The Caribbean island Dominican Republic – and especially Punta Cana – has a reputation of great golf courses. I’ve seen many pictures of waves crashing the shores behind the green, (numerous) palm trees along the fairways and the bluest water ever. Not to mention stunning sea views from courses on both Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea.
So, when the invite for a golf press trip from the Dominican Ministry of Tourism popped in my inbox, I was about to leave my desk, pack my golf bag and go. Eager to experience this dramatic coast line for myself.
Puntacana Golf Resort & Club
And now, a few months later, here we are. Adjusting to the humid warmth and prepping for seven (!) days of consecutive golf. Our first stop – only a short drive from the Punta Cana airport – is the Puntacana Resort & Club. An enormous gated community along the shore with three hotels, a Six Senses Spa, two golf courses, many impressive villas (both rental or private. Jlo!) and several restaurants.
Puntacana Westin Hotel
We stayed in the Westin Hotel. Fifties architecture style hotel where the open lobby gives way to the large pool against the backdrop of the turquoise colored ocean and white sandy beach.
All 200 rooms have balconies with (partial) sea view and the atmosphere is friendly and easy-going. The extensive breakfast buffet is big with many choices and an eggstation-with-chef who makes eggs any style. For lunch I’ll tip Brassa Grill along the beach. The sun is hot so make sure to sit under the shades.
I love small things like the veil of lavender balm on our pillow for a good night sleep. That definitely beats a chocolate!
Puntacana Tortuga Bay Hotel
Oh la, la. This hidden boutique hotel gem (LHW member, should I say more?) within the resort where you (or me) wants to be. Total privacy, 30 rooms within large colonial style villas set along a private beach. Favourite of international royalty.
Dominican Republic born international renowned designer Oscar de la Renta is responsible for the elegant chic interior style. Of course there is an Oscar de la Renta boutique on the premises.
The * Bamboo restaurant (can be booked for all guests of the Puntacana Resort) is all about culinary luxury refined.
Six Senses Spa Punta Cana
Indulging a holistic (massage) treatment, the path to a healthy lifestyle, who would say no? This is the ultimate spoil-yourself-gift after a tough round of golf.
The Puntacana golf clubhouse and restaurant along the beach is also the location for the Six Senses Spa. Five treatment rooms, a shop stocked with organic skin care and a team of international Six Senses therapists.
Besides signature (after golf) treatments there is also a choice of yoga, Pilates and meditation classes. Big bummer: no time to visit the spa…
La Cana golf & beach club
The first of seven courses to play this week is La Cana, with 14 from the 27 holes located directly on the Caribbean Sea. This P.B. Dye designed course is a gentle course and therefore the perfect start for a golfing holiday. For golfers of all levels, hence the wide, flattish fairways.
Buggies and caddies are mandatory, all to improve speed of play which is a good thing.
more info click here
Corales golf course
Corales course is a PGA course, designed by Tom Fazio, and that is no surprise. This course requires serious golf skills and concentration. immaculate and oh so beautiful, what a joy to play this 18 holes course!
Corales features natural cliffs top holes, bays, ocean coves and let’s not forget the inland lakes, huge bunkers and fast greens. All testers, especially when wind is in play. This is not a beginner course but requires a steady hcp.
While enjoying one stunning hole after another, do ask your – compulsory – caddy to point out the celebrity residences along the course. For that touch of Hollywood.
As beautiful as the course, sea views and the pro-shop are, I was surprised to find a very small dressing room. There is only one (really o n e) shower to share for both men and women!? Giving that the weather is real hot and humid, we don’t understand this for a course with a green fee of 300 $.
more info click here
Tui flights to Punta Cana
From Amsterdam, and other European airports, Tui is the main carrier for this destination. We experienced the Deluxe class section, in front of the plane. Which is a new Dreamliner, btw. Less noisy and better air control to improve comfort during long flights.
golfpackages info via Marlies at golfandcountrytravel
disclaimer
Our stay ‘n play at Punta Cana Resort was by invitation on behalf of Dominican Republic Tourism board. We only accept invites or collabs that answer positive to the question: “does it match our lifestyle?”. We will not promote anything that we would not wear, where we would not eat, sleep or see ourselves. Authenticity is very important to us. Words, photos and opinions are our own.
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