Looking for a quick getaway to a tropical paradise? Look no further than Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. With its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant culture, Punta Cana offers the perfect escape for families and friends.
Come along as we recount our memorable 4-day journey at an all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana. With sun-drenched beach days, thrilling water sports, and mouthwatering cuisine, we enjoyed the finest experiences this Caribbean paradise provides.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Punta Cana is during the dry season, which runs from December to April. This is when you'll experience the most pleasant weather, with warm temperatures, minimal rainfall, and plenty of sunshine. While the peak tourist season falls within these months, it's worth it for the perfect beach weather and the opportunity to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities.
Where To Stay
When choosing where to stay in Punta Cana, the stunning Bavaro Beach is the prime location. This pristine stretch of coastline is lined with world-class all-inclusive resorts, offering a luxurious and hassle-free vacation experience. We opted to stay at the Bavaro Beach Palace, a luxurious all-inclusive resort that exceeded our expectations. We did not opt for Premium level, and we enjoyed everything the resort had to offer.
Barcelo Bavaro Palace - A Tropical Paradise
Barceló Bávaro Palace is a luxurious all-inclusive resort that offers a truly unforgettable experience in Punta Cana. The moment we set foot on the property, we were transported to a tropical paradise. The lush, well-manicured grounds, stunning pools, and pristine beach created a serene and idyllic setting.
Night view of Bavaro Palace
Rooms
We chose a Junior Suite that was roomy, spotless, and tastefully decorated. The suite included two very comfortable queen-size beds, a fully prepared sofa bed, a contemporary bathroom, and a private balcony with our own personal jacuzzi! The bathroom setup was a constant topic of conversation, as the modern setup didnt allow much to be left to the imagination, and seemed like a design goofup for a family room. The daily housekeeping service kept our room impeccably clean.
Dining
The resort offered a wide variety of restaurants to suit different tastes and preferences. With options ranging from international buffets to à la carte dining, there was something for everyone. We suggest making reservations at the à la carte restaurants early in your stay, as they tend to fill up quickly. Our group of 18 was fortunate to secure reservations at the Santa Fe Steakhouse, El Coral seafood restaurant, La Brisa Mediterranean restaurant on the Adults (Palace) side, and El Hoyo 19 International cuisine restaurant. However, our overall favorite was the Bohio Dominicano Buffet, which introduced us to the flavorful Dominican cuisine.
Throughout the day, we relished our custom-made omelettes, juices, and coffee at the Miramar Buffet, grabbed a quick snack and coffee at Strikers, and visited the Coffee, Rum, and Cigar lounge for an afternoon treat.
Top: Lunch buffet at MiraMar restaurant. Bottom L: Coffee and pastries at Coffee, Rum and Cigars. Bottom R : A fancy gazpacho soup at Hoya 19.
Green and red photo op at Corral seafood restaurant
Mediterranean dinner at La Brisa restaurant
Elegant decor at Bohio Dominicano Buffet
Entertainment
The adults-only disco and casino provided thrilling nightlife activities for those looking for after-dark entertainment, occasionally featuring go-go dancers and pole dancers.
The nightly shows were held in a grand and spacious amphitheater, offering a different theme each evening, ranging from cultural Dominican performances to pop bands, Disney musicals, and Michael Jackson revues.
Dominican cultural show
Activities
The resort offered a wide range of activities to keep guests entertained. From non-motorized water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding to thrilling land activities like beach volleyball and salsa dancing to water aerobics, there was something for everyone. Some of us rented a hobbie wave (small catamaran) which comes with a one-person crew, who will take you out in the ocean for an hour or so.
Aboard the Bavaro Palace catamaran
Pools and Beach
The pools were a highlight, with multiple pools to choose from, including a large main pool with swim-up bars and a quieter adults only pool for relaxation. The swim up pool bar kept servicing us with the poison of our choice while we frolicked in the pool.
Swim up bar
The swimming pools offered many photo ops
The pristine beach at Barceló Bávaro Palace is a true gem. The soft, white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and gentle waves created the perfect setting for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. The beach was well-maintained, with plenty of loungers and umbrellas available.
Beautiful, white sand Bavaro Beach
Day Trips
To enhance our Punta Cana experience, we ventured beyond the resort's boundaries and embarked on several exciting day trips.
Our half-day cultural tour with Jhoraji Tours was a fascinating glimpse into the Dominican Republic's rich history and vibrant culture. The tour began with a scenic drive to the charming town of Higüey, known for its beautiful Basilica Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia, a significant pilgrimage site for Dominicans. We had the opportunity to explore this ornate church which also offered a great photo op for our group.
Our next stop was a traditional Dominican ranch, where we embarked on a horseback riding adventure. Guided by experienced horsemen, we trotted through lush pastures, admiring the picturesque scenery. The fresh country air provided a serene and tranquil experience.
Next, we had the opportunity to explore the bustling local market, where we got to shop for souvenirs and other knickknacks
Souvenir shopping and Mama Juana tasting!
One of the highlights of the tour was a visit to a traditional Dominican ranch. We learned about the country's agricultural practices and had the chance to interact with the locals, while we enjoyed a delicious lunch by the Anamuya River, savoring authentic Dominican cuisine. The meal was a feast for the senses, with a variety of flavors and spices.
A nice spread of Dominican Cuisine
A photo op on Anamuya river, after lunch
Following lunch we visited a local cocoa farm, where we learned about the entire cocoa production process, from bean to chocolate bar. We had the opportunity to sample freshly harvested cocoa beans, taste delicious chocolate, and even try our hand at making chocolate.
Rubbing shoulders with a friendly iguana
The tour continued with a visit to a local factory where we witnessed the process of cigar rolling. We learned about the different types of tobacco and the intricate steps involved in crafting these fine cigars.
Learning to roll a cigar
Our final stop was the breathtaking Macao Beach, a pristine stretch of white sand and turquoise waters. We spent some time soaking up the sun and swimming in the crystal-clear ocean before heading back to our resort.
Cultural tour in an open air bus
Overall, the half-day cultural tour with Jhoraji Tours was a memorable experience. It allowed us to immerse ourselves in the local culture, learn about the Dominican way of life, and create lasting memories.
The half-day buggy ride with Dreams Come True Tours was an exhilarating adventure through the Dominican countryside. The ride was a thrilling mix of off-road excitement and stunning scenery. The buggies are powerful and easy to handle, even for beginners.
Be prepared to get muddy! The trails are very muddy, especially after rain. It's a good idea to wear clothes that you don't mind getting dirty. Also, be sure to wear closed-toe shoes and a cloth mask or bandana to cover your nose and mouth. Contact lens wearers - wear swim or ski goggles to avoid the wet mud from going into your eyes.
Our first stop was at a local souvenir shop where we had the opportunity to taste mamajuana, a traditional Dominican herbal drink. The drink is made with rum, honey, and a variety of herbs and roots.
Next, we stopped at Macao Beach, a pristine stretch of white sand and turquoise water. The beach was less crowded than the resort beaches, offering a more secluded and tranquil atmosphere.
One of the highlights of the tour was the visit to a natural water cave. The cool, refreshing water provided a welcome respite from the heat. We swam through the cave, marveling at the unique rock formations and crystal-clear water before we headed back where we started to return our buggies.
Overall, the buggy ride with Dreams Come True Tours was an unforgettable adventure. The combination of thrilling off-road driving, stunning natural beauty, and cultural experiences made it a highlight of our trip to Punta Cana.
Some of the folks in our group who stayed longer than the others had the opportunity to visit the idyllic Saona Island with Isla Saona Tours which is an unforgettable experience. You board a spacious catamaran and set sail for this pristine Caribbean paradise, with beautiful coastal views and opportunities for sunbathing and swimming on the boat.
Upon arriving at Saona Island, you are greeted by its stunning natural beauty. The crystal-clear turquoise waters, soft white sands, and lush palm trees created a picture-perfect tropical scene. You also get to visit a natural pool, a shallow area of the ocean where the water is calm and crystal clear, surrounded by colorful fish and starfish.
The tour also includes a delicious buffet lunch, featuring fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and local delicacies.
As the day drew to a close, you board a speedboat for a thrilling ride back to the mainland.
Saona Island tour
To add an extra dose of adventure, some folks in our group also tried scuba-dooing, an underwater scooter experience offered by Viator. Â This unique underwater scooter experience allows you to explore the vibrant coral reefs and marine life of Punta Cana without the need for scuba diving certification. Equipped with an easy-to-use underwater scooter, you can glide effortlessly through the crystal-clear waters, marveling at the colorful fish, sea turtles, and other marine creatures.
Scuba-Doo adventure
As our unforgettable 4-day adventure in Punta Cana came to an end, we couldn't help but feel a sense of peace and rejuvenation. The combination of stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine made it the perfect escape. We hope this itinerary inspires you to plan your own dream vacation to Punta Cana. Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or cultural immersion, this Caribbean paradise has something for everyone.
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