Puerto Plata International Gregorio Luperón Airport (POP): Approximate driving time is 30 minutes and distance is 13 miles (21 km.)

Driving directions from Puerto Plata International Gregorio Luperón Airport: From the airport, turn right and continue on Av Gregorio Luperón to the Costa Dorada resort sign. Turn right into resort area, then turn left, and the hotel is ahead.

Getting there: There is no shuttle bus from the airport so a taxi is the easiest way. Fare is $16–$25. Rental cars are another option and are more than $36. Fees subject to change without notice. Rental cars are available online.

Getting around: The resort is next to only one other hotel (Iberostar Costa Dorada) so for more shopping or dining choices, guests can leave the hotel area and travel into the town of Puerto Plata. Public buses stop just outside the resort area and charge less than $5 for the ride compared to taxi fare of $5–$15. Fees subject to change without notice.

All-Inclusive Plan - Rate includes the following:

Not included: Lobster, fine wines, bottled beer (imported or Dominican), box lunches, dinners at the Caribbean Grill, and room service; in-room safe; laundry (no dry cleaning available); medical services; telephone calls, Internet access; fax and copying services; night tennis; child care; and spa services.

La Guama - Offering palapa-covered and outside seating, this casual beachside spot serves a hot/cold buffet of salads, soup, sandwiches, and main courses along with fast foods such as pizza, burgers, and hot dogs.

El Charro - In the evening, La Guama dresses up in table linens and becomes El Charro, a Mexican à la carte restaurant featuring choices such as salmon with tequila sauce, beef with coriander sauce, and seafood enchiladas. Reservations required.

Caribbean Grill - Not part of the All-Inclusive Plan, this spot offers all-you-can-eat dinners at a modest fixed price. Selections include seafood-stuffed pineapple and shrimp hot pot. Located above the Tubano Bar, the restaurant also offers lawn seating near the lobby.

Tubano Bar - Offering karaoke after dark and tropical drinks day and night, this casual spot caters to the lively set.

La Cohoba - Open 24 hours for drinks and gaming machines, this air-conditioned place becomes a disco at night and offers sports-bar television and pool tables around the clock.

Room service is available 24 hours a day (no alcoholic beverages), but is not part of the All-Inclusive Plan.

Amenity highlights: Shaped like a voluptuous Y containing a garden isle, the vast pool includes sections for children, activity, and quiet. Little thatch-roof palapas offer shade. Along the sunny beach, large trees supply shade in the rear while gentle surf hisses on light-colored sand. Weekly, an outside dance troupe's rhythmically super-charged (and sexy) Dominican folkloric show electrifies the theater audience.

Insider tip: In late afternoon, as pool aerobics and beach volleyball occupy vigorous guests, sundeck dwellers walk barefoot to a shady arbor for crustless sandwiches and made-to-order sweet or savory crepes.

The recreational activities listed below are available either on site or near the hotel; fees may apply.