Costco Connection - September 2012

By T. Foster Jones

BACK IN A 2007 Costco Connection article, I observed that if you mentioned the Dominican Republic to someone on the East Coast you’d get a nod and a knowing smile, but that someone on the West Coast would likely provide a “Huh?” in response. What a difference five years makes.

“California has become the top departure
state for Costco members booking vacations
in the Dominican Republic through Costco
Travel,” says Jolene Schuerman, the Costco
Travel buyer for the Caribbean. “People on the
West Coast have discovered what a great des-
tination the Dominican Republic is. It’s easy to
get to and offers a great value.”
Located west of Puerto Rico, the
Dominican Republic (DR) is a Caribbean
destination popular with singles, couples and
families. It offers all-inclusive luxury resorts,
spas, championship golf courses designed by
the likes of Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer,
plus hundreds of miles of silky-fine white-
sand beaches and turquoise waters. Many of
the resorts, such as Majestic Colonial Punta
Cana and Majestic Elegance Punta Cana (two
of Costco Travel’s most popular DR resorts),
offer separate family and adult-only areas on
their properties.

Punta Cana’s beach is one of DR’s main attractions, stretching almost 35 miles. And because most beaches are public, you can stroll (or horseback ride) from one hotel’s beachfront to another.

The array of watersports options includes catamaran rides, kayaking, windsurfing and parasailing, observing marine life from glass-bottom boats, sport fishing, scuba diving (Punta Cana features the island’s longest coral reef—about 20 miles) and snorkeling.

Additionally, developers have created

Dominican Republic Discovering the

SIVORY PUNTA CANA BOUTIQUE HOTEL

Buyer’s
tıps

HERE ARE SOME tips to help you make the most of your Dominican Republic stay.

; Upon landing in the Dominican Republic, visitors must purchase a ( tourism tax) tourist card before clearing customs. The card costs US$10 per person and must be paid in cash.

; Many of Costco Travel’s DR packages include a $100 tour credit for exploring the island. Before you set off on your tour, remember to pack essentials, such as your camera, sunscreen and insect repellent.

; Motoconchos (motorcycle taxis) are a common mode of transportation for locals, but can be a bit wild and are not recommended for visitors.

; Venture outside your resort and experience the variety of delicious food in the local restaurants. Cuisines reflect a mixture of Spanish, African and Indian heritages, with a strong Latin American influence.

; Most resorts offer merengue and bachata lessons. Try these zesty dances.

; Browse for local gifts such as larimar, the Dominican amber that’s considered to be among the clearest and finest in the world.

; February is the ideal time to visit the Samaná Peninsula, where you’re likely to see humpback whales congregating off the coast. C

resorts that are designed to enhance visitors’
experiences in the area.
One example is Casa de Campo, a 7,000-
acre hotel, resort and residential community
unlike any other Caribbean destination.
Although it includes many of the luxury
amenities you would expect to find at an
all-inclusive, including Teeth of the Dog, the
Caribbean’s top-rated golf course, Casa
de Campo offers something unique: Altos de
Chavón, a highly detailed replica of a 16th-
century Mediterranean village, complete with
stone pathways, cobblestone streets, decora-
tive ironwork and enchanting buildings.
Handcrafted by Dominican artisans, the
village is the site of many fine restaurants,
boutiques, art galleries and museums, as well
as the acclaimed Altos de Chavón School of
Design, which itself is home to a 5,000-seat
amphitheater that has hosted live perfor-
mances by such artists as Sting, Gloria
Estefan, Shakira, Placido Domingo and more.
Although the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino
Punta Cana also offers the full array of activi-
ties and amenities of an all-inclusive, includ-
ing the largest casino in the area and a
Nicklaus-designed golf course, the resort
doesn’t ignore its musical roots.
For instance, this October 3 through 8, the
resort will host the All-Star Country Vacation,
a weeklong event featuring a variety of up-
and-coming musical stars selected from the
winners of American Idol, CMT’s Next Super-
star, The Voice and The X Factor. Festivities
include music, dancing and the Little Kids
Rock All-Star Country Concert for a Cause.

Exclusive offerings for members who have booked through Costco Travel include a special seating area during the main concert event, a private VIP dinner with the performers, a private meet-and-greet with the performers and a character breakfast for families and kids with The Little Big Club.

SHUTTERSTOCK

If the all-inclusive concept isn’t for you, try a boutique resort such as Sivory Punta Cana Boutique Hotel or a luxury resort,

Jolene Schuerman Costco Travel buyer

The Costco Connection To see all of Costco Travel’s Dominican Republic packages, call 1-877-849-2730 or click Travel at Costco.com.

SEPTEMBER 2012 ;e Costco Connection 71 such as Balcones del Atlantico, located on the Samaná Peninsula. This area is world renowned for its eco-tourism and whale-watch-ing adventures.