Bonus Vacation Days
When your boss tells you you suddenly have an extra two days off on an already long weekend, the first thing you must do is book a trip. Unfortunately, when that long weekend happens to be Thanksgiving, it is a little harder to find a travel companion. I set off on a mission to find a picturesque Caribbean beach to get a little R&R. After extensive research, I decided on Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
- Friends raved about it (and have returned, so you know they enjoyed it).
- It is picturesque.
- A 4 hour direct flight (and on JetBlue – woo!).
- Rainy season was coming to an end and temps were floating around 80.
- All inclusive Jet Blue Getaway meant the whole thing was booked with one click!
This was my first all inclusive, but I was short on planning time and traveling alone, so I thought it seemed like a safe, easy fit!
The view from my seat as we approached Punta Cana.
Melia Caribe Tropical in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
After a raving review from a Girls Love Travel member and former employee of the hotel, I decided on Melia Caribe Tropical on Bavaro Beach in Punta Cana. It was hard to narrow it down, but this resort had just about everything you could possibly want on a beach vacation.
A beautiful beach:
Bavaro Beach is one of the world’s best according to UNESCO. It has beautiful white sand beaches and clear waters.
The palm tree lined beach is sunny even on an overcast day.
Sunrise over Bavaro Beach, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Multiple pools and a swim up bar:
One of the swim up bars in the hotel, and my first ever!
My first drink at a swim up bar! Definitely a fun experience!
And beautiful gardens and architecture:
The grounds of the resort are truly picturesque. Great for weddings, or simple Instagram shoots.
Great Selection of Food:
I didn’t travel to Punta Cana for the food, and my expectations weren’t high. I’d experienced cruise ship food before, and heard horror stories of the all inclusive. I was pleasantly surprised by the variety or offerings and the quality of food available. Two buffets were available for breakfast and lunch with a wide variety of offerings. Meats, eggs, pancakes, pastries, fruits, yogurts, and more. For lunch they had local dishes, hamburgers & hotdogs, pizzas, a pasta bar, and too many offerings for me to explore them all in my four day stay. For dinner, there were several restaurants onsite. I made it a point to try a different one each night. There were also two premium restaurants you could dine in for an extra fee or if you were staying in the Adults Only Level section of the resort. I didn’t make it to those, but as you can see below I enjoyed a lovely piece of salmon and a moussaka for two of my meals. I believe I also had a BBQ dish one night. All of the dinners were great, and a dessert is included!
Some of the food options at the all inclusive Melia Caribe Tropical resort.
In addition to the beach, the pool, the scenery, and various food options the hotel also offered a night club, evening entertainment, tennis, a spa, water sports, arcades, casino, and many other amenities you might be interested in while traveling. I won’t lie, half of my suitcase was packed with tennis and yoga gear, but my only workout on this trip was a few handstands and beach walks!
The Hidden Gem
While I had heard great things about Punta Cana, I was curious about other parts of the Dominican Republic. The resort offered snorkeling, and when I went to inquire, I discovered I could do a half day trip off the shore of the hotel, or a longer day trip to La Romana. I read about La Romana during my initial research, but relied on personal referrals to book Punta Cana instead. I decided to book the full day trip to Catalina Island and La Romana. It was a wonderful day trip from Punta Cana. You can read more about the itinerary and see photos from The Best Day Trip from Punta Cana.
The clearest water I’ve ever seen off the coast of Catalina, an uninhabited island of the coast of the Dominican Republic.
I braved the waves and did my first beach handstand in the waves!
Maybe this is Shakira’s house? Beautiful mansions on the waterfront as we traveled to Catalina by boat.
Rainy Season
I traveled the last week of November, and it did rain half of every day. I used that time for napping, bathing, eating, and reading. Make sure your hotel has a spa or an in-room bathtub if you’re booking during a rainy season. As soon as the sun started shining, I ran for the beach. Throughout my stay, I had plenty of beach time for a fair skinned Irish girl. The rain didn’t stop me from doing photo shoots either…I mean, isn’t that the point of a water proof camera anyway?!?!
This beach is stunning, even in the rain.
The Takeaway
Punta Cana was lovely, but if you are headed to the Dominican Republic, I highly recommend exploring La Romana for a more adventurous excursion. Catalina Island has no residents, so you can’t stay there…which is why it is still so stunning. You can boat over to the island, and I am sure there are other places in the area to round out your trip. I had a wonderful time in the Dominican Republic, and highly recommend it to anyone looking for an affordable, picturesque vacation!
And a special thanks to my Polaroid Cube which allowed me to capture over 700 memories (and many selfies) despite traveling alone. Solo travel has many perks, and I am glad I had the opportunity to relax and recharge on my own this once. Next time, I hope I have a little more planning time and I can find a travel companion to make memories with me.
What is your favorite Caribbean beach?
Looks like you had an amazing last minute trip. I’d consider this resort now! Thanks.
There was a ton to do. Definitely something for everyone. And great prices!
I went to Catalina Island as part of a Costa Cruise. Previous to his death, the island was owned by Oscar de la Renta. Not sure who’s possession it is in now!
Interesting, I didn’t get any of the history on the island. I saw De La Renta’s waterfront estate, but there was no mention of him owning the island. Several tour boats in and out throughout the day. It is amazing. But definitely too much island for one man and his friends. I am glad this beauty is being shared for now!
Sounds like a great trip! Look forward to going to the Dominican Republic now.
Kudos to you for breaking out on your own! I still am so bad at that, but it’s a goal for 2016. Also, was totally wondering about your photos — Polaroid cube, eh? I’ll look into that. Thanks!
Wow, it looks fantastic, especially the sky. I really want to explore that region one day!
And girl, the handstand! Just let me say again: you rock!
Haha, thanks! I went to yoga last night. I am trying to get stronger so I can do a rotating handstand (basically spin in a circle on my hands — lol)
I’ve been to so many Caribbean islands, but never made it here! Looks awesome, and I like island thats uninhabited. Those are the best finds unspoilt by mass tourism!
Absolutely!! It’s such a rarity. I am soon glad I made it there for the day! Now I need to go back when it isn’t rainy.
There’s nothing so relaxing as splashing about with your snorkel stalking schools of fish! Sounds like the perfect break. Thanks for sharing
Looks awesome! Great post, beautiful pictures! It’s really the place for consideration for my future travels.
Thanks!! So glad you liked it. 🙂
I envy that you can do a handstand! That was an amazing shot!
Thanks!! I need to keep practicing!! It’s good motivation to go to yoga!
Looks fab despite the rainy season!
We had our honeymoon here!!!!! Great times! I enjoyed the resort, it’s beautiful and had so many dining options but unfortunately, we only had a few days there so we didn’t really go out of the resort. Would’ve been nice to see Catalina Island too.
How great when all the stars align and everything works out! Glad you embraced not being able to find a travel partner – solo is awesome!
I want to go to DR so bad! It looks amazing, Good to know about the rainy season – I would totally book a flight and not even check what season it is first ha ha.
Gotta love those extra off-days from work. I also make it a point to plan a trip during that time and possibly take a few extra days off (1 or 2).
This looked like a great getaway. Too bad it looks a bit gloomy and gray. A place like this needs the sun!
This looks like so much fun! I just got back from a trip to Puerto Rico, but otherwise haven’t been to the Caribbean. I’d definitely consider the DR now though! PS impressive handstand!
Dominican republic is making it to my bucket list – slowly yet steady especially after seeing your pictures. The resort looks great and the sunsets at the beach are quite a view. I love clear blue waters so Catalina sounds like my kind of destination. I am glad rains didn’t ruin it for you totally and hey – you got some good shots despite the hazy skies.
Yeah, it wasn’t on my bucket list either, but it was affordable, quick and easy. I would definitely go back if I needed a quick easy trip again. I might try staying in La Romana though, but flights aren’t as frequent.
It’s only an hour drive from Punta Cana and you can get a transfer or rent a car. The road is great but there is a couple of toll booths if you have a car. They did take dollars tho. In La Romana now with best friend who is a travel agent and loving it.
Looks like you made the most of your time even though it was the rainy season. We have not yet made it to the Dominican Republic but good to know about La Romana. We are divers so we will want to head out to the area with the best underwater life.
I never thought I would like an all inclusive resort either when we went to Cabos last year, but they make it SO GOOD you don’t want to leave. This is an other excellent option here. I haven’t been to the Dominican Republic before so I would probably do a more cultural tour before settling in a resort like this 🙂
Looks great and I’m glad you had a fun time! I think I’d really enjoy Catalina Island. My sister went to The DR on her honeymoon and loved it. But my favorite beach in the Caribbean is probably the ones I got to visit in Puerto Rico. Don’t know what they’re called though!
Have yet to visit the Dominican Republic but hopefully soon. This looks like a great resort-will keep it in mind if I make it there.
Yes, keep it in mind!
Wow, it sounds like you had a amazing time on this extended weekend getaway! I definitely recommend the DR as a vacation destination to everyone who ask. Especially because of the local foods, beaches, and villas throughout the island. Thanks for sharing.