The infinite shimmer of the sun
Are you ready to start the journey? Buckle up…
Have you ever seen the “Pirates of the Caribbean” movie, with Johnny Depp, who was loved for his role as Captain Jack Sparrow?
Or the American romantic survival drama film, “Blue Lagoon” from 1980’s?
These iconic movies were shot in the Dominican Republic together with other very famous movies, such as Rambo II, Jurassic Park etc.
Watching these movies, I was totally seduced by the mesmerizing shores, breathtaking crystal turquoise oceans, powdery-sugar white sand, fauna, diverse water inhabitants, and green palm trees of various heights.
This splendid paradise was so inspiring and attracting, that I felt an urge to go and experience Dominican Republic with my five senses (see, hear, touch, smell and taste).
What is the right season to travel?
July 2022, the long-awaited time arrived, to visit this splendid paradise.
I have read in many travel advisories, that the high season is December through May, when the weather is typically sunny and warm.
July is not the most recommended season to visit Dominican Republic due to the rainy season and seaweed.
Luckily, this is the place where the weather is warm year-round, with average highs around 82 degrees Fahrenheit (not bad at all).
NOTE:
The Dominican Republic experiences some of the effects of the Atlantic hurricane season, which lasts from June 1 to Nov 30.
I got to know from locals that in spite of the weather forecasts, Punta Cana area stays crowded no matter the season.
This encourages tourists to plan their stay in advance.
Well, I took my chance, and travelled in July. I had wonderful weather and manageable amount of seaweed, with minimal refreshing type of rain mostly only late evenings.
What to know about Dominican Republic?
The Dominican Republic is a Caribbean country, capital city is Santo Domingo, official language is Spanish, and currency is Dominican Peso.
Don’t worry! You can pay anywhere with US Dollars. Make sure you have cash and small notes with you (mainly $1 notes).
Dominican Republic is known for its mesmerizing beaches, big hotel resorts, golf courses, culture, history and spectacular scenes.
A place that many times served for movie makers and popular advertisement shootings as the perfect destination to record some of the unique scenes.
In my view, Dominican Republic is a heavenly place for fruit lovers.
I got to know from locals that almost at any time of the year you can enjoy fresh mango, pineapple, passion fruit, star fruit, several types of bananas, green and dry coconuts, papaya, guava, avocado, dragon fruit (red one), watermelon, melons and Dominican Republic cherries (this one only June-July).
These fruits and fresh juices (orange, pineapple, watermelon, dragon fruit, tamarind, papaya etc.) have amazing taste and long-lasting fragrance.
I have not eaten such delicious fruits, since my trips to Thailand, India and Tenerife.
This historic place was explored and colonized by Christopher Columbus on his 1492 voyage to the New World.
He named it “La Hispaniola.” The island has a Latino atmosphere that I particularly liked.
To read more about its history or culture visit this site.
Planning
Travel
You can fly nonstop to the Dominican Republic from multiple USA cities, including Chicago O’Hare. My vacation destination was on the South East side of the island, which led me to the logical step to block the tickets on the flight landing in Punta Cana.
There are multiple airports and beach locations. Make sure you book your tickets to the airport which is closest to your hotel and arrange a cab transfer in advance or within the airport when you land. Hotel taxis are generally the best and safest option, although they can be expensive.
How about renting a car? Locals have recommended me to avoid car rental and/or driving. If you really need to rent a car, absolutely no other option, it is highly advisable to rent only from internationally known companies.
Hotel
There are multiple options you can choose from: all-inclusive hotel resort specifically customized for families or adults only. This island offers condos or small hotels as well.
All-inclusive resorts predominate in Punta Cana and some other areas.
Before traveling, I did some research, and based on that I selected with my family members Majestic Elegance at Playa de Arena Gorda. An all-inclusive resort, which was the perfect gateway to a total relaxation (Wifi, 2 Buffet restaurants, Asadito Steakhouse, Japanese-, Italian-, French- à la carte restaurants, McJastic street food, sports bar, multiple pools and beach side cocktail/mocktail bars, water sports, towels, beachside and swimming pool sunbathing beds etc. all inclusive). We were happy with the decision.
The resort was about 30 min from the Punta Cana International Airport. It was family-friendly and on the other hand adults/couples might get the option of upgrade their suite and services.
It perfectly served everyone’s purpose of relaxation. Sport/water activities, swimming pool, well maintained sea- side, extremely good variety of dining options, massive range of local and international cocktails/mocktails like Pina Colada, Coco Loco, Majestic, Banana Mama, Dirty Monkey, Mama Juana (local cocktail liquor) to name a few.
Multiple evening programs, evening beach parties and most importantly health & safety. Rooms were large with jacuzzi tab. Furniture was slightly used. (We did not stay much in the room, hence was fine).
Drinks were well crafted with quality alcohol and lots of local rums like Barcelo, Brugal, Bermudez etc.
In the resort there were some souvenir shops as well, which could be explored. Good news for Casino lovers: there is a Casino as well in the resort. Good luck!
Preparing for my trip, I found on the internet ‘Punta Cana Travel Blog’ (authentic experiences & recommendation) which helped me in the selection and decision. To check out the blog, click here. Lots of great detailed information.
Glimpse to the hotel activities:
Beach
You will fall in love with Dominican Republic beaches. At least I did.
There are multiple beaches. I had the opportunity to explore Punta Canas’ beaches, which are considered to be some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. Well, I have no doubt about it.
These beaches feature white to golden sand, blue to turquoise water with pleasant temperature, modest waves, plenty of palm trees, tropical flowers and perfect sand to walk along the beach. Happy feet without deceit!
Activities
Family Buggy
The Family Buggy Adventure was nice to explore once.
In each car 4 people can sit, and I was lucky to be in a car which did not broke down while touring. There are options of 2 seater and even solo buggies or ATV’s as well.
During the journey, first stop was so-called cacao / coffee & Cigar farm, which practically was a shop of souvenirs and tasting some cacao or cigars and a man made tiny underwater cave (non impressive, we did not bother to explore) nothing more.
Off roading on the specific routes designated to these buggies was good fun, downside- there were lot of buggies, became very crowded. We literally were drenched with mud all over, hence go prepared.
Do not wear any of your fancy clothes. Wear your bandana’s, to cover face and head and shades for the eyes.
After getting drenched in mud, second stop is Macao beach for about 15 mins (what??? Really???). This is the item to have your lunch as well in case you are hungry…lots of restaurants and bars at the place.
Funnily our tour guide also advised to relax at the beach, have some photographs, have food/drinks and come back….all in 15 mins….hahaha.
While Macao beach itself is beautiful, no sea weeds and crystal-clear water, white sand, 15 mins was too short a time to relax on this heavenly beach. Also, this beach is crowded by too many sellers.
There was supposed to be third spot for buggies to take us to a cave…which never happened. Overall, I would still recommend this experience, just be careful in selecting your itinerary.
Sailing on a private boat and snorkeling
Full day trip to Catalina island
Sailing on a private 28ft speed boat from la Romana to Isla Catalina to concur shallow reefs by snorkeling, was phenomenal experience.
I had the chance to observe and follow for a small-time duration, life under the surface of great crystal blue giant that I was surrounded by. Huge variety of diversified species swam beside me along with star fishes just relaxing on the shallow beds of the ocean sand.
A vibrant unknown life was calling me to explore. Listening to those special sound effects, its absolutely an experience. Make sure to bring water proof action camera with you to capture these special moments while visiting nature’s large aquarium.
After snorkeling, anchor at the beaches of Catalina island for walk on the pristine white sandy beach, enjoy the fascinating array of palm trees hanging towards the ocean creating the effects just out of post cards.
You can also hike the island through a well managed hiking path overlooking the scenic beauty of the island.
Be prepared to spend full day for this trip starting early morning at about 8AM from the hotel.
Tour operators are majorly recommending Isla Saona, however I got to know that is much more crowded than Catalina Island, hence we decided to not include this in our itinerary.
Glimpse to the treasure of Catalina Island
Downtown
Explore Punta Cana and shopping
The downtown Punta Cana is located in a central part of Bavaro.
It is set right at the intersection of the highway that connects Punta Cana to Bavaro and Veron. This is a developing area with lots of ongoing construction.
Home to few shopping malls like Downtown Mall, Plaza San Juan, with minimal options to shop.
HardRock Cafe, and famous Coco Bongo Show and Disco are located here. Jumbo grocery store is a good place to explore some of the souvenirs, local coffee, cocoa powder and rums.
Another good place to purchase variety of local rum at good price, is from Supermercados Nacional.
Before we even realized, our 13 days of family vacation was coming to an end, full with great memories.
A place where you can “Smell the sea, feel the sky and let the soul and spirit fly!”
