We’re back with another episode! Listen as we weigh in the pros and cons about all-inclusive trips vs visiting a destination and exploring on our own. …
Are All-Inclusive Resorts Right for You?
Many years ago, when travel was not even an interest of mine, I would often see those all-inclusive resort commercials pop up on my TV …
A Quick Guide to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Are you planning a trip to Punta Cana? Here is some essential information for planning your Caribbean vacation.
Brief History
When you think of Punta Cana, what is the first thing that comes to mind? All-inclusive? Well, you’re right! Punta Cana became an all-inclusive resort territory in the 1960s when it was bought by American investors. The building of lavish resorts began soon after with others jumping on the opportunity to open hotels along Punta Cana’s beautiful white sand beaches. In fact, the Punta Cana airport was built in participation with famous singer, Julio Iglesias, Club Med, Oscar de la Renta and others.
Quick Facts
- Punta Cana faces both the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean
- Spanish is the official language in the Dominican Republic however, English is widely spoken in touristy areas – especially Punta Cana
- Currency is the Dominican Peso (or Pesos) but US cash is also accepted
- Bring a poncho or umbrella if you plan on being out in particularly the rainy season of March – July
- Punta Cana is located in La Altagracia Province in the southeast of the Dominican Republic
- We were advised to not drink water from the tap (which we didn’t) since our stomachs aren’t used to the local microorganisms in their water it will make you a little ill. Hotels normally provide bottled water in your rooms. They also serve filtered water throughout the property.
Where to Stay
There are many beach front resorts and hotels scattered around Punta Cana so to narrow down your choices, search for a place in your preferred price range. You should also look at what activities, food and entertainment are provided because not every hotel or resort will offer the same things. We stayed at Club Med Punta Cana which you can read about here. It is a beautiful resort! Zen Oasis is their new adult-only zone but they do offer accommodations for families around other parts of the resort.
Excursions
The possibilities are endless! You can go horse back riding, fishing, hiking, shopping in Higuey city, but it will cost you! We really wanted to venture off the resort and see the real Dominican Republic, so we did a day trip with Outback Adventures. We visited some local schools, toured a farm, a Dominican home, experienced the countryside in the Anamuya Mountains and much more! If you’re really feeling up to it, you can take a bus tour to Santo Domingo which is 2 1/2 hours away and spend a day there (be prepared for a long day though!)
If you visit Punta Cana and you’re feeling adventurous I really think you should get off the resort because there is so much to do and see!
I’d like to thank Lonely Planet for providing our Dominican Republic guidebook. It really helped us prepare for our trip! As always, my opinions are my own.
All-Inclusive: Club Med Punta Cana
Tucked away where the Caribbean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean, is the all-inclusive Club Med Punta Cana in beautiful Dominican Republic. We stayed in their newest addition to the property, Zen Oasis which you can read about here.
This all-inclusive resort has 631 rooms making it Club Med’s largest Caribbean resort. It also offers accommodations and activities for all types of travelers from couples to families.
There are Sports Schools available for almost any sport you can think of trying such as tennis, yoga, fitness classes and more! The trainers are committed to working with you to excel at your choice of sport. I absolutely loved the archery school, it made me feel like Katniss from The Hunger Games!
Activities
You can also try your hand at water sports with or without a trainer. We took a sailing class with our trainer, Ryan. I was a nervous at first, but he was informative and I felt safe sailing out on the ocean with him – thank you Ryan!
Another great addition to Club Med is CREACTIVE by Cirque du Soleil where you can test your limits and learn how to fly on a trapeze, face paint and much more. There are 30 recreational and acrobatic activities for children and adults at Club Med’s immersive CREACTIVE playscape. You’re going to work up an appetite with all the activities at Club Med Punta Cana, which is a good thing they have 3 bars and 3 restaurants.
Dining
Hibiscus Bar & Lounge, Cielo and the Indigo Beach Lounge Bar are fully stocked with tasty beverages and snacks. Hispaniola is an international buffet open for certain meals during the season. They were serving breakfast and lunch during out visit. The restaurant sits on a terrace overlooking the ocean.
Dinner at Samana is an absolute must! There is an international cuisine buffet complete with appetizers, breads, fruits, cheeses and desserts. You can also order wine with your meal at no cost (unless you want a special brand – you can buy a bottle at La Cave.)
Indigo Beach Lounge Restaurant offers a nice sit down menu with tables overlooking the sea. We ate a delicious breakfast there and if you visit, try their catch of the day for lunch – the fish is amazing! If you want a table near the water for dinner, you will need to make a reservation.
Club Med Punta Cana may also be a family resort, but the night life is spectacular! Leisure Services Manager, Quentin Bourru, was the interim Chief of Village during our stay and he was an amazing host! He recently was promoted as a Chief of Village for another resort. I can honestly say he will make a wonderful Chief of Village! He was energetic, friendly and his positive energy made everyone have the best time.
There is a different entertainment theme each night such as a talent show, Dominican Night, and Creactive Under the Stars. There is also a dress code for each night but you don’t have to follow it, however it is a lot of fun to do! For instance, Saturdays are “Red and White” so in the evening you would wear a red and white outfit.
My favorite was “Black and 45” because we got to wear our very cool Club Med 45 Punta Cana shirts kindly given to us by Marion and Carmelo at La Boutique – an on site shop filled with adorable Club Med gear!
Club Med feels like a family from our interaction with the G.O.s and G.M.s, we truly had a memorable Club Med experience and made new friends along the way. We did not want to leave when it was time to go home. Not only is Club Med Punta Cana a stunning property to keep in our memories, but the kind and generous staff will never be forgotten.
I’d like to thank Club Med for hosting us in Punta Cana, my opinions are always my own.
BONUS: Download and print our FREE Quick Guide to Club Med Punta Cana
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