SAN PEDRO DE MACORIS, Dominican Republic – The grounds and orchid-filled interior of the Grand Bahia Principe Resort appear half-empty. Dozens of unoccupied tables surround the buffet restaurant; vacant chairs lie scattered near the serpentine pool. The hotel boasts more than 400 rooms. But on Tuesday, only a smattering of about 30 people relaxed – or tried to – on the private beach.
Two of the six American tourists who have died mysteriously on this Caribbean island in the past year died at the Grand Bahia Principe – a fact that has not gone unnoticed among prospective customers since the news broke last week.