Aria Hotels, the hospitality arm of Greece’s Libra Group, has expanded into the Dominican Republic with the launch of Aria Santa Maria, a nine-room boutique hotel located in the Colonial Zone of Santo Domingo.
This marks Aria Hotels’ second international venture, following its recent entry into Colombia, and reflects the company’s strategic move into the Latin American market. The hotel is named after Christopher Columbus’ flagship vessel and is housed in a historic building originally built between 1515 and 1523 by García de Aguilar, a prominent figure in early Hispaniola.
Designed by Luis de Moya, the architect behind the Cathedral of Santa María la Menor—the oldest cathedral in the Americas—the structure was later expanded in the 18th century using rubble from the 1615 earthquake.
Aria Hotels plans to carefully restore the building, focusing on preserving its colonial and architectural heritage.
The expansion was announced by Maria Fernanda Correa, Aria’s Latin America representative, during an event at the Greek Embassy celebrating 68 years of diplomatic relations between Greece and the Dominican Republic. The event was attended by Dominican First Lady Raquel Arbaje.
