Tortuga Bay Hotel

What's it like to sleep in fashion icon Oscar de la Renta's bedroom? Drink a cocktail in his living room? Or sun by his pool? Staying at Tortuga Bay is the closest most people will get to knowing what it's really like since De la Renta designed the entire property (he was also born in nearby Santo Domingo and has a private home just down the road). If the resort is any indication, the answer is that it's posh, yet profoundly relaxing. Every pillow, lampshade, and custom piece of furniture feels purposefully designed for the hotel. Sophistication and understated luxury are clear throughout every room and common area. The decor and atmosphere are both reserved and elegant, yet simple. The beach, the pool, the bar, and the indoor/outdoor restaurant are designed for intimacy and romance.

From the second they arrive at Punta Cana Airport, Tortuga Bay guests are given unbelievable treatment. Guests are provided VIP service (including priority clearance through customs and immigration and access to an exclusive lounge), plus free shuttle transfers to/from the airport.

Most guests are happy to keep to themselves, which ensures plenty of privacy in almost every common area, but there’s also a distinct lack of a social scene. While children are welcome, the majority of guests are honeymooners or vacationing couples seeking a quiet retreat far from Punta Cana’s hard-partying all-inclusive resorts.

The surrounding Puntacana Resort is Punta Cana’s most exclusive community. It’s a sprawling development that feels like a luxury town-within-a-town, complete with multiple golf courses, restaurants, residential communities, and a 1,500-acre nature preserve. But guests won't get even a glimpse of the real Dominican culture here, which is a shame. The hotel is situated on a quiet residential street surrounded by million dollar vacation homes and primary residences. There’s nothing within walking distance, however, the hotel offers free shuttle service throughout much of the resort grounds (including to the Six Senses spa, golf courses, and off-property restaurants).

Every room is situated in a small, freestanding canary yellow building with either one or two other rooms, to maximize privacy. Interior decor is awash in dark wood furnishings, marble flooring, and tasteful, island-inspired accents. Four-poster beds are topped with a wicker canopy. Rattan chaise armchairs look elegant paired with framed drawings of leaves and fish. Overall, the look is tastefully tropical and subdued.

Junior Suites feature spacious, studio-style layouts with a single king bed or two queen beds. Two-, Three-, and Four-Bedroom Villas upgrade to substantially more floor space with separate living and dining areas. All feature kitchenettes and French doors that open to a private balcony or terrace with sweeping sea views. The list of amenities includes: free Wi-Fi, large flat-screen TVs, and premium minibars with liquor and cigars (for a fee). Guests are also provided free cruiser bikes and golf carts to help them explore the property. A dedicated cell phone connects to a personal butler with full concierge service for on- and off-property dining, transportation, and activities.

Bathrooms are modern, luxurious, and spacious. Fit and finish is impeccable and includes limestone flooring, marble countertops and bath surrounds, and ornate wood trim. Most bathrooms include jetted tubs, separate glass shower stalls, and Oscar de la Renta bath amenities. Evening turndown service can include flower petals in the bathtub and treats like chocolate truffles.

The hotel’s features are as luxurious as the rooms. The highlight is the stretch of semi-private beach that's among the best in Punta Cana. It’s small, but more than adequate for the limited number of guests to spread out and claim loungers. The turquoise water is postcard-worthy and calm enough for swimming or snorkeling almost anytime of year. Paddleboards and kayaks are free to borrow. Guests looking for more adventurous water sports can head to Playa Blanca where the winds and waves are strong enough for kiteboarding and surfing.

Bamboo is the only on-site restaurant and offers indoor and outdoor dining, plus free continental breakfast. Like the hotel, the vibe is sophisticated and upscale, but relaxed. The a la carte breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus include gourmet selections. The latter two meals consist of Mediterranean-inspired dishes, organic vegetarian options, and locally sourced seafood like lionfish. Room service is also available for a fee.

The singular pool is modestly sized, but immaculate. A single row of lounge chairs lines one side of the pool deck, set below towering tropical greenery to ensure adequate shade. Food and beverage service is available from the adjacent bar.

The Puntacana Resort & Club where the hotel is situated features a long list of additional amenities that Tortuga Bay guests have access to. Several restaurants, beaches, and numerous other facilities at The Westin Puntacana Resort & Club are open to Tortuga Bay guests. The Six Senses Spa is a world-class spa and salon with an extensive list of massage and beauty treatments, hydrotherapy rooms, a sauna, and a private pool.

The fitness room is bright and mostly modern, though it's modest for a hotel of this caliber. Private and semi-private yoga classes are available for a fee. Fast, free Wi-Fi is available property-wide, including at the beach. Valet parking is free. For shopping, there's a 1,000 square foot boutique that sells Oscar de la Renta fashions and other items hand-picked by the designer.

The 18-hole La Cana golf course at the Punta Cana Estates property, which surrounds Tortuga, was designed by Pete Dye. Fourteen of the 18 holes run along the ocean, and the course has been highlighted in "Golf Digest." Greens fees aren't as steep as you might expect, and there are reduced afternoon rates. Two additional golf courses are nearby,