Title: Tragedy in Paradise: Fire
Breaks Out at Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa, Prompting Emergency Response and Investigation
By: Mariana Rojas | Caribbean Chronicle | May 24, 2025
Cap Cana, Dominican Republic – In what was meant to be a typical serene evening in the luxurious enclave of Cap Cana, a devastating fire erupted at the prestigious Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa, jolting guests and staff into panic and causing extensive property damage. The incident, which occurred around 8:47 p.m. on Thursday, sent plumes of black smoke into the tropical night sky and triggered a massive emergency response from local fire departments and medical teams.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and heroism as staff rushed to evacuate hundreds of guests while firefighters battled flames that reportedly engulfed a large portion of the resort’s central building, including the main lobby, restaurant wing, and part of the spa area.
“We Thought It Was a Fire Drill”
For many guests staying at Secrets Cap Cana, the night began like any other — with music playing softly, dinner being served under open skies, and the sea breeze dancing through palm trees. For Laura and Kenneth Walters, newlyweds from Toronto celebrating their honeymoon, the tranquility was shattered within seconds.
“We were just finishing our second course at Oceana when we saw flames through the windows,” Laura recounted. “At first, we thought it was a fire show or some kind of evening entertainment. Then the alarms started, and people started running. The staff were yelling in Spanish and English to evacuate.”
Guests were quickly escorted out of the building by hotel staff, many of whom reportedly went back inside to help others escape. Despite the chaos, local authorities later confirmed that there were no fatalities, though 18 people were treated for minor smoke inhalation and one guest was hospitalized with a fractured leg sustained during the evacuation.
Firefighters Battle Massive Blaze
The Dominican Republic’s Civil Defense and Cap Cana Fire Department responded within 12 minutes of the first alarm. Upon arrival, they found the east wing of the resort heavily ablaze, with flames threatening to spread to guest villas and surrounding vegetation.
Captain Luis Ortega, who led the fire containment effort, addressed media later that night: “The fire appears to have started in the main kitchen area, possibly due to an electrical fault. Our teams worked quickly to prevent the fire from reaching gas lines and guest rooms. It took nearly four hours to fully control the blaze.”
A total of five firefighting units and over 40 personnel were deployed, with assistance from neighboring Punta Cana and Verón fire stations. Firefighters were able to prevent the flames from reaching the guest villas, though several structures, including the main reception and fitness center, were severely damaged.
Staff Praised for Heroism and Swift Action
One of the most praised aspects of the incident was the calm and professional demeanor of the resort staff, many of whom risked their own safety to ensure guests were evacuated safely. Resort manager Alejandro Castillo, who coordinated efforts from the moment the fire alarm sounded, remained on site throughout the night.
“Our training prepared us for emergencies, but nothing can truly prepare you for something like this,” Castillo said in a press briefing. “I’m proud of how our team responded. Thanks to their actions, lives were saved tonight.”
Several guests shared similar sentiments. “There was a bellhop named Miguel who literally carried an elderly woman down two flights of stairs,” said Andrew Lin, a guest from New York. “He could have run, but he stayed behind helping people.”
Investigation Underway
As of Friday morning, the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Tourism, in coordination with the national fire bureau, launched a full investigation into the cause of the fire. Preliminary reports suggest a faulty industrial stove or wiring in the kitchen may have sparked the initial flames.
Authorities are also reviewing maintenance logs, fire safety protocols, and emergency system functionality. According to internal sources, fire alarms did function, but sprinklers in part of the restaurant wing may have failed.
“We will leave no stone unturned,” said Minister of Tourism Luis Ernesto Peña. “We want to know exactly what happened and ensure this does not affect the confidence travelers have in the Dominican Republic as a safe destination.”
Guests Relocated, Flights Rescheduled
Following the incident, hundreds of guests were temporarily relocated to neighboring resorts within the AMR Collection and other nearby luxury hotels, including Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana and Sanctuary Cap Cana.
Transportation was provided via private shuttles organized by Secrets Cap Cana. The resort management also announced it would fully reimburse all affected guests, including airfare changes, with additional compensation in the form of complimentary return stays.
American Airlines and JetBlue both confirmed they would waive flight change fees for passengers booked under the Secrets Cap Cana block.
Economic Impact and Response from AMR Collection
The resort, part of the AMR Collection under Hyatt Hotels Corporation, is one of the Dominican Republic’s premier adult-only destinations. Boasting 457 suites, beachfront access, world-class dining, and spa amenities, Secrets Cap Cana has consistently ranked among the top luxury resorts in the Caribbean.
The fire’s damage, estimated to be between $15–20 million USD, comes during peak travel season, potentially impacting tourism revenue for the region.
In a statement released Friday morning, AMR Collection expressed deep regret over the incident:
“Our hearts go out to the guests and staff affected by the fire at Secrets Cap Cana. We are cooperating fully with local authorities and are committed to restoring the property to its full splendor as swiftly and safely as possible. Our immediate priority is the well-being of our guests and employees.”
Local Community Offers Support
As news of the fire spread, the Cap Cana community quickly mobilized to offer support. Local businesses and residents donated clothes, toiletries, and snacks for displaced guests. A temporary crisis center was set up at Cap Cana Marina, where volunteers and Red Cross personnel offered assistance.
Father Esteban Reyes of the local parish organized a prayer vigil Friday evening, drawing nearly 200 attendees, including resort staff and guests.
“Cap Cana is a family,” said Father Reyes. “Tonight, we stand together in gratitude that no lives were lost and in solidarity as we begin the road to recovery.”
Long-Term Effects and Rebuilding Plans
While officials have not given a definitive reopening date, resort representatives indicated that rebuilding efforts will begin immediately, with the goal of reopening within 6 to 9 months.
Architectural plans are already being revised to incorporate advanced fire prevention measures and modernized systems. Hyatt and AMR Collection have pledged that the reconstruction will not only restore, but elevate the guest experience, with plans for new restaurants, eco-friendly features, and enhanced spa services.
Some tourism experts, however, warn of ripple effects. “This will certainly affect local bookings in the short term,” said Maria Paulino, a travel consultant based in Santo Domingo. “But given Secrets Cap Cana’s global brand and loyal clientele, I expect recovery will be strong.”
Voices of Resilience
Despite the ordeal, many guests chose to focus on the positives. At the temporary accommodations, guests shared stories of camaraderie.
“We lost our clothes, sure, but we didn’t lose our lives,” said Adam Mendez from Miami, who was celebrating his mother’s 60th birthday at the resort. “In the end, we gained a whole new appreciation for life and the people around us.”
Even staff who had been displaced returned the next day to assist with recovery efforts.
“I love this resort,” said Marisol Ventura, a front-desk agent. “We will rebuild, and it will be even better than before.”
Conclusion: A Moment That Will Not Be Forgotten
The fire at Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa was an unexpected tragedy, but it was also a moment that revealed the resilience of a community, the bravery of hospitality workers, and the strength of a tourism industry that has weathered many storms.
As cleanup crews begin their work and investigations continue, one message resonates clearly from the beaches of Cap Cana to the world: paradise may burn, but it will rise again.