Megan Fox and Martha Stewart are this year’s Sports Illustrated swimsuit cover models, photographed at Tropicalia and at a private estate in the Dominican Republic

Tropicalia, Dominican Republic – May 16, 2023 – Tropicalia, a sustainable beachfront luxury real estate development carved from the private estate of the Cisneros family, was unveiled today as a key location and cover shot for the 2023 edition of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue. The pristine beachfront provided a stunning backdrop for this year’s swimsuit models Megan Fox, who graces one of the covers; Hailey Clauson, and Camille Kostek. Martha Stewart, another cover model, was photographed at a private estate nearby.

Located on Playa Esmeralda on the southern shores of the Samaná Bay, Dominican Republic, Tropicalia was the perfect choice for a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit photo shoot. The diverse ecosystem consists of white-sand beaches, crystalline waters, lush mountains, and a working coconut plantation. All are adjacent to some of the world’s most unique wildlife refuges and nationally protected areas, like Lagunas Redonda and Limon, and the Marine Mammal Sanctuary Bancos de la Plata and la Navidad, where humpback whales and leatherback turtles return yearly to birth new generations.

Tropicalia

With an emphasis on the use of natural materials that harmonize with the pristine surroundings, Tropicalia is sensitively integrated into the lush tropical landscape, offering seamless indoor/outdoor living, and evoking a sense of natural luxury. Featuring a tropical modernist design by Brazilian architect Isay Weinfeld, Tropicalia will set a new standard of natural, sustainable elegance for sophisticated travelers from around the globe.

The development includes a collection of 25 branded, fully furnished three- and four-bedroom villas and residences for purchase. Soon to be announced is a 95-key sustainable beachfront resort with world-class spa, event spaces, specialty restaurants, fitness facilities and a children’s club.

“Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit edition unites a global icon of popular culture with the Dominican Republic’s naturally beautiful beaches and landscapes,” said Adriana Cisneros, CEO of Cisneros. “The models--women of diverse backgrounds, ages and professions-- are proud of who they have become and we are thrilled to have hosted them at Tropicalia.”

The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit shoot captured the spirit of Tropicalia as models explored the diverse landscape and culturally rich experiences.

The vision for Tropicalia is to create a sustainable environment of beauty, conservation and inclusiveness for future generations. The project reflects the Cisneros family’s philanthropic and cultural values, as well as its long-term commitment to the region’s economy, sustainability and sociocultural integrity. Tropicalia has dedicated more than a decade to the region’s well-being through its nonprofit foundation, Fundación Tropicalia, providing an array of education, socio-economic and community development programs. One program– Soy niña, soy importante–supports the social and emotional development of girls, and is featured in an article in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue, resonating with the magazine’s commitment to gender equality and inclusion.

The resort, with its design and environmental management programs, is positioned as a model of sustainable luxury. For more information, please visit www.sustainability.tropicalia.com.

For more details on the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue and Tropicalia, please visit https://swimsuit.si.com/ and www.tropicalia.com. Follow @tropicaliard and Sports Illustrated Swimsuit’s top models using the hashtag #SISwim23 for additional photoshoot content. 


About Cisneros Real Estate & Tropicalia

Cisneros Real Estate (CRE) develops strategic, innovative and responsible tourism projects around the world. With headquarters in Miami, CRE’s long-view development portfolio is built on relationships with partners that share similar values and the integration of the needs and interests of the communities and environments that we impact. For more information, please visit www.cisneros.com.

Tropicalia is a sustainable luxury resort development by CRE that offers sophisticated architecture in a breathtaking site of diverse natural beauty in the northeastern Dominican Republic. It is designed to serve as a model of sustainable luxury tourism in the Caribbean and beyond. For more information, please visit www.tropicalia.com.


About Soy niña, soy importante

Soy niña, soy importante is an initiative developed by Fundación Tropicalia in 2013, and supports at-risk girls with a simple mission: protect their childhood, guide them in making timely life choices, and educate them and their community regarding their rights. Soy niña, soy importante fulfills its mission via different action areas, including a summer camp, an at-home program, teen empowerment, and activism, which consists of awareness campaigns and civic participation, all of which are implemented in the Dominican Republic, with a geographic focus on the municipality of Miches in the province of El Seibo. https://snsi.fundaciontropicalia.com/ 

 
About Fundación Tropicalia

Fundación Tropicalia designs and implements programs for the local community of Miches in the Dominican Republic in four key areas: the environment, education, productivity and socio-cultural advocacy. Established in 2008 by Tropicalia, a sustainable tourism and real estate development of Cisneros Real Estate, the foundation drives sustainable socioeconomic development by working in partnership with the community and institutions from the private, public, civil society and academic sectors. The diversity of its partnerships allows for innovative, high-impact programs and the efficient use of resources. For more information, please visit www.fundaciontropicalia.com.

 
About the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue

The Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue is one of the most recognizable and influential symbols of pop culture. Featuring talent from around the world, the issue has become a revered launching pad for successful careers in media, fashion, business, TV and film. The iconic and innovative institution continues to set the cultural tone and evoke discussion about what defines beauty on a global scale. Sports Illustrated Swimsuit has become a lifestyle platform that champions body confidence and self-expression and connects with diverse audiences through digital content and signature experiences that nurture the body, soul and spirit. Sports Illustrated Swimsuit remains steadfast in its goal of providing an inspirational media platform for individuals where they can connect, explore and engage with 24/7 content that speaks to wellness, travel, food, style and beauty. For more information, visit www.swimsuit.si.com.