Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
the beautiful free-growing mangroves on the property, it's all got a sustainable edge and
the resort has won awards for reducing its environmental impact.
It's extra popular with Canadians and those who care more about reducing their carbon
footprint than hopping in and out of bars and clubs at night. The pool is a bit small, but the
beach is quite nice. Free-range swans, geese and flamingos and the Laguna Bávaro creep-
ing on its doorstep means nature is never too far away.
Hard Rock Hotel Punta Cana
MAP
RESORT
$$$
( 809-731-0099;
www.hardrockhotelpuntacana.com
; Playa Macao; all-incl d from US$559;
)
Imagine Las Vegas with a Caribbean sea. This den of decadence and cool sits atop
Punta Cana's list of bold and beautiful resorts. The lobby feels like a rock-and-roll hall of
fame, with memorabilia galore, including Madonna's sequined-covered limo. It caters to a
diverse hipster crowd.
The gorgeous casino is the DR's largest and there are 13 pools (seven oceanfront), 17
restaurants and 10 bars, so you're never far from the party on the sprawling grounds. But
why not party in your room? They feature party-size Jacuzzis at the foot of the beds. The
latest bells and whistles include the revamped 18-hole Cana Bay Palace Punta Cana Golf
Club and chef's Kerry Simon's Simon Mansion & Supper Club (mains US$18 to US$35;
no beach attire) - definitely one of the trendiest restaurants in Punta Cana.
Punta Cana
Even though it's commonly used as shorthand for the vacation area of the southeast, Punta
Cana actually refers to the area just east and south of the airport.
Puntacana Resort & Club
MAP
RESORT
$$$
( 809-959-2714;
www.puntacana.com
; Punta Cana; d incl breakfast from US$382; )
Famous for its part-time residents like Julio Iglesias, Oscar de la Renta and Mikhail Bary-
shnikov, this discerning and huge resort is also notable for its environmental efforts, espe-
cially the associated ecological park across the street from the entrance to the resort. Un-
like all-inclusives, however, lunch, dinner and drinks aren't included in the rates.
