Luxury Travel

Cap Cana: Luxury, Leisure, and Legendary Golf

Robert Kaufman June 17, 2026

Travel

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.

Ariel view of Punta Espada Dominican Republic

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.

Just one of many ocean views at Punta Espada in the Dominican Republic

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.

Punta Espada – One of the best in the Caribbean, if not the world

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.

Holes along the ocean offer breathtaking views

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.

Las Iguanas GC will differ a bit from its sister course, somewhat more challenging than Punta Espada

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.

St. Regis Cap Cana Resort – Palm Suite with in-out pool

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.

Feasting in Paradise at Punta Mita

Robert Kaufman April 13, 2026

Pacifico GC_Tail of the Whale in background

Travel

Swings, Sips, and Sunsets at the Four Seasons Resort

There are golf trips—and then there are experiences that linger long after the final putt drops. The Punta Mita Gourmet & Golf Classic, set along Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit, is firmly in the latter category: a seamless blend of world-class golf, elevated cuisine, and coastal luxury that feels equal parts tournament and celebration.

After arrival at Aeropuerto Internacional de Puerto Vallarta, my 45-minute tequila express ride to Punta Mita, which sits on a 1,500-acre private peninsula, was simply the tip of the taco for what was forthcoming at this 14th annual four-day immersive event. Once entering the gated paradise that seems purpose-built for indulgence, I, for one, was going to have no issue participating while taking refuge for a few nights at the beachside Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita.

With a non-stop menu of outdoor activities from sunup to sundown at this five-star resort, including world-class fishing, scuba diving, three pools (including the Lazy River), racquet sports, or the Apuane Spa, the property’s defining recreational pursuit takes place on two Jack Nicklaus Signature courses.

To anyone who’s been around the game, it’s no secret the synergies between food, libations and golf are embedded into sport’s culture and as inseparable as tailgating and football. But when these ingredients are incorporated into four-day extravaganza at a world-class resort, it transforms into the Super Bowl of 19th holes!

Carl Emberson, creator of the Gourmet and Golf Classic, gets the festivities rolling on opening night

In conjunction with a two-day golf tournament, all participants are subjected to a gastronomical heaven with gourmet meals and interactive cooking classes presided over by acclaimed chefs, winemakers and mixologists from around the world highlighting Mexican flavors and global influences. And if that’s not enough, homegrown golf legend, LPGA Hall of Famer Lorena Ochoa, has served as the event’s ambassador since the event’s beginning.

Career hospitality aficionado, Carl Emberson, with a solid restaurant background and having held general manager roles at many high-end luxury hotels throughout Argentina and Brazil, was the catalyst for the Gourmet & Golf when he was the general manager at the St. Regis Punta Mita 15 years ago. Although, he finds it more appropriate to think of himself as a “destination creator.”

Fresh octopus highlighted one of the many flavors at the Gourmet and Golf Classic

“I always like to think outside of the box and create events that attract people to the destination,” says Emberson. “Like any event, the Gourmet & Golf started small with a few great chefs and involved both the Four Seasons and St. Regis and, of course, two great golf courses. Having grown to where the event is today, now we bring in about 20 chefs from around the world with roughly 50% from Mexico. But it’s not just about the food they’re known for but rather how they interact with the guests to make the experience unique. Ultimately, at the end of the day, the principal objective is to showcase Punta Mita.”

At the heart of the Classic are the Jack Nicklaus–designed courses: Pacífico (1999) and Bahía (2009). Both layouts are visually stunning, but Pacífico tends to steal the spotlight thanks to the famous “Tail of the Whale”—the world’s only natural island green. Whereas most all golf courses reserve its 19th hole for libations and storytelling, at the Pacifico layout, Hole 3B, playing 180 yards over the ocean to a tiny lava rock, is the story. The only bummer is, on most days, players are only able to donate a ball off the tee since the rocky cart path to the island green is submerged by several feet of water from the high tides.

“Tail of the Whale”—the world’s only natural island green

The official 18 holes, stretching to just over 7,000 yards, are characterized by wide fairways, generous greens, and constant ocean exposure (8 holes border the ocean), making it both playable and visually spectacular.

Jack Nicklaus–designed courses: Pacífico (1999) and Bahía (2009). Both layouts offer visually stunning views

Where Pacífico feels open and forgiving, Bahía, playing to 7,034 yards, is more textured and cerebral with more undulating fairways and tighter doglegs built across elevation changes. Nicklaus designed it to reward precision, angles, and smart club selection. The course also winds through a different part of Punta Mita than Pacífico as it plays through the grounds of the St. Regis Resort and luxury communities.

You’ll likely see some “local guests” along the way

Regardless of which course is being played, the format of the tournament provides plenty of stations set up at tee boxes where gourmet edibles and beverages are served to keep things social and engaging rather than overly competitive. After all, it might be the golf that draws you in, but the food is what elevates the experience into something unforgettable.

After being voluntarily holed up for a few days at a luxurious playground swinging and feasting around the fairways of life, I offer one bit of advice for future participants: begin the diet and sobriety regimen well in advance. And don’t forget to pack a few doggie bags.

Plan your escape: St. Regis Punta Mita Resort