‘Dreaming’ in the Dominican Republic
We flew BA with a quick touchdown in Antigua and were dismayed to see four other wide bodied aircraft at Punta Cana when we arrived. Despite having to queue to pay $10pp arrival tax, the airport handled the mass arrival very well and we were soon on our way to Dreams Punta Cana. We were checked in at the Preferred Club so by the time we had completed check in formalities with a welcome drink, our luggage had been delivered to our rooms. I say ‘room’ lightly as I had a junior suite – complete with king sized bed, palatial bathroom and a Jacuzzi on my balcony! There are seven restaurants and ten bars for people to choose from here with no set dining times. We ate at Himitzu which is the Pan-Asian fusion restaurant and also offers Teppanyaki tables for an entertaining meal (which was excellent). By the time we had finished dinner, my body clock was reminding me that it was 3am back home and I really should retire to my bed.
Next morning we were up bright and early (thanks to the jet-lag) to find somewhere for breakfast, check out and prepare for the site inspection. In the light of day I realised why the resort seemed quiet; the grounds are beautifully landscaped and I wouldn’t have known there were 620 rooms here. The hotel has the largest freeform pool on the island which provides lots of quiet spots to hide away in the greenery – strangely, complete with resident flamingos!
Our next stop was Zoetry Agua Punta Cana which is a complete contrast - but still with beautiful gardens and beach. Just 51 suites and an ideal pampering honeymoon style ambience – featuring aromatherapy pillows no less! You can have 24 hour in-room private dining, a 20 minute spa treatment every day, the contents of your whole wardrobe laundered and if you want to, you can phone everyone you know to tell them you’re having a good time – no charges - now that’s what I call all inclusive!
Our next home was to be Secrets Royal Beach with another late check in and a hunt for our restaurant in the dark. Anyone watching our odd journey across the bridges over the pools and back several times would be forgiven for thinking we’d been in the bar all day! The morning light made the breakfast hunt easier and by lunchtime when we had been shown round it was beginning to make more sense. Lovely meandering pools flanked by 373 rooms, this is an adult only resort with more contemporary styling and a huge beach.
So that we could actually see something of life outside the resorts, Bavaro Runners Ziplines picked us up in a 4WD safari truck for an afternoon of scenic sightseeing and fun. They operate in the Anamuya mountain rainforest and the 16 platform, 12 line adventure sees us 800m above the ground at one point and riding two of the longest ziplines in the Caribbean. There’s no athletic ability required but I would recommend a clear head and a sturdy pair of shoes for climbing up to the platforms and just in case you land ‘at speed’ at the other end!
Dinner hunt in the dark – this is becoming our favourite game. Not only is this a test of our morning tour but the hotel has chameleon features – the bubbling fountain we had used to get our bearings earlier had now become an evening stage complete with subtle lighting and a band playing. Not only that – we were dining in the hotel next door so we had to find the ‘secret passage’ leading between the properties and show our keycards for entry into this whole new world! Now Larimar is also a contemporary styled hotel and Mercure is one of their eight speciality restaurants. This hotel is bigger & has much more going on but it’s a one way deal... Now shares it’s eight restaurants, nine bars and other entertainment with Secrets but Secrets guests keep their three restaurants and five bars to themselves. This is a great benefit for anyone on a two week stay at Secrets and there’s no transport required! To be continued...