THINGS TO KNOWCLIMATE 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

PUNTA CANA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

THINGS TO KNOWCHECK 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 crystal-clear 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 + Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana

+ Parque Nacional del Este + Scuba diving and snorkeling

+ Horseback riding + Zip lines + Park and reserve tours

RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTSFAMILY 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 RESTAURANTSFINE 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.

+ 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.