On the easternmost tip of the island is Punta Cana, site of several major vacation developments with more scheduled to arrive in the near future. Known for its 32km (20 miles) of white-sand beaches and clear waters, Punta Cana is an escapist's dream. Its 32km (20 miles) of white sands, set against a backdrop of swaying palm trees, are unrivaled in the Caribbean, and that's the chief and perhaps only reason to come here.

Many Europeans (especially Spaniards) rushed to take advantage of Punta Cana's desirable climate -- within one of the most arid landscapes in the Caribbean; it rarely rains during daylight hours. Capitalizing on cheap land and the virtually insatiable desire of Europeans for sunny holidays during the depths of winter, a half-dozen European hotel chains participated in something akin to a land rush, acquiring large tracts of sugarcane plantations and pastureland. Today, at least a dozen megahotels, most with no fewer than 500 rooms, some with even more, attract a clientele that's about 70% European or Latin American. The hotel designs here range from the not particularly inspired to low-rise megacomplexes designed by the most prominent Spanish architects.Some of them, particularly the Meliá Tropical & Caribe and the Barcelo Bávaro complex , boast some of the most lavish beach and pool facilities in the Caribbean, spectacular gardens, and relatively new concepts in architecture (focusing on postmodern interplays between indoor and outdoor spaces).

Don't expect a real town here. Although the mailing addresses for most hotels is the dusty and distinctly unmemorable Higuey, very few guests at any of these ever spend time there. Most remain on the premises of their all-inclusive hotels.

The LTI Beach Resort in Punta Cana offers tropical ambiance with European style. This all inclusive resort includes 4 restaurant options, 4 lounges, Fun Pub Beach club with BBQ, swimming pool, kids pool, pool jacuzzi, tennis courts, water sports center, kids club, beauty salon, and gift shop.

Size: 447 rooms, 47 Jr. Suites at Cayena Beach Club, 5 buildings, 2 floors
Built: 1999
Last renovation: 2003
Location:Higuey, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Important Notes
The Dominican Republic imposes various restrictions each year for Easter. The restrictions usually begin the Thursday prior to Good Friday, and run a few days past Easter Sunday. The following regulations may be enforced:

• Motorized watersports may be banned
• Non-motorized water sports may be limited, or banned
• Alcohol consumption may be restricted (most resorts obtain a special permit which enables them to serve alcohol to nonnative persons during the ban)
• Music may be limited or silenced

All-Inclusive Inclusions

• Buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner
• A la carte dinner options (restrictions apply - some items incur additional charges)
• Unlimited domestic beverages (International beverages incur additional charges)
• 24 hours food and beverage available (late nights offer open bar and light snacks)
• Daily activities including: aerobics, gymnastics, dance lessons, pool and beach games, table tennis, volleyball, basketball, darts, billiards,
• Nighttime activities including: traditional folklore
• Fun Pub entrance and beverages
• Non-motorized water sports including: sailing, windsurfing, kayaks, water bikes, snorkeling, boogie boards
• Smiley Club - supervised activities for children ages 4-12.
• Daytime tennis on clay courts
• Christmas and New Year's Eve Gala dinner
• Taxes and gratuities

Special Inclusions

• Honeymooners will receive a free room upgrade to seaview room (based on availability at check in), king size bed, fruit basket and bottle of rum, and a farewell souvenir. Valid on stays 7 nights or longer. Reservations must be commented at time of booking. Proof of marriage is required at time of check in. (Valid through December 20, 2005)

Hotel Amenities

• Babysitting services -Additional fees apply
• Baggage check
• Beach
• Computer/Internet access-Yes, additional fees apply
• Courtesy room
• Entertainment
• Jacuzzi
• Laundry facilities -Additional fees apply
• Lounges/Bars - 4
• Refrigerators
• Restaurants on premises - 4
• Room Service-additional fees apply
• Safety deposit box - Additional fees apply

Recreation

• Activities desk/Concierge
• Gameroom/Arcade - billirds
• Internet access -Additional fees apply
• Playground
• Swimming pools -2 outdoor, 1 children's
• Tennis courts - Yes, 2 clay courts
• Water sports available on premises - Yes (Motorized - Yes, Non-motorized - Yes) sailing, windsurfing, kayaks, boogie boards, water bikes and snorkeling are complimentary. Motorized incur additional fees.

• Miles from airport - 25 minutes
• Miles from beach - on the beach
• Parking