A historic new development will soon be making its way to the Dominican Republic.

Travel Noire reports that the Alma de Samaná will be the first African American woman-owned resort in the DR. Alma de Samaná will be constructed by an international development company, whose CEO is Diana Lynch.

Lynch has a resume that precedes her. The trailblazer first started her career as a lawyer and the founder of the Lynch Group in Atlanta, GA. During her time practicing law, Lynch was known for her fierce advocacy, which resulted in her earning the Super Lawyer accolade. The peer-chosen award is given to only 5% of lawyers within their respective field. Travel Noire notes that Lynch went on to found the development company, Lynch Land Holdings, another successful endeavor in which Lynch managed and developed various real estate projects throughout the United States for nearly 20 years.

Lynch’s work ethic and entrepreneurial acumen has taken her to lead the Alma de Samaná project. The property, which is located in northern Dominican Republic above Samaná Bay, will feature top-tier amenities including a golf course, professional sports training, rehabilitation and a medical campus. Travel Noire also notes that the 3,000-acre property is slated to feature over 1,400 luxury villas and condominiums.

Alma de Samaná’s location is a prime destination in the Dominican Republic. Not only is the island itself of interest to investors due to its solid economy, tax incentives and travelers’ ability to earn dual citizenship, but the Samaná Peninsula region and UNESCO World Heritage Site is becoming a go-to spot for ecotourism. It is also, most notably, a pertinent location within African American history, as it was home to freed American enslaved people after emancipation in the 1800s.

In order to complete the project, Lynch and her team called upon world-renowned commercial and resort real estate development experts. The Daedalus Design London (DDL) design team leads the project and has over 30 years of experience and over 40 world-class projects under their belt.

Alma de Samaná is slated to be revealed later in 2023. To keep up with the progress of the project, visit almadesamana.com and follow the resort on Instagram, @almadesamana.

Roshae Hemmings is an arts and culture magazine journalist from St. Louis, MO. A graduate from the Missouri School of Journalism, Roshae has bylines in the Columbia Missourian, Vox Magazineand 5280 Magazinediscussing topics ranging from pop culture, social justice and eat and drink. She is a foodie at heart and enjoys eating food as much as learning about the story behind it. When she’s not working on a story, Roshae enjoys cooking, watching and analyzing reality TV, and spending time with family and friends.

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