Puerto Plata International Gregorio Luperón Airport (POP): Approximate driving time is 20 minutes and distance is 12 miles (19.4 km.)

Driving directions from Puerto Plata International Gregorio Luperón Airport: Outside the airport, turn right and continue straight on the main highway, Av Sosúa Puerta Plata, to the resort area of Playa Dorada. Turn right into Playa Dorada and follow signs to the hotel.

Getting there: The best way is by taxis which charge fares in the $16–$25 range. Rental cars and limousines are also more than $36. Fees subject to change without notice. Rental cars are available online.

Getting around: The hotel is in a popular beach area so guests can walk to many shops and restaurants immediately around the hotel. A taxi or rental car is needed to get farther afield and taxi fare to the town of Puerto Plata is in the $5–$15 range. Fees subject to change without notice.

All-Inclusive Plan - Rate includes the following:

Not included: Lobster, fine wines, fine cuts of meat, imported liquor and beer; in-room safe (fee charged for use); laundry and dry cleaning; telephone calls; beauty shop services and massage.

El Patio - This air-conditioned, ŕ la carte dinner restaurant specializes in Mexican cuisine. Two seatings are held nightly, with reservations required.

Las Brasas - Featuring grilled items, this air-conditioned place serves ŕ la carte dinners in a pretty setting of red and white linens. Two seatings are held nightly, with reservations required.

El Trovador - Facing the sea with a front shaded by green awning, the open-air El Trovador serves Italian dinners. Two seatings are held nightly, with reservations required.

Las Olas - This place opens at night for pizza and ice cream.

Beach Club - This casual spot serves an afternoon barbeque buffet.

El Bohio - Located next to the "quiet" pool, El Bohio features fast foods such as burgers and hot dogs.

Mar Azul - From 11:30 PM until 12:30 AM, this is the place for late-night snacks.

Three bars offer drinks as part of the All-Inclusive Plan, with one, Mar Azul, serving until midnight.

The resort does not offer room service.

Amenity highlights: Large enough to hold up to 18 convivial soakers, a cool-water spa rises on a terrace above the main pool complex. The complex includes a large activities pool with a swim-up bar and three smaller pools, one for children. Isolated away from main-pool activities, a large, free-form "quiet pool" offers tranquil sunbathing and shade under thatched-roof palapas.

Insider tip: Guests enjoy complimentary access to a beachfront Caribbean disco at the resort's sister hotel, the Occidental Gran Flamenco, next door. Drinks are not part of the All-Inclusive Plan.

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