When we think of Oscar de la Renta, the first vision that comes to mind is an elegant, sophisticated and breathtaking gown. Known for dressing Hollywood’s A-list crowd — everyone from Cameron Diaz to Anne Hathaway has worn one of his creations — what you may not know about the designer are the villas he’s designed at Tortuga Bay in the Dominican Republic. Oscar, who was born in the Dominican Republic, also has a home on the island too, which explains his affection for this sunny destination. A chairman on the board of the Puntacana Group, who is responsible for the country’s airport it built about two decades ago, the group also owns the luxurious Puntacana Resort and Club, parent to Tortuga Bay.

As the only AAA Five Diamond resort in the country, Tortuga Bay is a stunning property any descerning traveller would surely agree is up to par. Each villa suite is designed by the one and only Oscar de la Renta, who infuses his Dominican heritage into the designs, resulting in a balance between elegance and simplicity. The resort itself offers top notch service, from the moment you land. Private transportation to the resort, after you’ve been whipped through the VIP customs line, a private concierge (plus your own mobile to contact your concierge), and collection of eight world-class restaurants, including the Mediterranean restaurant Bamboo, also designed by Oscar, is just a small overview of what this resort offers its guests. When it comes to resorts in the DR, this definitely tops the list!