punta cana, dominican republic

PUNTA CANA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
THINGS TO KNOW
CLIMATE
The weather outside is hardly frightful in Punta Cana. In fact,
it's downright mild for most of the year. On average, the
temperatures stay consistent with highs in the upper 80s.
January is the "coldest" month, dipping only to the lower 70s.
Under a beach umbrella, all signs point to a flawless forecast.
SPECIAL NOTE: The area does experience some effects of
hurricane season (June-November), and Punta Cana in
particularly is prone to severe tropical storms. Annual rainfall
here averages 40 inches.
WATER
It’s best to stick with bottled water.
GETTING THERE
Fly into Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ), located in the
eastern Dominican Republic. Punta Cana is often chosen as a
destination because it often doesn't require the full day of
travel that other Caribbean destinations do. Direct flights are
available from many U.S. cities, including Miami, Charlotte,
New York, Atlanta and Newark. Note that at times, airport
employees try to keep passengers moving through lines
quickly, so things may feel a bit rushed at first.
GETTING AROUND
Once you arrive at your residence, you'll likely find a rental car
isn't necessary. Beaches and resort amenities are close at
hand, and your residence includes a golf cart for easy access.
Your Destination Concierge is happy to arrange transportation
from the airport and also to discuss a rental car if you think
you'll want to explore a bit more.
PARKING
Complimentary parking is available at your residence, though
depending on your residence, you may need to valet park
your car and take a golf cart to your residence.
QUICK FACTS
LOCATION
Cap Cana Resort is located on the far
eastern tip of the Dominican Republic.
CHECK IN, CHECK OUT
4 p.m., 11 a.m.
CURRENCY
Dominican peso, however USD is widely
accepted.
PVA’s TIP: Most establishments in Punta
Cana accept debit and credit cards, but
please note a 7-10% fee may be added to
transactions.
LANGUAGE
Spanish is the official language of the
Dominican Republic. Some citizens speak
English but it is not as widely spread as in
other Caribbean destinations.
PASSPORT
Yes
CONVERTER
Outlets are 110-120V, but socket types
vary so you may want to bring an adapter.
AIRPORT
PUJ
THINGS TO KNOW
CHECK IN/ARRIVAL PROCESS
If you have rented a car, your Destination Concierge will meet you at the airport (he or she will let you know precisely where during
the planning process), assist with getting your vehicle and then escort you to your residence. If you plan to take private
transportation, look for the driver holding a sign bearing your name. Your Destination Concierge will then meet you at your
residence. Whichever mode of transportation you take, when you arrive at the residence, your concierge will give you a tour of the
home and a quick orientation. If you wish, you can hop into your golf cart with your Destination Concierge for a tour of the area.
Early check-in and late check-out cannot be guaranteed but if you let your Member Services team and Destination Concierge know
as soon as possible, they will do their best to accommodate you if it is possible.
SPECIAL NOTE: Your Destination Concierge can arrange VIP customs arrival assistance for up to six guests for an additional
charge. Be sure to ask about this option during the planning process. Even if you do not opt for that service, each U.S. citizen in
your group should be prepared to pay a $10 USD arrival fee (in cash) for the immigration and customs process. Additionally, when
you arrive at the entrance gates, you will need to give some type of ID in exchange for a pass. Each time you leave, you will get
your ID back.
GROCERIES
For just the cost of groceries, your Destination Concierge will be happy to fulfill your grocery order. Simply complete the order form
on your Inspirato.com account at least 72 hours prior to your arrival. Additional shopping trips are $35 plus the cost of groceries.
IN-RESIDENCE DINING OPTIONS
Your Destination Concierge can arrange for a private chef to come and cook a fantastic meal right in your own kitchen. You can
discuss chef options and menus during the planning process of your vacation.
SPECIAL NOTE: Your residence may be staffed with a cook (ask your Member Services team for the details). For the cost of
groceries, your cook will happily prepare two meals per day. You will be able to select from pre-arranged menus, though any
special dietary requests will require 10 days advanced notice and will include an additional charge.
STAY FIT
For an additional charge, you can access the fully equipped fitness center at Eden Roc at Cap Cana.
HOUSEKEEPING
Daily.
TIPPING GUIDELINES
While our Destination Concierge teams and housekeeping staff welcome and appreciate recognition for exceptional service,
tipping is entirely up to you based on your level of satisfaction. If you would like to leave a gratuity, we suggest the following
general guidelines:
+ Destination Concierge: $150-$200 per week depending on the level of service you experienced.
+ Destination Planner: $10-$20 per day depending on the complexity of your trip planning and itinerary.
+ Housekeeping: $100-$120 per housekeeper per week is typical for Punta Cana.
+ Restaurants: Please note that an ITBIS tax of 18% and a legally mandatory 10% gratuity will be automatically added to your final
bill. However, the customary 10% of your total bill is suggested in addition to these.
+ Vendors: Gratuity is dependent on the complexity of the experience or service, so we suggest using
your discretion.
AMENITIES
Access to the Cap Cana Resort amenities including:
+ Award-winning Punta Espada Golf Club by Jack Nicklaus
+ Eden Roc Spa by Solaya Resorts and the Sanctuary Spa by AlSol Resorts
+ La Palapa, Aquamare and Il Cappuccino restaurants
Access to the Caletón Beach Club (additional daily charges may apply)
THINGS TO DO
SPA
Anchored by a swimming pool surrounded by lush tropical foliage, the Eden Roc Spa by Solaya Resorts is a
haven ideal for relaxation. Pathways lead you to private treatment cabanas throughout the space, and you will
pass multiple pools, lagoons and hot tubs as you wander. The menu of services includes massages, mani-pedis,
facials and body wraps and scrubs.
GOLF
An Inspirato vacation gives you access to some of Punta Cana's best golf courses. As the fairways stretch
across acres of beachside property, you can concentrate on your game and the amazing surroundings. Here
are some of our favorites:
+ La Cana Golf Club (located 15 minutes away) – If ocean views and water features factor high on your golf
wish list, this P.B. Dye stunner is sure to please. An impressive 14 holes boast views of the shimmering sea, four
of which play directly to the water's edge. The facility is spread across three courses: Tortuga, Hacienda and
Arrecife.
+ Punta Espada Golf Course (located 20 minutes away) – This 18-hole course offers over 7,200 yards of
challenging track with a full eight holes playing along the Caribbean Sea. The highly acclaimed championship
course was designed by Jack Nicklaus and includes water views from every hole.
BEACHES
+ Juanillo (located 10 minutes away) – quintessential Dominican beach with pristine white sand and crystalclear turquoise water; great for all water activities or to simply lounge
+ Caletón Beach Club (located 15 minutes away) – beautiful, fully serviced beach that’s great for laying out or
swimming in the calm blue water
SPECIAL NOTE: Additional charges may apply to access the Caletón Beach Club.
+ Playa Blanca (located 20 minutes away) – clear, shallow water that’s great for kids and adults alike
SPECIAL NOTE: Punta Cana experiences high amounts of seaweed during peak hurricane season. Crews
regularly clean most beaches, but at times the seaweed may prevent portions of certain beaches from being
swimmable. We suggest asking your Destination Concierge for current conditions and recommendations
before exploring.
DESTINATION HIGHLIGHT
Just about half an hour away from your resort is a spectacular natural oasis: Scape Park. The vast parcel of land
is composed of diverse terrain, ranging from limestone cliffs and caves to lush jungle and beaches, all begging
to be explored. The mix of topography allows for great boating, hiking, adventure activities, horseback riding
and more. Our favorite attraction is Hoyo Azul, a secluded cenote at the base of the cliff with vibrant turquoise
water.
FAMILY
Meet some of the ocean’s friendliest residents. Dolphin Explorer offers a range of safe, informative experiences
that let you get up close and personal with dolphins, seals and even sharks and stingrays. Swimmers of all
experience levels and ages can participate.
MUST-DO
In Punta Cana, it’s not enough to just gaze into the water – it’s best enjoyed from the water. Charter a private
catamaran for a half day of sailing and lounging on bright blue Caribbean waves. Depending on your
preferences, your excursion can include cocktails, beer, appetizers, stops for snorkeling and visits to other
beaches.
THINGS TO DO
ROMANTIC
Punta Cana’s sunsets are the perfect backdrop for a romantic evening all on their own. Streaks of orange,
pink and purple will seem all the more vibrant as the two of you stroll across the sand with palm trees gently
swaying in the breeze. Take in the stunning horizon and savor the moment. Your Destination Concierge can
recommend the best spots for seclusion, scenery and a nightcap.
ADVENTURE
Traverse Punta Cana’s rugged — and ruggedly beautiful — landscapes via buggy. The open-air, all-terrain
vehicles can negotiate everything from sandy beaches to rocky dirt paths, both of which you can explore on
your buggy expedition. Take in the beautiful scenery and should you break a sweat, dive into the water when
you stop at the beach or a secluded lagoon.
NATURE
You don’t need to go far to escape into the wild. The Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park and Reserve (located at
Puntacana Resort & Club) is situated on 1,500 acres of verdant jungle and teems with a spectacular array of
birds, lizards, flora and other native (and, in some cases, endangered) wildlife. Trek across the private
reserve’s web of trails or stop at any of the 12 freshwater lagoons for a refreshing dip.
LOCAL
The Dominican Republic’s capital, Santo Domingo, is about two hours away, but it’s worth the trip. Considered
to be the oldest continuously populated European settlement in the New World, the now-bustling city brims
with history as well as modern cosmopolitan experiences. Spend a day getting lost among the centuries-old,
Spanish colonial-style plazas, parks, buildings and museums, then spend your evening sipping cocktails at
one of the city’s impressive restaurants.
OTHER THINGS TO DO
+ Fishing
+ Waterfall tours
+ Bike rentals
+ Helicopter tours
+ Parque Nacional del Este
+ Hard Rock Hotel & Casino + Scuba diving and
Punta Cana
snorkeling
+ Horseback riding
+ Zip lines
+ Park and reserve tours
RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS
FAMILY
La Palapa (located 10 minutes away in the Caletón Beach Club) is ideal for a family lunch. The menu features
fresh fish and seafood, gnocchi and sushi with incredible views of the Caribbean Sea. For dinner, head to Il
Cappuccino (located 10 minutes away) for tasty pizza, pasta and other Italian classics.
ROMANTIC
Passion by Martín Berasategui (located 25 minutes away) – With the eponymous, multi-Michelin starred chef
at the helm, this elegantly simple restaurant serves award-winning cuisine. The menu of tapas — as well as
the striking white, black and red interior design — reflects the chef’s home country of Spain.
RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS
FINE DINING
La Yola (located 20 minutes away) – Thanks to ultra-fresh seafood, Mediterranean influences and a flair for
presentation, La Yola has earned the Three Diamond award from AAA. Nosh on the catch of the day or any of
the fine entrees from your table on the water — and we mean that literally. The restaurant is situated in an
open-air, over-the-water bungalow.
LOCAL
Carbón (located 10-15 minutes away at Puntacana Village) – This spot is perfect for trying some classic
Caribbean cuisine, from family-friendly dishes (think stews, salads and appetizers) to more formal entrees like
steaks and pastas. This is authentic casual Caribbean dining at its most fun. The ample dessert selection
doesn’t hurt either.
SPECIAL NOTE: As part of the area’s conservation efforts, many restaurants, private chefs and grocery stores
do not offer spiny lobsters from March 1 to June 30. While you might find lobster on some menus and at
stores during this time, it is best to respect the important conservancy policies and refrain from ordering it.
FESTIVALS AND ACTIVITIES
+ The Bani Mango Festival takes place in June and is located in a small town famous for its mangos, dulce de
leches and poets. Experience mango madness and try over 100 varieties of this sweet tropical fruit in the
central park of beautiful Bani.
+ Every February or March, the Desalia festival brings the world’s best DJs and electronic music makers to the
beaches of Punta Cana for a massive dance party. Wear all white to fit in with other festivalgoers.
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Winter Kitefest – January
Cap Cana Beach Polo World Cup – February
Punta Cana Carnival – March
X-TREME Bavaro-Punta Cana – April
International Cap Cana Billfish Shootout – May
Latin Music Festival – August
Día de las Mercedes – September
Punta Cana Salsa Festival – October
Dominican Golf Open – November
Merengue & Caribbean Beats Festival – November
Information presented in this Inspirato destination guide is current as of April 1, 2015. While it is believed to be
accurate, Inspirato LLC (and its officers, employees and affiliated entities, collectively “Inspirato”) makes no
representations or warranties as to the accuracy or completeness of the content presented herein. The contents
of this destination guide may change at any time and without notice. This destination guide is presented for
informational purposes only for Inspirato members and guests. Inclusion in this destination guide is not to be
considered an endorsement or recommendation by Inspirato for any of the mentioned third-party products,
services, activities or vendors. Participation in any of the mentioned third-party products, services or activities
may require a separate agreement with a third party and members and guests are encouraged to review any
such agreements carefully. Inspirato assumes no liability or responsibility for any injury, damage or loss that
members and guests may incur with any third parties, and members and guests utilizing any information in this
destination guide waive any claims against Inspirato. Inspirato is a registered trademark of Inspirato LLC.