Even in a country as synonymous with sun and sand as the Dominican Republic, Cap Cana stands apart. This private, master-planned enclave on the country’s eastern coast has quietly become one of the Caribbean’s most prestigious destinations — where Jack Nicklaus–designed golf courses meet white-sand beaches, luxury resorts, and a sense of safety rarely found at this scale.
Once known mainly to real estate investors and yacht owners, Cap Cana has evolved into a full-fledged vacation destination for travelers who want refined Caribbean luxury with a sporting edge. With its newest course, Las Iguanas, opening its first nine holes this year and a new nonstop flight from Denver to Punta Cana debuting at the same time, Cap Cana’s moment has officially arrived.
From Punta Espada to Las Iguanas: Cap Cana’s golf evolution
Cap Cana’s Punta Espada Golf Club, designed by Jack Nicklaus, is ranked among the best courses in the Caribbean and anchors the region’s growing reputation as a luxury golf destination.
(Cap Cana)
When Punta Espada Golf Club opened in 2006, it immediately changed the conversation about golf in the Caribbean. Designed by Jack Nicklaus and his signature course design firm, the par-72 layout, carved into limestone cliffs and set against a turquoise coastline, sets a new standard for scenic play. It’s consistently ranked by Golfweek as the number one course in the Caribbean and Mexico, and by Golf Digest among the “World’s 100 Greatest Golf Courses.”
Eight of Punta Espada’s holes play directly along or over the sea — a design feature that has made it a bucket-list experience for pros and serious amateurs alike. Its visual drama has drawn comparisons to Pebble Beach and Kapalua, yet its atmosphere feels more private and serene.
Now, nearly two decades later, Cap Cana is expanding that legacy with Las Iguanas Golf Course, also designed by Nicklaus. The first nine holes opened in 2025, with the full 18 set to follow. Built with sustainability in mind, Las Iguanas seamlessly integrates the area’s natural contours, native vegetation, and stunning sea views, while preserving the land’s original topography.
“Each new project reaffirms our commitment to excellence, sustainability, and creating spaces that invite people to enjoy the best of nature and sport in an atmosphere of responsible luxury,” said Jorge Subero Medina, Executive President of Cap Cana, at the course’s inauguration.
With Punta Espada and Las Iguanas less than 10 minutes apart, Cap Cana now offers a two-course circuit that cements its place among the Caribbean’s elite golf destinations — rivaling the likes of Casa de Campo’s Teeth of the Dog and Barbados’s Green Monkey.
Beyond the greens
Beyond the golf courses, Cap Cana offers outdoor adventures like Scape Park, a nature and water park where visitors can zipline, swim in cenotes, and explore caves.
(Cap Cana)
Cap Cana’s appeal extends far beyond its fairways. Spanning over 30,000 acres, this gated community was envisioned as a “city destination” where natural beauty meets modern infrastructure. Its layout combines lush golf courses, private beaches, a world-class marina, and discreetly luxurious resorts.
Safety is one of its most defining characteristics. With a private security network and controlled entry points, Cap Cana feels worlds away from the bustle of nearby Punta Cana. Streets are immaculate, beaches are quiet, and it’s common to see guests jogging, cycling, or dining outdoors long after dark.
For non-golfers, the options are plentiful. Scape Park, a natural adventure area within the enclave, offers ziplining, cave exploration, and swimming in cenotes. The Marina Cap Cana hosts international fishing tournaments and luxury yacht excursions. Meanwhile, Playa Juanillo, a long stretch of white sand with calm turquoise water, is one of the Dominican Republic’s most idyllic beaches.
Dining here has also evolved far beyond resort fare. More than 100 restaurants dot the enclave, ranging from high-end Dominican and Italian cuisine to Nikkei and tapas bars overlooking the marina. The result is a community that feels equally designed for residents and travelers — a rarity in the Caribbean.
Where to stay
Opening in 2025, the St. Regis Cap Cana Resort brings 200 rooms, ocean-view suites, and nine restaurants to one of the Caribbean’s most exclusive coastlines.
(Cap Cana)
Cap Cana’s growing collection of luxury resorts caters to every kind of traveler, from all-inclusive loyalists to villa-seeking privacy purists.
The St. Regis Cap Cana Resort
Opened in October 2025, the St. Regis Cap Cana brings 200 rooms and suites, nine restaurants, and an ocean-view spa to the region. Positioned near the new Las Iguanas Golf Course, the property is already drawing attention for its contemporary Caribbean design and signature St. Regis butler service.
Eden Roc Cap Cana
The Relais & Châteaux-affiliated Eden Roc remains one of the Dominican Republic’s most exclusive hotels. Its 65 suites and villas come with private pools, personal golf carts, and access to the private Caletón Beach Club. It’s a favorite among celebrities and couples looking for total privacy and Michelin-level dining.
Sanctuary Cap Cana, A Luxury Collection Resort
Perched on a clifftop overlooking the Caribbean Sea, this adults-only resort delivers a blend of grandeur and intimacy. With its Spanish colonial architecture, five à la carte restaurants, and spacious suites (many featuring swim-up terraces), Sanctuary has become a top choice for honeymooners and couples who prefer quiet luxury.
Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana
Set on the powder-soft sands of Playa Juanillo, the Hyatt Zilara offers an energetic yet upscale adults-only vibe. Guests enjoy access to multiple restaurants, a sleek beachfront pool, and privileges at the family-friendly Hyatt Ziva next door — ideal for groups with mixed travel styles.
Secrets Cap Cana Resort & Spa
This adults-only resort combines contemporary design with a romantic beachfront setting. Its spa and infinity pools attract wellness-minded travelers, while its restaurants and beachside bars lend the property a lively social energy that remains refined.
Getting there from Denver
Cap Cana’s marina is just a 15-minute drive from Punta Cana International Airport, now accessible via United’s new nonstop flight from Denver.
(Cap Cana)
Until recently, traveling from the Mountain West to Punta Cana required at least one connection. That changed in October 2025 when United Airlines launched Denver’s first-ever nonstop flight to Punta Cana. The new service operates daily year-round, with reduced frequency during early fall, and adds both a new destination and a new country to Denver International Airport’s growing international network.
“It’s another landmark day for DEN as we continue to expand our international reach, opening yet another new gateway for Coloradans to travel to Latin America,” DEN CEO Phil Washington said in a press release. “Bravo to United Airlines for their continued expansion and their strategic efforts to further strengthen the depth and breadth of service offered from DEN.”
With more than 55,000 annual passengers already traveling between Denver and Punta Cana, the route was an obvious addition. For golfers and luxury travelers, it’s a game-changer: a direct flight that connects the Mile High City to the Caribbean’s most elite new golf destination.
Once on the ground, Cap Cana is just a 15-minute drive from Punta Cana International Airport — close enough for convenience, far enough to feel secluded.
Why Cap Cana stands out
What sets Cap Cana apart from other Caribbean resort areas is its balance of polish and privacy. The destination’s infrastructure rivals that of established international cities — with reliable roads, modern hospitals, and a bilingual workforce — but the atmosphere remains relaxed and low-key.
The focus on sustainability is another differentiator. From the environmentally sensitive design of Las Iguanas to the Cap Cana Foundation’s ongoing biodiversity projects, the enclave’s commitment to “responsible luxury” is evident. Golfers here don’t just play; they participate in a landscape designed to endure.
For travelers, that means a rare kind of peace: one where the environment feels cared for, the service feels personal, and the pace feels slower than life back home. Whether you’re planning your first golf getaway or want a refined Caribbean escape that blends design, nature, and safety, Cap Cana delivers — one fairway, one oceanfront suite, and one perfect sunset at a time.
