What is the reservation process?  

Reservations are done directly through us.  When you are ready to book your vacation, we will need the following:

• The names (as they appear on their passports) of all the people to be included in the reservation,

• The name of the lead passenger for the reservation,

• The number of adults and children under 12,

• The name of the accommodation and size if applicable,

• And requested check-in and check-out dates

Once we receive this information, we will forward the information to the resort.  Within one week we will email you the resort confirmation and the rental agreement.  At this time, 50% of your total reservation is due to us, with the remaining 50% due 30 days prior to your arrival date.  If the reservation is within 45 days of arrival, or within 90 days of a holiday booking, 100% payment is due via PayPal due prior to submitting your reservation.

 

Is the all-inclusive mandatory?  

The all-inclusive fee is mandatory and payable to the resort upon arrival.  This includes your daily breakfast being prepared and served in Villa, your refrigerator stocked daily with water, soda, and beer, your complimentary liquor for your Villa/Suite, 2 parties each week and of course all you can eat and drink at 12 restaurants, 2 buffets and 30 bars throughout the resort.  Children age up to 3 are free, children ages 3 through 11 are 50% of the adult rate, children age 12 and above are charged at the adult rate.

 

 

Are there any other costs?  

There is a $10 cash fee to “enter the country” that is paid at the airport.  There is $5/$10 daily Resort Fee per person based on the accommodation payable to the resort upon arrival.

On Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve the resort holds a Gala Event with a mandatory fee of $80 per person, per event (children 3 to 11 are ½ price).  The fee is paid to the resort upon arrival.  There are no other required expenses.

 

What forms of payment do you accept?  

The rent is paid to Jim & Betsy Cochran through PayPal & Credit Cards.  There is a 4% handling fee added when paying via PayPal or Credit Card.

 

What payment method does the resort accept for the all-inclusive package?  

Visa, M/C, Discover, American Express, and cash (US Dollars and Pesos).  The resort does not add the VAT Tax when paying the all inclusive with a credit card, but your credit card company might charge you a foreign exchange fee.  You should contact your credit card company before arrival to check.

 

What is the currency?  

American currency is the most convenient.  The DR uses Pesos.  The Excursion Center has to add an 18% VAT Tax to credit card charges, so it's cheaper to pay for excursions with cash.  There is a currency exchange center and an ATM on property.  To avoid credit card fraud, we suggest using cash when making purchases off property.

 

What do I tip?  

There are no set tipping guidelines at the resort, however the staff works extremely hard and most guests choose to tip their favorite people.  We suggest bringing a lot of $1's and $5’s.  We do suggest tipping your maid, your personal chef(s), and your VIP Services Concierge, which can be done daily or at the end of your stay.  You may find that you will receive more personalized service if you tip the beach personnel when you receive your first order.  After dinner, we generally leave a couple dollars (per person) or more if the service was really good.  Again, this is not expected by the staff, however, they are grateful for anything.

 

Is the resort safe?  

The resort is a gated community where guests can see security personnel 24 hours a day.  There are security check points at various locations throughout the resort to ensure only authorized guests and employees are on the premises.

 

Are there set check in or check out days?  

You may check in or out on any day of the week and stay any number of nights (with a minimum of 4).  Please note that the Villas have a minimum stay of 7 nights during the months of February, March, April and July.

 

What airports can we fly into?  

The PREFERRED airport is Puerto Plata (POP) and is the closest airport to the resort, about 30 minutes away.  Santiago (STI) is the next closest airport, about 1 1/2 hours away.  We can provide free transfers to and from either of these airports. We recommend waiting to purchase airfare until after your reservation has been accepted for processing by the resort.

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How do airport transfers work?  

We arrange for your pick-up at the airport.  The resort requires airport transfers to be scheduled at least 1 week prior to arrival, which means any missed or cancelled flights will require guests to provide their own transportation to the resort.  

Airport transfers on your date of check-out are scheduled with your VIP Services Representative at the resort.

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Can we get transportation from the airport in the resort’s limo or helicopter?  

No, this is reserved for Members only.

 

Can we rent an additional golf cart? (Puerto Plata)  

No, the resort does not rent additional golf carts.  Subject to availability:

• You will receive one regular size golf cart with 2 rows of seats when you rent a 3 or 4 bedroom Villa. 

• You should will receive a three seat “limo” golf cart when you reserve a 5, 6, or 7 bedroom Villa.  If you happen to get split into 2 Villas you will receive 2 free regular golf carts with 2 rows of seats.  We are not aware of any other member that can offer this to their guests.

On the day of your arrival between 3:00PM and 6:00PM the lead passenger (listed on your Confirmation) may pick up your golf cart(s) with a valid Driver's License at the Golf Cart Center (located next to/behind the Tower).  There is a $50 USD refundable cash deposit required upon receipt of a golf cart.

 

Are the golf carts guaranteed? (Puerto Plata)  

No.  Members take priority, and golf carts are requested for the Villas, but are not guaranteed due to availability or in case of mechanical issues. 

 

Are there ways to get around the resort without a golf cart? (Puerto Plata)  

Yes, the resort provides a complimentary shuttle service which makes stops throughout the resort.

 

How do I receive the complimentary liquor for my Villa/Suite, and is there a limit?  

As Shareholder members with Chairman's Circle Club affiliation we are able to pass this member benefit on to you.  Complimentary liquor is available for any accommodation with a limit of 1 bottle per person per stay.  The order is placed in the morning and it can be picked up at The Vineyard Wine and Spirits between the hours of 2:30 and 5:30.  If for whatever reason you are unable to pick-up during these hours, they will keep it until the next day at 11:00 am.  Your first order can be picked up on the day following your arrival.

 

Are there excursions we can book through the resort?  

Yes, there are excursion centers scattered throughout the resort where you can book excursions after you arrive. 

 

Where can I get internet access?  

WiFi hotspots are available throughout the resort.  WiFi is available at the Villa check-in, in the Sports Bar, at the Half Shell Oyster Bar and on all of the VIP beaches.  WiFi is free in all Presidential Suite units.  WiFi is available in other accommodations for a USD$ fee per device / per week.

 

How do we make restaurant reservations?  

Restaurant reservations are made after arriving at the resort and will be made with your VIP Service

 

Is there a dress code?  

Yes, but general only applies to Dinner.  Most restaurants require at least slacks/Dockers and a collared shirt for the guys and a dress or pant suit for the ladies.  Lunch is casual, but no swimsuits or wet clothes are allowed.

 

Do the accommodations have safes?  

Yes.  Each Villa has one safe (free).  Other accommodations charge $20 a week or $3 per night for use of a safe.

 

Does the resort provide pool/beach towels?  

Yes, towels are provided for the Villa pools, and at all the resort pools and beaches. 

 

Do I need to bring power converters?  

The outlets at the resort are US compatible.

 

Is there a medical facility nearby?  

There is a medical facility on-site for immediate care.

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