The second-largest Caribbean nation, the Dominican Republic is an ideal vacation spot. Though it’s just a two-hour flight from Miami, its white-sand beaches, myriad golf courses, and laid-back Caribbean atmosphere still feel a world apart from the U.S.
Inspirato has two destinations within the DR: Punta Cana and Casa de Campo. Throughout this post, we’ll focus in on Punta Cana, where Inspirato’s residences are split between two upscale communities, Cap Cana and Puntacana. (Yes, the destination as a whole is called “Punta Cana” and only one of the resorts within it is Puntacana—we know it’s a little confusing.)
Broadly, Cap Cana and its homes feature more cliffside locales and views, while Puntacana is a golfer’s dream—its homes are tucked within greenery or on the golf course. But there are plenty of other differences: Read on to discover what makes each special.
Cap Cana
On the southern coast of Punta Cana, Cap Cana is an exclusive enclave just five minutes from Eden Roc Beach Club. Staying at a residence within Cap Cana gains you access to all the amenities of Eden Roc, like a Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, a bar right on the beach, and its Solaya Spa. (In-home spa treatments are available, too.)
If you’re traveling with kids or adventurous types, you’re in luck: Cap Cana is home to Scape Park, an adventure park with myriad activities. Cave exploration, zip-lining, sunset cruises, horse riding, and local cultural excusios are just a few of the park’s offerings.
Take in sweeping views of the sea at Villa Ana, a stately, colonial-style home (Tip: Villa Ana can also be booked with Villa Bagua and Villa Caona to create your own private compound.) And in Eden Roc itself, Costa Azul is perched right on the golf course, nestled along a stretch of private, swimmable beach.
Puntacana
Slightly north of Cap Cana, Puntacana Resort boasts amenities like world-class restaurants, a Six Senses Spa, and more. Golfers will find Puntacana a welcome retreat with its La Cana Golf Club. Its 27 holes are split into three nines, and 14 of the holes offer stunning views of the ocean.
Nature lovers will appreciate Puntacana’s ecological reserve, covering more than 1,500 acres and comprising a network of trails that wind around 12 lagoons. It’s home to a variety of bird and reptile species, as well as a petting zoo, iguana habitat, fruit tree garden, and more.
If you’re traveling with a large group, massive Villa Los Cocos and its six bedrooms, sleeping up to 18, could be the perfect fit. Soak up the Caribbean sun in its outdoor lounge space and private pool. Villa Cayena, a beautiful, 10,000-square-foot villa is another great option. It, too, boasts plenty of outdoor space, and the separate guest casita with king bed and kitchenette is a nice add-on.
