The Reserve Resort

A groundbreaking milestone in marine conservation: Ogilvy Dominicana, Fundemar, and Tornus unveil 'The Reserve Resort', the pioneering initiative that turns reefs into a 'hotel' and creates an innovative way to raise donations.

This initiative defines a blue economy model that elevates the tourism sector as a key steward in protecting the Dominican Republic's underwater treasures.

Santo Domingo, April 2026 – Under the concept of an underwater "hotel" where corals are the architects and marine life their guests, Ogilvy República Dominicana, FUNDEMAR, and Tornus, present "The Reserve Resort", the first initiative that transforms the relationship between tourism and conservation. Through this model, tourism shifts from relying on reefs to actively contributing to their recovery and raising awareness about their ecological and economic value.
A milestone that re-signifies the concept of sustainability for our marine resources while helping to sustain tourism and the economy of the Dominican Republic.
"'With 'The Reserve Resort,' we unveil the profound power of creativity as a vital bridge, seamlessly intertwining the dynamism of tourism with the urgent call for marine conservation,' articulates Juan Manuel Gaitán, Chief Creative Officer of Ogilvy República Dominicana. 'This isn't simply an idea; it's a revolutionary blue economy blueprint that ignites the private sector, empowering them to safeguard the foundational ecosystems upon which their future prosperity unquestionably hinges.'"
This model is being implemented for the first time in the La Romana tourist destination with the support of players from the tourism industry and strategic allies such as La Romana Bayahibe Hotel Association (AHRB), La Romana Bayahibe Tourism Cluster (CTRB), and of its members, among whom stand out: Central Romana Corporation, Casa de Campo Resort & Villas, CEPM, Catalonia Bayahibe & Royal La Romana, Iberostar Selection Hacienda Dominicus, Viva Dominicus Beach & Palace by Wyndham, Dreams Dominicus La Romana, Dreams & Secrets La Romana e IB Náutica Group. This initiative also has key support from RIU Hotels & Resorts, a strategic partner whose involvement has been essential in promoting marine conservation efforts.
Furthermore, "'The Reserve Resort' masterfully transforms “hotel” logic into a captivating, tangible experience. Through thereserveresort.com, individuals can secure their symbolic 'reservations' – each a direct donation for the future of our oceans. These 'bookings' directly fuel critical conservation initiatives spearheaded by FUNDEMAR in the iconic La Romana tourist destination. This includes pioneering assisted sexual coral reproduction, nurturing vital coral nurseries, and meticulous, ongoing monitoring of these precious ecosystems and their rich biodiversity. Every single contribution translates into a measurable, positive impact on reef recovery and protection
.
"Corals are the true architects of the reef, the ones that build and sustain the home of thousands of marine species and, through their architecture, provide us with protection services, food, a source of jobs, and tourist attractions, on which we all depend," states Rita Sellares, Executive Director of Fundemar. "Their conservation is not just an environmental issue; it is the foundation that sustains our tourism, our coastal economies, and the well-being of our communities. With 'The Reserve Resort', we are creating a model in which those who depend on these ecosystems actively participate in their recovery, ensuring their long-term sustainability."
"At Tornus, we work to ensure that destinations are understood, valued, and projected to the world based on their most essential value. 'The Reserve Resort' transforms a vital, and often underestimated, asset like reefs into an experience that articulates tourism, culture, and nature in a single value proposition. It does not merely communicate its importance: it mobilizes investment, awareness, and collective action around the destination, contributing to materializing a more solid vision of regenerative tourism," comments David Ospina, Creative Director of Tornus.
The Reserve Resort aims to consolidate itself as a replicable blue economy model on a global scale, demonstrating how tourism can be actively integrated into the conservation of the ecosystems it depends on.