What the Hurricane Season Means for an Owner at Makai

The Atlantic hurricane season, running from June 1 to November 30, is a fact of life in the Caribbean, but for an owner at Makai, it is addressed through a combination of professional management, modern construction standards, and the infrastructure of Cap Cana. Because Makai is operated as a hotel by Dolce Hotels & Resorts by Wyndham, the responsibility for on-site preparation and management rests with the operator, not with you as an individual owner.

When is the official Atlantic hurricane season?

The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June 1 to November 30 each year. This six-month period is when the vast majority of tropical storms and hurricanes form in the Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico. It's important to note that this is a season of potential activity, not a constant state of severe weather. The Dominican Republic, like all countries in the region, has well-established protocols for monitoring and responding to weather systems during this time.

Who prepares my residence for a storm if I'm not there?

This is a key question for any non-resident owner, and at Makai, the answer is straightforward. The entire community of 216 residences is operated as a single hotel-managed program by Dolce Hotels & Resorts by Wyndham. Because the building runs as one hotel operation rather than as 216 separately managed apartments, storm preparation falls to that operation rather than to individual owners. We are not going to describe a specific storm-readiness procedure here, because the operator's plan is not something we can publish on its behalf — ask for it in writing before you buy. As an owner participating in the rental program, you don't need to fly down or hire a separate property manager to prepare your residence. This centralized, professional management is a core part of owning at Makai, designed to provide peace of mind whether you are in the country or not.

How are new buildings like Makai designed for wind safety?

New construction in the Dominican Republic is governed by a national building code. The most recent version, made official in 2026, establishes mandatory minimum requirements for how buildings must be designed to resist wind loads. This isn't an optional standard; it's a legal requirement for projects like Makai, which begins delivery in 2028. The code requires that the structure, exterior cladding, and facade elements are all designed to withstand prescribed wind pressures. While no building is 'hurricane-proof,' this regulatory framework means that modern engineering standards for wind resistance are a foundational part of the design and construction process for new developments.

What infrastructure does Cap Cana provide during a storm event?

Makai's location within the master-planned community of Cap Cana provides an additional layer of infrastructure and services. Cap Cana operates its own security and emergency response protocols. Private security services in the Dominican Republic are a regulated industry, ensuring a baseline of professionalism. Furthermore, access to reliable emergency services is a consideration. A report from Global Affairs Canada advises that while ambulances can be unreliable in most parts of the country, they 'are more reliable and available in major cities and tourist areas,' specifically naming Punta Cana. This established infrastructure within a large, gated community is a significant advantage during any disruptive event, including severe weather.

Does the developer have experience building in this region?

Yes. Makai is being built by Duna Development, a Dominican developer with over 15 years of engineering and construction expertise in the country. Their portfolio includes other major projects in Cap Cana and Punta Cana, such as LIV at Cap Cana and Naviva Residences. This extensive local experience means the development team is intimately familiar with the region's environmental conditions and building requirements. They are not a foreign entity new to the Caribbean; they have a long track record of constructing residential projects in this specific market, which is a crucial factor when considering a pre-construction property.

How should I interpret international travel advisories?

International governments provide travel advice for their citizens, and these can be a useful indicator of the general situation in a country. As of August 2026, none of the five governments we checked—the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany—advised against travel to the Dominican Republic. They place the country on the second level of their advisory scales, which typically suggests exercising increased caution, a common advisory for many travel destinations worldwide. For example, the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) issues no advisory against travel to any part of the Dominican Republic. It's crucial to remember that these advisories can change and should be checked directly from official sources, but they provide context that distinguishes between seasonal weather risk and a persistent travel warning.