Marriott plans to open an all-inclusive W Hotel in the Dominican Republic

All-inclusive resorts and the Caribbean are still a priority for the world's largest hotel company.

Just days after Marriott International announced a deal to buy an affordable Mexico-based hotel chain (a move that reportedly would make it the largest hotel company in the Caribbean and Latin America), the U.S.-based hotel giant Monday revealed it was slowing down.

Marriott plans to open an all-inclusive resort in the Dominican Republic in a partnership with two hotel developers. One of the first W properties in the world is expected to be in the Dominican Republic.

It wasn't clear on the company website which other W all-inclusive resorts are already open, as Marriott did not reply in time for publication.

There will be 349 guest rooms with balconies and plunge pools at the W All-Inclusive. There will be a spa with 11 treatment rooms, a shopping area, three pools with bars and 11 food and beverage outlets.

"Punta Cana is the ideal location for both the W Hotels brand and an all-inclusive luxury resort," said Marriott's chief development officer for the Caribbean and Latin America.

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Marriott increased its presence in the all-inclusive resort segment thanks to a deal with Sunwing Travel Group. Anthony Capuano was the CEO of Marriott before he took over the top job.

The all-inclusive platform centered on seven brands: Ritz-Carlton, Marriott Hotels, Westin Hotels, W, Autograph Collection and Delta by Marriott. W, in an all-inclusive capacity, would cater more to adults than the Marriott Hotels brand would, according to the company.

Before booking an all-inclusive resort stay with points, you should be aware of some things.

Why now?

In the past, major hotel companies shied away from all-inclusive resorts in favor of chasing more lucrative travel demand. The all-inclusive segment was dominated by brands like Sandals and Club Med until recently when Marriott, Hilton and Hyatt made significant purchases.

Why right now? Why wouldn't you? The rise in flexible work models fuels the potential for leisure travel demand to stay strong.

The size of Marriott's all-inclusive growth strategy is to be determined, according to Capuano. It's a strategic imperative to keep growing our resort portfolio.

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