Tuscan Escape

Tuscan Escape: La Altagracia

The beaches and golf courses of Punta Cana are at your doorstep when you stay at Tuscan Escape. Set on a rise overlooking a golf course and the ocean beyond, the estate has both gorgeous views and four beaches and two golf courses within an 18-mile drive. After a day by the sea or on the links, nine suite-style bedrooms and European-inspired interiors offer a luxurious welcome.

Though the villa looks like a historic Tuscan estate, it opens to state-of-the-art outdoor living areas, from a loggia with a sitting area and balconies to a separate pavilion with a barbecue, wet bar and al-fresco dining area. The jetted tub just off the house leads to a freeform pool and terrace with plenty of chaise longues and daybeds and views of the golf course and ocean. Inside, Tuscan Escape has a television and Wi-Fi and is air-conditioned.

The villa's surroundings may be lush and tropical, but as its name implies, its interiors have Italian elegance. Two beautiful indoor courtyards, one of which is topped by a stained-glass dome, bring to mind the conservatories of grand European estates. The large living room features coffered ceilings, neutral tones and two stately yet comfortable sitting areas, and the serene dining room can seat 24 guests with ease. In the fully equipped kitchen, white cabinets, stone counters and a breakfast bar are bright and welcoming.

Each of the nine bedrooms at Tuscan Escape has an en-suite bathroom, air conditioning and a television; one of the king bedrooms opens to the terrace and the other eight suites have balcony access. There are five bedrooms with king beds and four bedrooms with two queen beds each. The bedrooms' neutral tones, arched windows and doors, pale wood trim and statement chandeliers are based on traditional Tuscan style but have a few contemporary touches, too.

If you've come to Punta Cana for the beaches, don't miss Cap Cana Beach, just over a quarter-mile away, Juanillo Beach, 7 miles away, Blanca Beach, 9 miles away, and Bavaro Beach, 18 miles away. If you've come to lower your handicap, Punta Espada Golf Course is a 1-mile drive from the villa and Corales Golf Course is 11 miles away.