Punta Cana is the ultimate getaway where you can simply relax, and everyone mixes and mingles together with a smile. There is something for everyone on the island; girlfriends seeking a getaway, a single person looking to unwind during alone time, families looking for fun or honeymooners wishing to bask in romance. People from all over the world may come as guests, but leave feeling like family.
United Airlines has many non-stop flights that arrive daily to the Dominican Republic. The trip from Houston to Punta Cana was only four hours and less than $500 roundtrip. Depending on time of booking, you can get in for even less. The United fleet provides passengers with plenty of leg room, tasty hot meals and first-class service across the board, not just for those flying First Class.
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Punta Cana International Airport is the leading airport for travel to the Dominican Republic with convenient direct flights arriving daily from over 28 countries and 96 cities around the world.It is strategically designed to ensure that the guest experience is undisturbed by air traffic or noise, and guests are able to enjoy the tranquil, natural beauty of the property while benefiting from the airport’s close proximity to resorts. One particular paradise is less than a 10-minute drive away: The Puntacana Resort & Club.
Puntacana Resort & Club is one of the most stylish destinations in the Caribbean. It is more than just the turquoise sea and magnificent white sands that captivates you; the people, the fresh food, and peacefulness make you never want to leave. It is, after all, a home away from home for many of the elite, including Anna Wintour, former first family The Clintons, Julio Iglesias and the late-great Oscar de la Renta. The resort encompasses over 26 square miles and includes AAA Five Diamond Award winning boutique hotel Tortuga Bay, The Westin Puntacana Resort & Club and Four Points by Sheraton at Puntacana Village, in addition to diverse residential communities (Corales, Playa Serena, Hacienda, Hacienda del Mar, Arrecife, Tortuga Bay and The Marina). It also has a full-service marina, restaurants, a shopping village and custom-designed golf courses.
I think a little lady climbed on my back, and I LOVED IT! Puntacana Resort & Club is proud to be the only location within the Americas to feature the world renowned Six Senses Spa, located in La Cana Golf & Beach Club. The spa and wellness center has indoor, individual or couples accommodations and the international team of therapists provide relaxing spa and massage treatments in peaceful, serene private rooms. You can indulge yourself with a signature deep tissue massage, a hot stone therapy or just sink into one of the luxurious baths for the perfect Zen experience.
The Ecological Foundation and Freshwater Lagoons
Jake Kheel, the grandnephew of Theodore Kheel, is the Environmental Director for Grupo Puntacana and head of the Puntacana Ecological Foundation. He is passionate about preserving the natural resources of the island and assists with educational tours at The Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park and Reserve, a 1,500-acre private reserve which is set aside for scientific research, conservation of native and endangered species, and recreational activities.
Guides teach you about Tiger Fish population, the honey bees, the ecological system, allowing you to truly appreciate the beauty of the island. There are also 12 freshwater lagoons on the property and guests are allowed to take dips in the water.
For those seeking a little adventure out in the deep blue sea, snorkeling to the Underwater Museum must be added to the list! Get ready for an unforgettable experience, provided by Blue Vision adventures. The company has 16 years of experience in the Dominican Republic with diving and water-sport operations. Onsite instructors take the guests out for safe and educational water tours.
Puntacana Resort & Club features 45 holes of championship golf with 6 ocean front and 14 oceanview holes on Tom Fazio's Corales, and P.B. Dye's La Cana. Corales is set between rocky cliffs, coral reefs and the expansive Caribbean Sea. There are six oceanfront holes and multiple lines of approach. La Cana is located directly on the Caribbean Sea. Its 27-hole course features 14 holes with ocean views. After a challenging round, you can retire to the 19th Hole Terrace, part of the gorgeous La Cana Golf and Beach Club designed by Oscar de la Renta. or shop in one of the Domincan golf pro shops.
Oscar de la Renta Tennis Club:
Touring the Oscar de la Renta Tennis Club and meeting its director, Felix De Los Santos, and his ball boys could be one of the most rewarding parts of anyone's trip.
De Los Santos was handpicked by de la Renta to be a part of the “bolerito” program. Now, he takes troubled boys from underserved communities and turns them into award-winning ball boys on the tennis court.
“I want to give them what I had,” De Los Santos said. “We want to keep them off the streets.”
De Los Santos teaches the boys how to be players and how to work with the guests and he says the boys oftentimes makes more money in tips than the actual employees. It is money they can use to help their families and save for their education.
The program was designed to be a bridge for the youth to go to college. That was the goal of De La Renta.
“We want to build a chain. When I go the graduations, when I read their thesis writings, when I hear them thank me, that is big,” he said as he teared up. “I wish Mr. De La Renta would have been alive to see that.”
There are currently two dozen boys in the program. Some of the boys are local, and others come from places like Haiti. De Los Santos said, no matter where the boys are from, he teaches them to be proud.
The commitment from the supporters is paying off. De Los Santos said they now have three business administration graduates, and one lawyer to who finished the program. Those graduates now give back and the help the younger ones.
Then of course, there is THE FOOD!
Check out all the restaurants.
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The Brassa Grill & Bar showcases American heritage such as USDA Prime steaks. It is located on the first floor of the Westin Puntacana Hotel & Resort.
Ananí Restaurant, which is also at the hotel offers contemporary breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dine on the flavorful food while enjoying poolside or beach views.
The Grill: This Caribbean-Mediterranean grill commands breathtaking views of La Cana Golf Course and the sparkling Caribbean Sea. A perfect bookend to a round of golf, El Grill is conveniently located at La Cana Golf & Beach Club. El Grill is the ideal destination for a casual beachfront lunch or dinner. Reservations not required.
La Yola: Enjoy AAA Three Diamond Award-winning La Yola Restaurant, serving the freshest Mediterranean cuisine and seafood in an elegant setting. Modeled on a fishing boat, La Yola restaurant perches on the sea at the Puntacana Resort & Club Marina, with magnificent views of the sparkling turquoise waters.
Playa Blanca: Playa Blanca is located beach side on the Caribbean Sea. This tropical restaurant and bar serves fresh local seafood, grilled meats and cocktails for lunch and dinner daily. Live music by local musicians featured weekly. Horseback riding, Segway Touring, Kite/ Wind Surfing, bicycle, and golf cart rentals are available onsite. Playa Blanca is also a unique venue for a private event or wedding to remember.
Bamboo Lounge: For a truly special dining experience, visit the AAA Four Diamond Award-winning Bamboo Restaurant, tucked away at the exclusive Tortuga Bay. The unique menu blends locally sourced food with Mediterranean influences for a variety of innovative fusion dishes in a cozy, graceful setting designed by Oscar de la Renta. Vegetables served at Bamboo are grown in our own organic gardens. Make sure you try The Lion Fish, and help restore the balance of our marine environment.
So, what are you waiting for.........pack your bags and go!