Why visit the Dominican Republic? When should you go? What should you do and see? Our team of villa experts is here to help you further plan your getaway. They’re answering questions about DR and its private luxury villas with exclusive resorts – get ready for adventure, endless sun, and lots of golf. 

The Villas of Distinction experts:
Steve Lassman, Vice President
Karen Jost, Marketing Director 
Carey Sackener, Villa Specialist 

What is your personal favorite thing about visiting the Dominican Republic? 

Steve: The fantastic golf courses and beautiful beaches.
Karen: It’s so easy to get to! There are lots of direct flights from the East Coast, and the villas are just a short drive from the airport.

What makes this destination different from other places in the Caribbean? 

Steve: I think you get a great value in the DR – the villas are wonderful, and the pricing is far better than for comparable villas on other islands. And again, you have a couple of world-class golf courses that can only be matched by very few other destinations. 
Carey: The resorts, like Punta Cana, are all-encompassing. The beach, golf courses, tennis facilities, fitness centers, and clubhouses are all within a few minutes’ golf cart ride from the villas.

What’s one of your favorite DR villas and why? 

Steve: Arricife 25 – I love the décor, and the location is excellent, with both a golf course and ocean views. I also love that you can combine it with Arricife 23 and 24 to create a large villa complex for many guests.
Karen: La Hamacas is a stunning beachfront villa with beautiful and vibrant hammocks throughout. The wooden structure feels like an ultra-luxe treehouse. Oceania at Cap Cana is another stunning waterfront villa. It sits on a cove with a private dock and kayaks. The water in the cove is a beautiful shade of blue and you can enjoy the view from the infinity pool.
Carey: Casa Carey. The location – you can walk to the beach or the clubhouse. Plus, there is an ocean view, huge pool, and an elevator.  

What have been some of the most popular DR villas this year? 

Karen: Tropical Dream is very popular. It has three swimming pools, a pizza oven, a sports court, and access to the Caletón Beach Club nearby. Arrecife 25 is also a customer favorite: great staff, golf course and ocean views. We already have guests booked there for the holidays and they are so excited.
Carey: Arrecife 23 and the Tortuga Bay villas, because of the great locations and rates. 

When is the best time to visit? 

Steve: Any time is a good time, although August 15 through November 15 is hurricane season in the Caribbean, so you will have more rain during this period, but you’ll also find lower pricing and fewer crowds. 
Karen: Lots of people go in the winter to escape the cold. But it’s a popular golf destination in the summer as well.

What is one thing you recommend visitors do or see while here? 

Karen: Watersports and zipling – also, swim in the Ojos Indigenas (“Indigenous Eyes”). It’s an ecological park with exhibits about the natural and cultural history of the area, plus freshwater pools where you can swim and see turtles.

What kind of variety can you find in the Villas of Distinction collection of DR villas?

Steve: You can choose from small or large villas, for two couples or 10 couples, for golfers or beach-goers – there’s something for everyone.
Karen: A lot of the villas are great for families or groups of golfers. Many are located right on the golf course.

What are the benefits of staying in a DR resort, like Punta Cana or Cap Cana?

Steve: You get the best of both worlds: restaurants on site, gated security in and out of the complex, available services – but you can still maintain your privacy.
Karen: You can play award-winning golf courses and enjoy very easy airport transfers. Plus, Enrique Iglesias has a home in the area, so you might have a celebrity sighting as well!
Carey: The staff provides great service, plus the beach, clubhouse, tennis, and golf are all easily accessible.

Do you need a car during a DR villa stay? 

Karen: It depends on where you stay. In Punta Cana, many of the villas have golf carts that you can use to access the local golf club, beach and beach club.
Carey: Golf carts can get you anywhere you want to go within most resorts. If you want to go to the grocery shopping or further sightseeing, you do need a car.

What local food should I try? 

Steve: Always try the local fish, and finish it off with a local hand-rolled cigar, if that’s to your liking.
Karen: Tostones! They’re crispy fried plantains. I had them with every meal. Chinola (passion fruit juice) is also popular and very refreshing. We bought the passion fruit at the grocery store and made our own at the villa. 

See all Dominican Republic villas. Or contact us at 800.289.0900 to speak to a qualified villa expert who will help you explore which luxury villa best suits you.