golf vacation

Inside the Jewel of the Dominican Republic’s Luxury Coast.

Have you ever been green with envy how an artist can magically transform a blank canvas in to an instant masterpiece? For decades, golfing legend Jack Nicklaus executed strokes of genius on fairways and greens but as his focus shifted to drafting blueprints outlining his vision for 18 holes, the results produced some of the most sought-after venues (400-plus around the world) to tee up a golf ball.

Such is the case with Nicklaus’ achievement at Punta Espada when it opened in 2006, his second course design (first was Hard Rock Golf Club at Cana Bay) in the Dominican Republic. Situated on prime shoreline acreage butting up against Caribbean’s turquoise waters, Nicklaus fashioned superb use of the setting by shaping eight holes where land meets the sea. Now, as Punta Espada celebrates its 25th anniversary, the Nicklaus touch will again be on display when the neighboring Las Iguanas Golf Course opens late 2026.

Both courses are located within the confines of Cap Cana, a sprawling 30,000-acre exclusive master-planned residential development and luxury destination that is double the size of Manhattan.

“At this time, approximately 35-40% of the property has been developed with hotels (there are nine and at least two more due to open within the next couple years), private housing, and condos, says Alexis Santana, Managing Director at Punta Espada. “Currently, there are roughly 5,000 people living in Cap Cana full time and depending on the season, flocks of snowbirds visit from the Northeast and Canada.”

Though not even halfway developed, there is no shortage of all the necessary infrastructure at Cap Cana, including power plant and water treatment facilities and, in addition to golf, a wealth of activities with eco-adventure and water parks, plus one of the Caribbean’s largest marinas serving as a gateway to some world’s best fishing. Once passing through the gate, according to Santana, “there’s no reason to go anywhere else.”

Especially, if they’re to experience golf.

I’d heard plenty about Punta Espada prior my visit – dramatic ocean holes, immaculate conditioning, one of the best in the Caribbean, if not the world – but none of that quite prepares you for the first glimpse of the coastline weaving in and out of the layout. The sea isn’t just a backdrop here. It’s a core element of the game.

Standing on the first tee, there was a breeze just strong enough forcing you to second-guess your club. That would become a theme as every hole seemed to beg the question: Are you sure about that shot? Eventually, I caught on to the notion that the best approach to playing the course is listen to your caddy.

The front nine of the 7,366-yard course eases you in, but not in a forgiving way – more like a conversation where the course is sizing you up. Fairways are generous until they’re not. Greens look receptive until you realize how subtly they repel anything less than a committed shot.

As for the holes along the ocean, there’s one standout where the fairway runs parallel to water so clear it acts as a major distraction before and during your swing. I stood mesmerized longer than I should have, not because I was deciding on a club, but because I couldn’t quite believe a golf hole could look like that and still demand precision. Unfair? Maybe. Thrilling to play? No question.

The back nine is where the course shows more teeth. Longer carries. Tighter approaches and greens that seem to hover near the ocean’s edge as if they might slip away if you’re not careful. Of note, the par-three, 13th demands a shot from an elevated tee to the ocean stretching endlessly behind the green with wind swirling from somewhere you couldn’t quite pin down.

With holes 10-18 currently open for play, the nearby Las Iguanas GC will differ a bit from its sister course in that it offers more movement on the fairways along with elevated compact greens. When totally complete, the overall length will be shorter but somewhat more challenging than Punta Espada. Either way, both Nicklaus adventures at Cap Cana can have the tendency to suck the handicap out of your game but it will be in the most enjoyable way possible.

To accompany Nicklaus’ masterful efforts, overlooking the Caribbean and just steps away from the first tee at Punta Espada is the five-star St. Regis Cap Cana Resort that raises the luxury bar for any golf trip to the D.R. Opened in 2025, the elegant architecture is complimented with extensive local artwork woven throughout the property, along with 200 guest rooms, swim-out suites and swanky residences, dining options, full-service spa, multiple pools, and direct beach access.

Serving as a showcase for Dominican culture, the St. Regis prides itself on tradition, exemplified by guests gathering every evening for the signature Champagne sabering ceremony, a ritual dating back to the days of Napoleon Bonaparte, celebrating the art of living well.

There are places built to impress and there are places built to tell the story of their destination. The St. Regis Cap Cana Resort was created to do both.