The Skyscraper Resort That Just Changed Punta Cana Forever

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It wasn’t just a vibe—it was the law. The government formally promised that no building on the coastline would ever exceed 4 stories (the height of a coconut tree).

This legal guarantee is exactly what saved Punta Cana from becoming another Cancun or Miami. It kept the skyline low, the vibe tropical, and the concrete hidden behind the palms.

But if you drive north towards Macao Beach today, you will see something that stops traffic.

Rising out of the jungle is a massive, 18-story tower that transforms the skyline. This is the new Moon Palace Punta Cana, and its existence has sparked a fierce debate about the future of the island.

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

Is this the beginning of a modern, luxury era for the DR? Or is it 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, the issue isn’t just how the building looks—it’s how it feels to stay there.

1. The “Concrete Wall” Effect While the rooms do have balconies, the design is a radical departure for the DR. Unlike the hidden, thatch-roof bungalows of traditional Punta Cana, these towers rise like massive white cliffs above the tree line. Critics argue that seeing a 18-story 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 stack 2,000 people into a single tower footprint, you lose the “spread out” feeling of a tropical resort. The pool decks feel more crowded, the lobby feels louder, and the entire energy shifts from “laid-back island” to “high-energy Vegas.” It feels less like a nature retreat and more like a cruise ship that never leaves the port.

3. The Slippery Slope Now that the loophole has broken the seal, what stops the next developer from asking for 25 stories? Many fear that in 10 years, the Bavaro coastline will look like a wall of concrete, blocking the ocean breeze and the sunrise for everyone else.

The Strategy: Why Go Vertical?

On the other side, the developers (The Chapur family) and government officials argue that the old laws were outdated and that going vertical is actually better for the environment.

1. The “Footprint” Logic
This is the strongest argument for the tower. If you want to build 2,171 rooms, you have two choices:

• Option A (Horizontal): You bulldoze 500 acres of jungle to spread low-rise buildings out (urban sprawl).
• Option B (Vertical): You build one tall tower on 10 acres and leave the other 490 acres as untouched mangrove and jungle. The developers argue that by building up, they are actually preserving more nature on the ground level.

2. Modern Travelers Want Views Let’s be honest: luxury travelers love a view. In a traditional Punta Cana resort, only the front row gets an ocean view. In an 18-story tower, everyone gets a panoramic view of the Caribbean. Proponents argue that to compete with Dubai, Mexico, and Hawaii, the DR needs to offer this kind of modern “high-altitude” luxury.

3. The Economic Reality The Moon Palace project is a massive economic engine. It brings thousands of jobs, high-end tourism dollars, and elevates the “Macao” region from a sleepy surf spot to a luxury destination. For a developing nation, saying “no” to a billion-dollar investment because of an old zoning rule is a tough sell.

One thing is for certain: regardless of the debate, the tower is going to be full. Moon Palace has built one of the most loyal followings in the travel industry, with thousands of dedicated fans who refuse to vacation anywhere else. For these travelers, the “Palm Tree Rule” matters far less than the consistent, high-end luxury service the brand is famous for in Mexico and Jamaica. If you are one of them, get your calendar ready—reservations for this game-changing property officially open on June 1, 2026.

What Travelers Can Expect

The tower is built. The debate over whether it should exist is over. The reality is that Punta Cana is evolving.

It is no longer just a sleepy village of thatch-roof bungalows. It is a tourism superpower.

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

• If you want the classic, low-rise, hidden-in-the-jungle vibe? You still have 95% of Punta Cana.
• If you want a Miami-style mega-resort with 18th-floor sunsets and high-energy luxury? Now, you have Macao.

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