About Our Destination

Currency

The local currency is the Dominican Peso, but US Dollars are accepted and can be exchanged at the resort if needed.

Languages

Spanish

Being Gay in the Dominican Republic

The beach towns in the Dominican Republic are very gay-friendly.

Climate

The weather is fairly consistent all year, with an average temperature of 86 °F (30 °C). The hot and humid season lasts from May to October and during the day temperatures might reach 95 °F (35 °C). From November to March, temperatures during the evening are around 68 °F (20 °C).

Before Your Trip

What’s Included and What’s Not

What is included?

• Accommodations for 8 days / 7 nights at the all-inclusive, oceanfront Punta Cana resort
• All meals while at the resort
• All beverages, including coffee, tea, soft drinks, bottled water, beer, wine and alcohol
• Personalized beach and pool service
• Expansive, centrally located swimming pool including an Infiniti Pool for use by Deluxe Oceanfront Suite holders
• Room accommodations featuring CD players, mini-refrigerators, bottled water (replenished daily), televisions, coffee makers, hairdryer, iron/ironing board and other standard comforts and amenities
• Access to a wide menu of exciting land and water sports including archery, beach volleyball, fitness classes, weight room, water aerobics, flying trapeze, windsurfing, kayaking, sailing, snorkeling, tennis, soccer, basketball and ping pong
• Round-trip airport transfers from the Punta Cana (PUJ) airport on arrival and departure day
• Olivia’s signature entertainment and programming
• Olivia staff assistance throughout

What’s not included?

• Airfare to and from Punta Cana (PUJ) airport
• Tips to local guides
• Optional excursions including sunset cruises, snorkeling, diving, ATV, deep sea fishing, sightseeing bus tours and oceanfront golf (extra charge)
• Resort services such as boutique, spa services, internet access and telephone / fax, (extra charge)

Travel documentation and identification

You will need a passport that is valid for six months past the date of the trip. If you are not a US citizen, please check with both your country’s consulate and the Dominican Republic consulate to make sure that you do not need an entry visa or other additional documentation.

Vaccinations

Please check with your local Public Health Department or personal physician regarding immunization requirements for all countries on your itinerary. You may also check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Web site at: www.cdc.gov. Just click on “Traveler’s Health” and then “Vaccinations.”

Travel insurance

We encourage all guests to purchase travel insurance. Olivia has recently partnered with Travel Guard to make things easier for you; you can now add your travel insurance when you book your trip, all in one call. In order to receive the most comprehensive coverage, please purchase your insurance within 15 days of your initial invoice. If you have questions about Olivia’s travel insurance, call (800) 631-6277 option 1 to talk to one of our travel consultants.

Joining the Olivia.com trip group

If you’d like to chat with people who are going on the trip, sign up for the official Olivia trip group, Olivia’s 40th Anniversary Punta Cana Resort.

Travel and arrival

Air travel

Where to fly into/out of

You will need to fly into and out of Punta Cana International airport (PUJ). The airport is approximately 10 minutes from the resort.

Suggested arrival/departure times

Arrive any time on May 18, 2013 and depart any time on May 25, 2013. Upon arrival, check in time is at 3pm. If you arrive early, you can store your luggage and enjoy the resort until your room is available.

Airfare

The AA discount code A9753AZ applies to flights in and out of Punta Cana (PUJ). Dates of travel are May 4 – 25, 2013. Airfare can be booked no earlier than 11 months before the trip. This reservation can be booked by calling 800-433-1790 ($25 booking fee applies) or visiting AA.com/rainbow (no booking fee and please remove the preceding “A” when booking online).

Olivia’s preferred travel agency

We are happy to partner with Panorama Travel, which provides excellent service and competitive airfares. For a small fee, they can also assist you with using your frequent flyer miles for free tickets and upgrades. You can reach them at 800-523-0093 or 503-682-6800.

Luggage allowances

While there is no luggage limit at the resort, airlines often restrict (or charge) for excess baggage. Because each airline is different, and the regulations change over time, please check with your airline for baggage allowances.

Transfers and Meeting up with Olivia

Getting to / from the resort

Roundtrip airport transfers are included on arrival and departure day.

Check in

Resort check in is at 3pm on May 18, 2013.

During your trip

Accommodations

Club Med’s Punta Cana Resort

Club Med’s Punta Cana Resort amenities include:

• Three all-inclusive restaurants featuring cuisines from around the world
• Two all-inclusive bars featuring premium alcohol and soft drinks
• Personalized beach and pool service
• Expansive centrally-located swimming pool (infinity pool for use by Deluxe Oceanfront Suite holders)
• Access to a wide menu of exciting land and water sports including archery, beach volleyball, fitness classes, weight room, water aerobics, flying trapeze, windsurfing, kayaking, sailing, snorkeling, tennis, soccer, basketball and ping pong

Room Accommodations

• CD player
• Mini-refrigerator
• Bottled water (replenished daily)
• Television
• Coffee maker
• Hairdryer
• Iron/ironing board
• Secure safe
• U.S. electrical outlets (110 volts)
• Other standard comforts

Dining

Seating policy

Meals are open seating. We offer a special solos dining area at each meal.

Samana

Samana is the air-conditioned restaurant that offers everyday cuisine (buffet-style) from around the world, from sushi to fresh fish to Italian specialties.

Hispaniola

Hispaniola serves breakfast, lunch and dinner with its traditional buffets and features a new, outdoor terrace overlooking the ocean.

Celeste Bar & Restaurant

The Celeste Bar & Restaurant offers all-day dining and personalized waiter service, featuring light fare such as hamburgers, salads and other grilled items.

Electricity

The rooms have 110 volt electricity, the same as the U.S.

Excursions

The resort offers a wide array of excursion options available at an extra charge. Offerings include catamaran snorkel trips, sunset cruises, scuba diving, deep sea fishing and golf outings at world-class courses. Excursions can be booked at the resort.

Gratuities

Gratuities are included in the cost of the trip.

Internet / e-mail / fax

There is an Internet Center at the resort with minute plans available. WiFi can also be used with your personal laptop under the internet plan. Pricing is posted at the resort and is subject to change.

Laundry and dry cleaning

Laundry and dry cleaning are available for a fee.

Medical services

There is an infirmary at the resort. Standard fees are charged for medical services.

Resort Account

Upon arrival, you will be asked to register your credit card to open a resort account. With a resort account, you can bill services and purchases to your room during your stay.

Phone

Each room has a phone. There is an additional fee to use this phone. Phone rates will be available at the resort.

Smoking policy

Smoking is not permitted in rooms or in public indoor areas. Smoking is permitted on balconies and in designated outdoor smoking areas.

Solo travelers

We will have a solos program at the resort, including a solos dining area at all meals.

Spa services

Indulge and relax at the resort's brand new spa featuring a mini infiniti pool for use when you book a spa treatment. Traditional massages, manicures, pedicures and spa packages are available for a fee.

After Your Trip

Didn’t find what you are looking for? Check out our Olivia travel FAQ. Or call us at 800.631.6277