Buzzworthy: Tortuga Bay, Dominican Republic

Vogue applauds the newest boutique on the "beach-blessed east coast of the Dominican Republic," its glamorous villas designed by Dominican-born Oscar de la Renta. Travel and Leisure describes a gorgeous tropical oasis, where "the only contact to the outside world is a golf cart, a satellite TV hookup, and a cell phone connection to a concierge." Tortuga Bay is located within the Puntacana Resort and Club, which boasts extensive facilities: two golf courses (the one designed by Pete Dye and the other by Tom Fazio), eight restaurants, five bars, and glorious stretches of private white sand beaches. Yet Tortuga Bay is blissfully private and quiet. The 50 suites (situated within 15 villas) were designed by Oscar de la Renta, both inside and out, graced with locally crafted mahogany and rattan furniture. Guests enjoy use of a golf cart (to navigate the awesome facilities, including Puntacana's spa), and are pampered by impeccable service from the personal villa manager who organizes all details of their stay. Needless to say, the stars are flocking to the DR to be pampered with Tortuga Bay's low-key luxury. Summer rates start at $650 for a one-bedroom suite. Related Articles: Vogue, "Travel: Bathing Beauties" Travel and Leisure, "The New Gold Coast" (June 2006)