Hotel El Cortecito Courtyard, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Hotel El Cortecito in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, showcases the Caribbean vernacular architecture prevalent in locally-owned coastal accommodations before the dominance of large all-inclusive resorts. Developed from a fishing village in the late 20th century, El Cortecito became an early tourism hub, with modest inns like this one often built and expanded by local families. The hotel's design, featuring turquoise and terracotta exteriors, white balustrades, and open garden walkways, prioritizes natural ventilation and communal outdoor spaces. This style contrasts with the master-planned complexes that later defined Punta Cana's international tourism growth.

Photo taken in February 2016.