Xeliter Golden Bear Lodge

First-time guests should be forgiven for being confused when they first arrive here -- even several Cap Cana staff members are unaware that, though the Golden Bear is primarily an 98-unit association of condo owners (mostly from Latin America), nine of the condos are managed by the Xeliter company as rental units. For the most part, the crowd consists of older property owners, most of whose schedules revolve around openings at Punta Espada golf course -- there's a good reason every single photograph on the walls features Jack Nicklaus -- rather than the infinity pool with views of the ocean, or the four tennis courts on this 14-acre property.Part of the sprawling, gated Cap Cana development, which seems perpetually under construction, the hotel has yet to develop a distinctive style or personality of its own beyond, yep, those dimpled balls. Those who are mostly humoring Dad may find themselves quickly tiring of the golf-oriented surroundings and sky-high prices. (During our visit, we couldn't even find a place within 15 minutes that wasn't trying to charge us exorbitant amounts for a cup of coffee.) The golf-crazed, on the other hand, will have a blast.

Cap Cana is only a 10-minute drive from Punta Cana airport, and Golden Bear is about another 10 minutes of driving from the main entrance gate. Dedicated golfers can essentially go straight from customs to the links without experiencing any more of the local culture than the Spanish on the highway signs -- a plus or a minus, depending on your goals. The main resort destination in the area, along with its beaches and tourist-friendly amenities, is Bavaro, about 35 to 45 minutes away. In the high season, Cap Cana restaurants and shops limit hours or close down entirely, however, meaning that those long trips to Bavaro and Punta Cana will become less an option than a necessity for those who want to do anything besides play golf and eat at the one or two wildly overpriced restaurants adjacent to the course. Streets in Cap Cana tend to be poorly laid out and signed, making it easy even for locals to get lost.

Designed primarily as second homes for golf aficionados, the rental rooms at Golden Bear come with the amenities needed for long-term but not necessarily permanent stays. All but the Sutdios have kitchenettes, washer/dryers, and outdoor jetted plunge pools. Rooms have balconies that all face the ocean, and overlook what will become a nine-hole course designed by Jack Nicklaus. They also include comforts including air-conditioning, flat-screen satellite TVs, and CD players by the bed. Decor is modern Caribbean -- light tile floors, attractive wood and wicker furniture, and neutral color schemes with the occasional pop of orange, red, or yellow. Thoughtful artwork is mostly inspired by nature or the local culture -- framed photos of leaves, conch shells on display, and the like. Bathrooms all have walk-in showers and separate jetted tubs. 

First things first: Renters get discounted day rates at the Punta Espada golf course. Besides that, there are four tennis courts, with tennis pros available for hire, an infinity pool that includes a swim-up bar during the high season, and a spacious, modern gym. Dining options are available throughout the Cap Cana development and can be reached within a short drive, but there is no restaurant on the immediate premises. Guests who plan on staying at the Golden Bear Lodge for more than a night or two are advised to go on a grocery trip to the large, modern Nacional supermarket in Punta Cana Village by the airport, and stock up on needed supplies.