Westin Punta Cana and the Grupo Puntacana Foundation: luxury, community, and health for the eastern region of the Dominican Republic

The Westin Punta Cana is not just a leisure destination; it's part of an ecosystem where quality tourism is integrated with social responsibility and community well-being. 

The hotel combines the experience of a luxury resort with services designed for the comfort and recreation of its guests: from white-sand beaches and turquoise waters to restaurants like Arena Beach Club, where guests can enjoy handcrafted cocktails and first-class cuisine in an oceanfront setting. 

However, the true social value of the area is reflected in the projects promoted by the Puntacana Group Foundation, particularly in the areas of children's and ophthalmological health. This foundation has transformed the eastern region through public-private partnerships, working alongside the Ministry of Public Health, the National Health Service (NHS), international institutions such as Akron Children's Hospital in the United States, and collaborating universities.

Oscar de la Renta Pediatric Care Center

Opened in 2017 in Verón, this center serves more than 20,000 children a year, from newborns to 15 years old, with a team of approximately 25 medical and nursing staff. Its creation responded to an urgent need: previously, many families had to travel their children to Santo Domingo to receive specialized pediatric care. Today, the center offers consultations, emergencies, dentistry, laboratory services, imaging, and nutrition programs in collaboration with UNICEF, achieving a significant reduction in dermatological diseases and childhood malnutrition in the community.

This center is named after Oscar de la Renta, in honor of the Dominican designer, recognized not only for his contributions to fashion but also for his social awareness and commitment to children. Since its opening, it has received recognition from the United Nations Development Program and the National Council of Private Enterprise, consolidating its positive impact in the region.

Dr. Zato Center for the Fight Against Blindness

Inaugurated in 2019, the Dr. Zato Center for the Fight Against Blindness was created under the direction of naturalized Spanish Dominican ophthalmologist Dr. Miguel Sato, who previously led free medical missions to treat cataracts in low-income individuals for six consecutive years. The center specializes in secondary ophthalmology, offering everything from refractive error correction to complex cataract, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy surgeries.

In 2024, the center served 6,293 patients, exceeding initial projections. Its non-profit model ensures that all revenue is reinvested in improving services and acquiring advanced technology for diagnosis and treatment, including campimetry, OCT, and laser therapy. It also offers ophthalmology training for Dominican doctors, strengthening the local health system and consolidating specialized care in the region.

A comprehensive model of social development

Both centers, along with other Foundation programs, form a unique healthcare hub in the eastern region. The synergy between the public and private sectors not only improves the community's quality of life but also offers volunteer and internship opportunities for professionals and students interested in health and social well-being.

Thus, the Westin Punta Cana and the Grupo Puntacana Foundation demonstrate how luxury tourism can coexist with corporate social responsibility, creating a tangible and positive impact on the lives of thousands of people, while visitors enjoy first-class experiences in one of the most iconic destinations in the Caribbean.

Source: Grupo Puntacana Foundation, Oscar de la Renta Pediatric Care Center, Dr. Zato Center for the Fight Against Blindness, Westin Punta Cana, SNS Dominican Republic.