A beautiful island in the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic is known for Punta Cana and the all-inclusive resorts that line the coast. I have had the pleasure of experiencing multiple resorts at different ages in my life, and I can truly say that I have had fun every time. No matter your age or what you are hoping to get out of your vacation (families, honeymooners, spring-breakers, couples), there is a resort for you.
Imagine waking up to perfect weather and the view of the ocean from your window. Having as much food and drink as you want without having to pull out your wallet. Spending the day in the crystal clear water or the pool relaxing or doing provided activities. Going to bed at night knowing that you have nothing to do the next day except live the same great relaxing vacation day all over again. Sounds great, right? If the picture I’ve painted for you hasn’t convinced you already, here are 5 reasons that keep me going back to Punta Cana.
THE SUN
This island is blessed with the most beautiful 85 degree sunny weather with a year round subtle breeze to keep you cool. You don’t really have to worry about being cold, and you don’t really have to worry about being hot. One caveat to this is that you need to remember that the sun is most likely much stronger than where you are from. The second time I was there, I had accidentally let myself turn into a lobster by lunch time. And when I say lobster, I mean lobster. I had sun poisoning and couldn’t go out the next day. I was so desperate to feel better that I tried lathering my skin in yogurt (a remedy that a local told me might work. I still don’t know if I was the punch line to a joke on that one). Heed my warning; wear your sunscreen and REAPPLY!
THE DRINKS
Talk about the perks of all-inclusive. From the time you leave your room until you decide to close your door at night, you can order whatever drink you want, all without ever having to pull out your wallet. Is there a drink you’ve always wanted to try, but didn’t want to risk getting because you didn’t want to hate it and be stuck with paying for it? You can now try it! It’s also amazing that there are so many different venues to indulge in said drink – the beach, the pools, the bars, the restaurants, the discoteca and more. You can get whatever you want, but I think at least once, you have to try the Dominican Republic specialty, Mamajuana.
THE STAFF
Mostly native Dominicans, I swear that these people are some of the most energetic and happy people that I have ever met. And believe me, the people that surround you on vacation can make or break your stay. If the staff is having a good time, chances are you will also have a good time. At check in I felt so welcomed, at meal time I felt like they were more excited to serve me than I was to eat, and during the day they are always friendly and greeting you, and making sure that you are having a good time.
This is also especially important if you plan to leave your kids with them at the kids club at any point in your stay.
THE ENTERTAINMENT
From action packed water activities to shopping at the cultural expo, there is always something that you can do if you feel like taking a break from lounging on the beach. One of my favorites has been taking salsa dancing lessons on the beach from a passionate staff member who made even those with 2 left feet have fun without feeling embarrassed. I’ve also been able to hold a talking parrot and a little monkey. At night I enjoy going to the cultural shows or playing cards at one of the bars (the discoteca isn’t for everyone). They also offer excursions that you can take if you feel like getting out of the hotel for a while. My favorite has been snorkeling with stingrays and nursing sharks.
Depending on the resort you choose, there are also tons of things for kids to do as well. I have actually been a little bit envious of the kids club a time or two.
THE ESCAPE
Being able to actually be on vacation without any other worries (like figuring out the rental car, worrying about getting pick pocketed, hoping you get to the museum with enough time to explore before it closes) is such a nice change of pace. You get to completely let your mind go while relaxing at the beach or sunbathing by the pool, and make all of your decisions on a whim. It’s a vacation where you can let go and enjoy laughing, because WHY NOT?!
I hope I have inspired you to take a trip to the Dominican Republic. It is a great place and relatively cheap compared to other vacation options. This is a destination to consider if you are really looking to relax and let loose. You may not really find much cultural goodness here.