For those who’ve never been, the Dominican Republic may not be the first place that comes to mind when planning a Caribbean vacation. One stay at the stunning Equity Estates home nestled in the heart of the lush and luxurious Arrecife Estates within the Punta Cana Resort & Club may change your thinking.
Located on the easternmost point of the island, affectionately nicknamed the Coconut Coast, this upscale, gated community is a tropical haven best known for its beautiful beaches, swaying palms, and clear, turquoise water. It’s also home to amazing golf courses, including the award-winning La Cana and Corales clubs, and a wide variety of year-round sports, recreation, dining, and eco-adventure options. Almost anything you might need for an unforgettable Caribbean vacation – from horseback riding and kite surfing to spa days and nature trails or an elegant dinner out – is just a short golf cart ride away from the home
With so many amazing things to do, it might seem impossible to fit it all in. Fortunately, our Destination Manager, Chelsea, has put together her top recommendations for three perfect days in Punta Cana and is available to create the best itinerary for your vacation.
Day One: Sun, Sport, and Relaxation
Kick off your stay in Punta Cana with a morning visit to the Oscar de la Renta Tennis Center for match playing, drills, or a private lesson. Just minutes from the residence, the center offers clay, Har-Tru, and natural grass courts along with a pro shop, snack bar, and world-class instructors. Let us know your preferences and we’ll take care of the reservations for you.
If you’d rather hit the links than the tennis courts, let us book a morning tee time for you at the renowned La Cana Golf Course instead. Named the “number one course in the Caribbean” by GOLF magazine, this 27-hole course, designed by P.D. Dye, features three nines, including 14 holes with amazing ocean views. Our residence is located right on the sixth hole, and this is a convenient and must-visit course for any golfer visiting Punta Cana.
After a morning out, head back to the house for a little lunch and leisure. Your Local Host will make sure the kitchen is stocked with your favorite foods so whipping something up is a breeze. Take your lunch on the private outdoor patio or by the pool, where you can rest, relax, and swim surrounded by lush, tropical greenery and a view of La Cana’s golf course.
“One of my favorite things about this home is the lushness of the outdoor space,” says Chelsea. “You feel like you’re in the jungle with all of the great outdoor areas to hang out and relax with family and friends.”
When you’ve had enough pool time, take the golf cart to the gorgeous La Cana Beach Club for a beachside afternoon. Explore the beautifully designed clubhouse and outdoor areas, enjoy a refreshing beverage (or two) at the bar, or let us book a facial for you at the popular onsite Six Senses Spa, which features open air treatment rooms. Cap it off with a walk along the beach or time spent lounging by the water.
In the evening, Chelsea suggests having a private chef come in to prepare a lovely, personalized dinner for you in the home’s large kitchen. Enjoy a refreshing passionfruit and mango daiquiri and an appetizer of local empanadas while the chef prepares Punta Cana ceviche, roasted Dominican spice rubbed chicken, cassava gratin, and a baked coconut dessert for your dinner.
Day Two: Explore and Enjoy
For day two, grab the golf cart and spend the day exploring some of the resort’s amazing amenities. How about learning to kitesurf in the morning with lessons at Kite Club Punta Cana, located next to the Playa Blanca restaurant? Or horseback riding on the beach?
For lunch, step inside Playa Blanca to enjoy a menu of fresh, local seafood, grilled meats, and refreshing drinks. Or head over to the lovely Mare restaurant at the La Cana Golf & Beach Club for internationally inspired, wood-fired pizzas, salads, seafood, and more.
“You can’t go wrong with either of those options,” says Chelsea. “They both have excellent food and offer open air and outdoor dining with gorgeous views of the water.”
In the afternoon, head over to the 1,500-acre Ojos Indigenas (Indigenous Eyes) Ecological Park and Nature Reserve, located at the westernmost side of the resort community. Here you can follow a series of trails through a tropical forest that showcases the natural beauty and cultural history of the island, visit an onsite petting zoo or sugarcane exhibit, and even take a dip in one of the reserve’s private, freshwater swimming holes.
After a day out, some quiet time back at the residence may be needed. Enjoy more time by the pool or relax with a good book before getting ready for dinner.
For the evening meal, let us make reservations for you at Bamboo, the AAA Four Diamond Award-winning restaurant located at Tortuga Bay. They offer a unique menu of fusion dishes blending locally sourced ingredients with a Mediterranean influence. The décor is elegant but comfortable, with a dining room designed by Oscar de la Renta.
Alternatively, you can stay in and let the food come to you. Punta Cana now offers delivery service from all of the best restaurants within the resort. Let your Personal Travel Concierge take care of the arrangements for you.
Day Three: Party Boat, Shopping, and Fine Dining
For the final perfect day, Chelsea recommends getting up early and heading out of the resort and onto the water for a family-friendly boat excursion.
“A half-day trip on the Margaritas boat is a must-do when visiting Punta Cana,” says Chelsea. “They’ll pick you up in the morning for your trip and you’ll spend about three hours boating along the Bavaro coast, reef snorkeling, and swimming in a natural pool before heading back. Drinks, music, and snacks are provided, and the boat even has a slide at the back for guaranteed fun.”
If shopping sounds like a good way to follow up a fun-filled boat trip, check out the Galerias at Puntacana Village or BlueMall Puntacana. Both are near the airport, just minutes from the residence, and feature retail shops, a variety of dining options perfect for a quick lunch with warm, welcoming service.
With a few hours left before dinner, you may choose to play another round of golf – this time at Corales – visit the spa or Golf & Beach Club again if you prefer. Whatever you choose, your Personal Travel Concierge is happy to make it happen for you.
For dinner, Chelsea recommends La Yola. This elegant, AAA Three Diamond Award-winning restaurant is modeled after a fishing boat and rests above the sea at the Punta Cana Resort Marina. They are known for their fresh Mediterranean and Caribbean dishes and seafood, as well as their magnificent water views.
“It’s the best restaurant inside the resort,” says Chelsea. “And a great way to wrap up three perfect days here.”
At Home in Punta Cana with Equity Estates
Nestled within the lush, tropical landscapes, explore the Equity Estates luxurious villa in Punta Cana. Our 4,000+ square foot Equity Estates villa boasts a light-filled layout featuring open-air and thatched-roof stone walkways lined with greenery and water features. It’s the perfect location for a relaxing stay in the Dominican Republic.
Your visit to Punta Cana with Equity Estates can be the Caribbean vacation you’ve been dreaming of – whether you’re looking for a relaxing trip or one that’s filled with activity; whether you’re traveling with friends and family or in need of a quiet, couple’s getaway. We can help you make it happen. If you would like more information about investing with Equity Estates, please reach out to our Investor Relations team at 404.445.8501 or tap this link to schedule a call.
