Natural beauty abounds at Cana Bay Palace Golf Club in the Dominican Republic

Located in the Dominican Republic city of Punta Cana, Cana Bay Palace Golf Club is one of the destination's newest golf courses and part of a newly planned resort and residential community.

It's also a partner with the new Hard Rock Hotel & Casino located across the street, and stay-and-play packages are available through the resort.

The golf course was designed by Nicklaus Design and opened in 2009. From the championship tees, it plays 7,253 yards and winds through native areas, exposed sand and rock. The course is seeded with paspalum turf from tee to green and plays firm and fast with small, sloping greens that make for difficult approach shots.

There is a mix of both natural, sandy waste areas and manicured bunkers that come into play on virtually every shot. Both the ninth and 18th holes take a page from the Nicklaus playbook: long par 4s that dogleg right around water to a well-protected green.

In addition to 18 holes, on site at Cana Bay Palace is a small pro shop, plus a full driving range and practice facility.