Tortuga Bay Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

“My tastes are simple; I only like the best.”

(Oscar Wilde)

I like the best, doesn’t everyone? With that in mind, it was during my quest to uncover the Dominican Republic’s finest that I discovered Puntacana Resort and Club’s Tortuga Bay, a private enclave of beachfront villas within the expansive property. At first glance it was obvious that many of the resort’s amenities are a result of its geographic positioning—one of the Caribbean’s picture postcard perfect locales with sugary white beaches, bathtub warm turquoise water and infinitesimal horizons. But after my comfy stay it was the perks delivered in subtle style (and typically reserved for top-tier VIP’s) that captured my attention.

Let’s start at the beginning—my airport arrival. Stuck sitting in the back of the plane, my fate was apparent. I’d be one of the last to disembark and one of the last through immigration, losing perhaps a couple hours of the precious afternoon sun in the process. But I was wrong. Seeing a young woman at the base of the stairs holding a sign with my name, my dread changed to welcome. Thus was my introduction to Tortuga Bay’s “VIP Whisking Service, ” a custom treatment given to every guest, which means a personal escort to the front of the line, a private car and an ice cold drink before being reaching the resort. That’s what I call arriving in style.

Set on a grassy lawn mere yards from a three mile stretch of private beach called the Coconut Coast, the yellow and white villas are perfectly sited for daily over the water sunrises, one of the many surprises. Whether on your patio or on the sand, it’s a prime setting for early morning coffee. A stay here translates to personal use of your own golf cart (your transportation throughout the 105 acre resort) and a private cell phone connecting you 24/7 to the villa manager, whose job is to ensure that your every request is met.