Punta Cana, located at the Dominican Republic's eastern tip, offers a scenic blend of Caribbean and Atlantic coastlines. Known for its 20-mile stretch of beaches and clear waters, it’s a prime destination for outdoor activities like zip-lining, windsurfing, and sailing. The Bávaro area and Punta Cana together form "La Costa del Coco" (Coconut Coast), home to luxurious, all-inclusive resorts. Recognizing this appeal, Sandals Resorts International recently announced plans to expand into the region, capitalizing on Punta Cana’s beachfront availability and competitive costs.
After successfully launching a 260-room resort in Jamaica, Sandals aimed to establish a strong presence in Punta Cana but knew that robust security infrastructure was critical. Physical security plays a vital role in hospitality by ensuring guest safety and comfort, from smart locks to 24/7 surveillance. A survey by SafetyZone found that over two-thirds of hotel guests prioritize safety when booking, with 77% feeling more secure when visible security systems and personnel are present. Additionally, hotels reported a 62% reduction in incidents after installing advanced surveillance and access control systems.
To ensure optimal security, Sandals partnered with Florida-based Full Protection, a distributor of security products, and manufacturer Speco Technologies, which specializes in video surveillance and analytics. The project has been named an honorable mention in the 2024 Vanguard Awards from SecurityInfoWatch, Security Business, and Security Technology Executive (STE).
Building a Security Partnership
The security system for Sandals Punta Cana focuses on comprehensive, 24/7 video monitoring, which is essential for both guest satisfaction and operational efficiency. Sochalski explained that lost or stolen items are common concerns for guests, and without complete video coverage, resolving these incidents can be difficult and costly.
Full Protection installed more than 450 cameras throughout the resort, covering entrances, common areas, pools, dining spaces, and storage areas. This extensive coverage not only aids in resolving security issues but also offers guests peace of mind. “With eyes on all public spaces, the resort’s staff can quickly address security concerns and provide a seamless guest experience,” says Daniel Sochalski, Director of National Training at Speco Technologies. “When I arrived to assist with integrating our VMS platform, the installation was flawless. Full Protection’s team excelled in camera placement and system design.”
Comprehensive Surveillance for Guest Safety
In collaboration with Sandals, Full Protection and Speco Technologies implemented Speco’s Advanced Analytics platform, programming over 450 cameras to enhance monitoring capabilities. “We didn’t just focus on proper installation; we also wanted Sandals to feel confident in achieving their security goals and know we’d be there for ongoing support,” Sochalski says.
The system’s backbone consists of four Speco N128NR 4K 128-channel recorders, which use H.265 compression to record high-quality video in real-time. These recorders connect all devices to Speco’s VMS platforms, enabling advanced analytics, including thermal imaging and license plate recognition (LPR). This helps the resort track vehicle traffic and monitor beachfront areas effectively.
The installation review process included programming the VMS and building monitoring stations, creating a foundation for future expansions. “The project came together smoothly because everyone aimed for the same goal,” Sochalski says. “Sandals has set a high bar for luxury and security, and Full Protection matched that standard with seamless product integration. Our shared commitment to quality made this project a success.”
