Marek Zmysłowski and Yaritza Reyes are no ordinary couple. Together, they’ve carved out a unique space for themselves at the intersection of business, real estate, and societal transformation. While Marek is widely recognized for his entrepreneurial ventures, such as co-founding SunRoof and leading Samana Group, Yaritza’s story is equally inspiring, having risen from the slums of Santo Domingo to become Miss World Dominican Republic and an international model and actress. Now, together, they are turning their attention to something even more ambitious—developing private cities in emerging markets like the Dominican Republic.
A Vision for the Future: Private Cities
At the heart of Marek and Yaritza’s current work is the concept of private cities, an innovative approach to urban development that aims to provide well-managed, eco-friendly communities designed to cater to modern lifestyles. Through their work with Samana Group, a venture capital firm focused on real estate, they are leading projects that blend luxury, sustainability, and strong infrastructure to create self-sustaining, autonomous communities.
Marek firmly believes that the private city model can revolutionize urban development in emerging markets. The idea is simple yet transformative: instead of waiting for government infrastructure to catch up with the demands of a rapidly growing population, private entities can step in and develop cities with their own governance, resources, and services. These cities are designed to meet the needs of residents in every aspect of life, from housing and education to healthcare and environmental sustainability.
“Private cities offer a solution to some of the most pressing challenges faced by developing regions,” Marek explains. “Governments often struggle to provide adequate infrastructure and services to their citizens. Private cities can fill that gap by offering well-managed, self-sufficient communities where people can thrive.”
The Samana Peninsula, located in the Dominican Republic, serves as the testing ground for this vision. It’s a region of unspoiled beauty, with lush forests, stunning coastlines, and a burgeoning tourism industry. But, like many emerging markets, it lacks the infrastructure needed to support sustainable growth. Through Samana Group, Marek and Yaritza are working to change that by building communities that combine luxury living with a focus on spiritual well-being, family, and health.
Blending Business and Social Impact
While Marek drives the strategic vision of these projects, Yaritza brings a different, but equally essential, perspective. Her life story is one of perseverance and triumph over adversity. Growing up in the slums of Santo Domingo, Yaritza faced challenges that many could not imagine. Yet, she rose above them, becoming Miss World Dominican Republic and later embarking on a successful career as a model and actress, working with some of Hollywood’s biggest names.
For Yaritza, the work they’re doing in the Dominican Republic is deeply personal. It’s about giving back to the communities that shaped her and creating opportunities for others who, like her, may not have had a clear path to success.
“Building these cities isn’t just about creating luxury communities,” Yaritza says. “It’s about creating spaces where people can find balance—between work, family, health, and their connection to nature. I know what it’s like to come from nothing, and I want these communities to offer opportunities for others to rise, just as I did.”
Together, Marek and Yaritza are more than just entrepreneurs—they’re visionaries who understand the power of blending business with social impact. They are not only building homes and commercial spaces but also creating environments where people can thrive both physically and mentally. This unique combination of luxury, sustainability, and social responsibility is what sets their vision apart.
An Ecosystem of Innovation
Marek and Yaritza’s work on the Samana Peninsula is part of a broader trend toward innovative urban development. The concept of private cities isn’t entirely new—projects like Neom in Saudi Arabia and Prospera in Honduras have already gained global attention. However, what differentiates Marek and Yaritza’s approach is their focus on combining eco-friendly infrastructure with holistic well-being and harmony with local residents
Their goal is to create cities that not only cater to the wealthy but also provide opportunities for growth and balance for those seeking a lifestyle that prioritizes health, family, and spirituality. This balance is at the core of their vision, making their projects more than just a real estate venture—they are a blueprint for the future of living.
By attracting high-net-worth individuals who are searching for a sense of balance in their fast-paced lives, Marek and Yaritza are positioning their private cities as destinations for those seeking a blend of urban convenience and natural serenity. These individuals may come from bustling cities, but in places like Samana, they can find the tranquility and well-being that urban environments often lack.
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The Future Is Bright
As Marek and Yaritza continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in urban development, their combined talents, experiences, and vision make them a formidable force. Marek’s strategic foresight, paired with Yaritza’s passion for social impact, is setting the stage for a new era of private city development in emerging markets.
For this power couple, success isn’t just measured by financial returns; it’s measured by the lasting impact they leave on the communities they touch. And with their ambitious projects in the Dominican Republic, they are not just building cities—they are shaping the future.