for a more laid-back Caribbean alternative in the Dominican Republic. What's fueling the growth is a combination of strategic resort investments, the opening of internationally branded properties and the latest signal of confidence: a large-scale residential development that will bring a new wave of travelers and second homeowners to the area. • Related: Dominican airline Arajet continues a rapid U.S. expansion Set to break ground this year, The Don Dom, a master-planned community by real estate firm Becca and design partner Gritt, brings a residential anchor to the region's slow-burning evolution. The 1.3 million-square-foot project will blend nature-focused design with walkable infrastructure and resort-style living, a first for Bayahibe Dominicus. This marks a new chapter in how the region is positioning itself as a place to live, invest and return to. "We chose Bayahibe Dominicus for its combination of strategic value and environmental integrity," said Frederico Castillo, CEO of Becca. "It offers exceptional natural protection thanks to the Saona Island and the peninsula, which translates into pristine and sargassum-free beaches year-round. At the same time, it remains underexploited compared to other tourist centers, allowing us to build a high-value community from the ground up." Bayahibe's tourism roots remain closely tied to its proximity to Saona Island and the protected waters of Parque Nacional Cotubanama. The town's access to these areas has made it a key launch point for boat excursions, with local guides offering daytrips that highlight the area's ecological diversity. Checking in But the identity has started to shift, propelled by a string of strategic hospitality upgrades and brand expansions over the past few years. Take Iberostar Selection Hacienda Dominicus, for example. A sweeping renovation included upgrades to all 528 rooms, featuring high-tech installations such as Chromecast, USB sockets and key systems connected to guest wristbands. The renovation has also been carried out in alignment with Iberostar's vision for sustainability, as outlined in its 2023 Agenda. The agenda is divided into three actions: a circular economy model, responsible consumption of seafood and improving coastal ecosystem health. The resort has created 3R (reduce, reuse, recycle) departments in all of its hotels, Hacienda Dominicus being one of them. Similarly, Viva Wyndham Dominicus Palace completed its own extensive revamp, redoing common areas and food and beverage offerings while continuing to share amenities with its sister resort, Dominicus Beach. Together, these sister properties anchor much of the beachfront in Dominicus. Most recently, Sunscape Dominicus La Romana opened its doors as part of Hyatt's Inclusive Collection. The 854-room property is among the largest in the region and expands La Romana's capacity for all-inclusive, family-oriented vacations. La Romana is 10 minutes from Dominicus. Hilton Garden Inn recently opened in La Romana, becoming the brand's first in the Dominican Republic. With proximity to both the airport and the cruise terminal, the property introduces affordable options for pre- and post-cruise guests. Different place, different pace All of this is happening just a 40-minute drive from Punta Cana, but the atmosphere in Bayahibe Dominicus remains notably slower and more relaxed. The two main beaches, Playa Bayahibe and Playa Dominicus, are hubs for local life, with Sunday picnics and fried fish stalls popping up along the shoreline. In contrast to Punta Cana's megaresorts and fast-paced entertainment, Bayahibe Dominicus' allure is in its slower pace and connection to nature. There are plenty of ways to pass the time while there, including snorkeling and diving at Catalina Island; kayaking and paddleboarding; and visiting Padre Nuestro cave for swimming and exploring. It's this contrast that The Don Dom seems poised to tap into. As a gated, master-planned community, the project focuses on mid-density living, access to nature and mixed-use spaces rather than high-rise sprawl. Phase one, already underway, is set to deliver a mix of residences designed for both long-term occupancy and short-term rentals, which gives travel advisors the opportunity to book for their clients. "Dominicus has a very particular identity, defined by its simplicity, close connection to the sea, and local spirit," Castillo added. "Our development approach is rooted in preserving and enhancing this identity. We prioritize the use of local labor, vendors and materials, respect the scale and aesthetic of the area, and ensure that our architecture responds to its context. In an increasingly globalized and saturated Caribbean, Dominicus stands out as one of the few places where it's still possible to develop with intention from the ground up."
Condé Nast Traveler
18 hours ago
- Condé Nast Traveler
11 Best Villas in Punta Cana for Destination Weddings, Group Trips, & Family Travel
Punta Cana's popularity continues to increase every year, and the busy Dominican Republic resort town is home to plenty of all-inclusive hotels lined across the coastline. But, for those who don't want to share their Caribbean oasis with hordes of other tourists, staying at a private villa in Punta Cana means bypassing the often packed and predictable resort experience for a more tranquil stay. Customizable vacation rentals allow you to kick off your sandals, sprawl out in privacy, and truly relish your wonderful surroundings. As a frequenter of this spectacular city, I've sorted through a seemingly endless sprawl of Airbnb and Plum Guide listings to bring you the best available. From cozy bungalows nestled on the sand to extravagant fortresses tucked amidst the jungle, these villas allow you to escape the Cap Cana crowds while keeping Punta Cana's natural beauty at your fingertips. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly option with a private pool or a romantic getaway with ocean views, these are the best villas in Punta Cana for all occasions. We've vetted these listings based on Superhost or Guest Favorite status, ratings, amenities, location, previous guest reviews, and decor.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
DOMINION finalises $375m solar parks sale in Dominican Republic
DOMINION has completed the sale of six solar parks with a combined capacity of 321 megawatts peak (MWp) in the Dominican Republic for more than $375m. The agreement, finalised with funds managed by Pioneer Funds and JMMB Funds, and advised by GP Capital Partners, strengthens the company's strategy to develop sustainable energy infrastructure while maintaining a minority ownership stake. The assets sold by the company are secured by long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs). The transaction is expected to yield a cash inflow of $102m, with $82m anticipated to be received in 2025. DOMINION's divestment aligns with its vision to establish itself as a turnkey project facilitator for independent power producers (IPPs). As part of the deal, the company has divested 80% of its stake in the solar parks while retaining the remaining 20% until 2027. This arrangement is aimed at strengthening its partnership with the new investors and ensure ongoing contributions to future project development in the country. The sale represents a key milestone in the company's strategy for portfolio simplification and asset optimisation, enabling it to redirect resources toward new opportunities in environmental services, decarbonisation and the circular economy. The transaction also strengthens DOMINION's commitment to the energy transition worldwide, facilitating the growth of renewable energy through collaborative frameworks. With operations spanning more than 35 countries and employing 10,000 professionals, DOMINION supports sustainability through solutions that integrate technology, engineering expertise and environmental ethos. The company provides 360 projects and sustainable services and contributes to the energy, industrial and digital transitions. "DOMINION finalises $375m solar parks sale in Dominican Republic" was originally created and published by Power Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
The Guardian
a day ago
- Politics
- The Guardian
Trump's border czar to target sanctuary cities in US: ‘We're gonna flood the zone'
The Trump administration is targeting sanctuary cities in the next phase of its deportation drive after labelling them 'sanctuaries for criminals' following the shooting of an off-duty law enforcement officer in New York City, allegedly by an undocumented person with a criminal record. Tom Homan, Donald Trump's hardline border czar, vowed to 'flood the zone' with Immigration, Customs and Enforcement (Ice) agents in an all-out bid to overcome the lack of cooperation he said the government faced from Democrat-run municipalities in its quest to arrest and detain undocumented people. His pledge followed the arrest of two undocumented men from the Dominican Republic after a Customs and Border Protection officer suffered gunshot wounds to the arm and face in an apparent robbery attempt in New York's Riverside park on Saturday night. New York is one of several self-designated 'sanctuary cities' across the US, called so because the mayors and local councils have prevented law officers under their control from collaborating with federal immigration officers working on Trump's mass deportation scheme. Homan – who has previously threatened to arrest mayors if they impede Ice's arrest efforts – said: 'Every sanctuary city is unsafe. Sanctuary cities are sanctuaries for criminals and President Trump's not going to tolerate it. 'I'm going to work very hard … to keep President Trump's promise and his commitment several weeks ago that sanctuary cities are now our priority. We're going to flood the zone. 'What we're going to do [is deploy] more agents in New York City to look for that bad guy so sanctuary cities get exactly what they don't want – more agents in the community and more agents in the worksite. 'If we can't arrest that bad guy in the safety and security of the county jail, we'll arrest him in the community. And when we arrest him in the community, if he's with others that are in the country illegally, they are coming too.' Homan's comments came at a news conference fronted by Kristi Noem, the homeland security secretary, focusing on the incident in New York, which left the unnamed customs and border protection officer in hospital. The 42-year-old agent was off duty and sitting with a female companion when he was reportedly approached by two men on a scooter shortly before midnight. The officer was not in uniform and police said there was no indication that he was targeted because of his occupation. An exchange of gunfire ensued when the officer withdrew his service weapon, apparently in self-defense. A suspect, Miguel Francisco Mora Nunez, was later taken in to custody after turning up at a hospital in the Bronx with gunshot wounds to the leg and groin. Noem said the episode was a direct result of the sanctuary city policy adopted by New York's mayor, Eric Adams, as well as the approach to border security adopted during Joe Biden's presidency. 'Make no mistake, this officer is in the hospital today, fighting for his life, because of the policies of the mayor of the city and the city council and the people that were in charge of keeping the public safe, they refused to do so,' she said. The criticism of Adams came despite widespread reports of a deal made between him and the Trump administration that involved New York giving greater cooperation than before on immigration. The agreement was reached as the justice department moved to dismiss federal corruption charges against Adams, although the mayor has insisted there was no quid pro quo. Sign up to This Week in Trumpland A deep dive into the policies, controversies and oddities surrounding the Trump administration after newsletter promotion Chicago, Boston and Los Angeles have also suffered crime waves through sanctuary city policies, according to Noem. 'We look at Mayor [Michelle] Wu in Boston and what has happened there under her watch,' she said. 'What's happened in LA with the riots and the violence and the protest that have gone on because of Mayor [Karen] Bass and what she has perpetuated. 'When you look at Mayor [Brandon] Johnson in Chicago, and how devastating it is to live in that city and some of those poorest communities, how they suffer every single day with the violence that's in front of them. Just because these individuals are protecting criminals.' She also highlighted Nunez – who she said had been arrested four times since entering the US illegally in 2023 – as well as his accomplice, Christhian Aybar-Berroa, saying he had 'entered the country illegally in 2022 under the Biden administration and was ordered for final removal in 2023 by an immigration judge. 'There's absolutely zero reason that someone who is scum of the earth like this should be running loose on the streets of New York City,' Noem said, referring to Nunez. 'Arrested four different times in New York City and because of the mayor's policies and was released back to do harm to people and to individuals living in the city.' Homan criticised media reports suggesting that the majority of those detained were not criminals. 'I look at the numbers every day,' he said. 'The numbers I looked at [are] 130,000 arrests and 90,000 criminals. Do the math. That's 70%. Others are those who have final orders, who had due process at great taxpayer expense. A federal judge ordered them removed. Ice's job is to remove them.' Others were national security threats, he said. 'Under Secretary Noem's leadership, they've arrested several hundred Iranian nationals, national security threats. They may not have a criminal conviction, but they need to be detained. They need to be arrested and taken off the streets of this country.'
