A few years ago, I had the opportunity to travel to the Dominican Republic and stay in the Paradisus Punta Cana. The all-inclusive resort boasts over 680 suites (ranging from 500 square feet to over 1000 square feet). It was the first time my husband and I ever booked an all-inclusive trip and we actually attempted to visit all 12 restaurants on the property in 4 days. It was harder than we thought! Would you judge me if I told you some nights we had two dinners (as I hide in shame)?

Besides lounging in over-sized huts on the beach and indulging in sun soaked mornings, we also took advantage of tennis courts, an over-sized pool, nightly casino visits, and spa services on the beach. Yes, we did a couple’s massage on the beach! It was magical and something I will never forget. I don’t know what I loved more - watching the sun set with my husband or listening to the crashing waves as every ounce of stress released from our bodies.

You couldn’t walk a few steps without a member of the Paradisus Punta Cana offering assistance or a drink. Everyone was so helpful and the entire staff spoke English. And if you are someone who likes to taste different meals while out at a restaurant, don’t worry about over-ordering in this all-inclusive establishment. Waiters didn’t blink an eye when my husband asked for 2 or 3 appetizers during our meal. There’s no accounting in place. You eat as much as you want to eat and you drink until you are no longer thirsty.

We didn’t bring our children, but the resort offers The Kid Zone – a tropical themed playground – so the adults can sneak off for a private meal or a walk on the beach. Other available activities include scuba diving, horseback riding, snorkeling, kayaking, volleyball courts and more.

There is also a state of the art private gym located in the YHI Spa. The spa features everything from massage cabins to a chic salon offering hair and nail treatments. Up for a facial? Well, then you are my kind of girl. With prices ranging from $50 to $200, the YHI Spa uses local flowers, scents, and herbs to ensure a relaxing and pampering experience. My favorite menu item was the Hybicus Journey – 80 minutes of bliss beginning with a floral footbath and ending with a bay-rum sugar scrub and whole body massage. I can still smell the flowers….


Here’s a video from the first day of our stay. Have you been to the Dominican Republic? If you live on the East Coast, it is definitely worth visiting. The flight is easy, the price is right, and the beaches are simply unforgettable.

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