You can get there.
AZB
The "new" express road is a work in progress in somebody's mind at this time. There is a clearing of the way from San Pedro towards La Romana to make a new road and that is the extent of it. There is talk of then having the road circumnavigate La Romana and continue on towards Punta Cana by circumnavigating Higuey.
You will have to go the route from Santiago through the capital onwards to Boca Chica. The new highway del Este from B.C. will speed you around Juan Dolio towards San Pedro and just before you enter S.P. you can opt to take the circumnavigation route around it. You will save about 15 min and having to mix up with the local traffic in S.P.,especially the moto's. You will continue on towards La Romana - Higuey - Punta Cana by the pre-existing roads. The travel time from Rio Ozama/Santo Domingo to Punta Cana is about 3 hours or so.
Detailed links below.
www.dr1.com/forums/showthread.php?t=27866&highlight=route+santo+punta+pedro
or
www.dr1.com/forums/showthread.php?t=23322&highlight=route+santo+punta+pedro
Once you arrive at the crossroads in Beron just before the Shell station you turn left towards the police station. The Melia is straight ahead on the same road just beyond the Barcelo resorts, about 10-11 kms from the crossroad.
Happy traveling and regards,
PJT