Dominican Republic is the perfect vacation destination! If you’re already thinking about your summer vacation, I’m here to tell you that escaping to the warm, welcoming Dominican Republic for a couple of days this summer is just what you need. Discover why below, and then book your flight as soon as you’re done reading this post!
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Barcelo Bavaro Palace Deluxe Hotel, located in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. As a guest of the hotel, I received complimentary travel and accommodations during Culinary Week (read more about it here), but opinions are 100% my own. I visited this hotel at my own cost various times before this trip, and I’ll be back!
The thing about growing up on a Caribbean island, is you don’t appreciate the endless summer, the gorgeous beaches, and the cool summer breeze…until you move away from it. Now that I spend my life on the coast of Massachusetts, granted, on another island, nothing compares to the Dominican Republic. Surrounded by some of the most gorgeous sandy beaches, it’s a vacation getaway that’s great for everyone: families, couples, and singles alike!
After going to probably every single all-inclusive on island (family vacations to these hotels were the norm while growing up), my favorite all-inclusive hotel to recommend to friends wanting to get away are the Barcelo hotels, specifically the Barcelo Bavaro Palace Deluxe Hotel located in Punta Cana.
Let’s be real – all inclusive aren’t for everyone. If you’re the type of traveler that likes to keep moving, hiking through nature while exploring a new culture, these hotels won’t be your thing.
But if you are looking for a getaway to relax: to catch up on reading by the beach while soaking up Vitamin D, to not have to worry about where your next meal will come from or even having to carry around cash, to sleep in all day or party all night at the hotel dance floor – this is the vacation you need.
After working 12-16 hour days during the season at work, my husband and I want to get away and relax. We don’t want to worry about cooking or cleaning. All we want to do is relax and the Barcelo Bavaro Palace Deluxe Hotel is just what we love. Having my morning coffee by the beach is a favorite activity of mine while on vacation!
Another of the perks of the hotel is their spa, pictured above. If you purchase the Club Premium amenities, you gain access to their spa for hydrotherapy. That is an amenity we took advantage of daily!
This state-of-the-art centre features a huge offering of amenities:
- An outdoor pool with water therapies.
- Scenic views.
- Therapeutic and sports massages.
- Leisure and relaxation.
- Hydrotherapy circuit.
- Thermal swimming pools, sauna and steam room.
- Vichy showers and Jacuzzi with hot and cold water.
- Private cabins with Jacuzzi tub.
- And a terrace with sun loungers and chairs.
And let’s not forget the food at this hotel.
If you think all-inclusive hotels have lousy food, you are wrong! The Barceló Bávaro Palace Deluxe 5-star hotel features up to 11 specialty restaurants to choose from. Whether you’re craving sushi, tacos, burgers, paella, or pasta, they have it. Plus, their focus on local Dominican cuisine is admirable. The availability of fresh fruit and fruit juices are one of the things I miss the most about the area. Guava, mango, papaya, pineapple, tamarind, and passionfruit! You name it, the hotel had it. It was great to have that freshness available to balance out the buffet meals.
So, if you’re planning a summer getaway, make the Dominican Republic an option on your list!
If you have any questions about my home island, please email them to marnely AT gmail DOT. I’d love nothing more than to help anyone plan their dream vacation to the Caribbean.
Get more travel inspiration from this travel post by my friend, Kara Franker, and grab some Tropical Rum Cocktail recipes from The Travel Bite blog. And don’t forget a sweet Dominican Majarete dessert recipe from Courtney at Pizzazerie!
Would love to win!!!!