4 Days in Dominican Republic
4th anniversary advice: When in doubt, KISS! Well, we've always made it a tradition to visit a Tropical destination n on our anniversaries, given my hubby is a total water baby, and the fact that our anniversary is in the middle of Spring - Summer, the beach is ALWAYS a great idea!
HIGHLIGHT REEL
Before I dive into the full details, here's a HIGHLIGHT REEL for you all :)
https://youtu.be/egtkQPNsthI
I’m always seeking experiences I’ve never had before... and my hubby always wants to do more of what he’s loved before! What’s funny is I always plan our trips to locations that offer those unique experiences, but he’s really the one that indulges, “jumps off the cliff”! I’ve learnt to take more chances and live out those experiences I’ve always wanted.. all because to him! Between the two of us, we try to make the most of the moments we’re blessed with together!
I'm so excited to share a full travel guide for all those honeymooners, families and couples, much like us who'd enjoy the way we did on our 4th anniversary in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic - with a world class resort, Barcelo Bavaro Grand Resort and Vacaciones Barcelo Tourism group!
Itinerary:
Day 1: Barcelo Bavaro Grand Resort, Sunset by Bavaro Beach
Day 2: Scape Park with Vacaciones Barcelo, Evening in Barcelo Bavaro Grand Resort
Day 3: Saona Island with Vacaciones Barcelo, More pool time at Barcelo Bavaro Grand Resort
Day 4: Bavaro Beach Sunrise in the morning, Checkout
BARCELO BAVARO BEACH GRAND RESORT
As you can see, if you're in Punta Cana and have a fabulous hotel by Bavaro Beach, one of the largest beaches in the world, make sure to get plenty of time in the resort! We spent our days in Punta Cana at the Barcelo Bavaro Grand Resort - one of the top luxury hotels in Punta Cana, designed specifically for people who love constant sunshine, the gentle sound of the Caribbean breeze whispering in the palm trees, and beautiful crystal-clear waters with a coral reef. You can read all about our stay at the Barcelo Bavaro Palace Resort here!
One of my favorite parts about our Junior Suite at the Premium Level was the outdoor Hot Tub that opens right up to the beach! If I could go back to that image – relaxing in a Rose bath by the ocean in our Beach front suite with rose petals sprinkled all over our room .. sigh! If only everyday was this perfect
A lot of people actually never leave the resort. Its so beautiful on the grounds, being right by the ocean with world class cuisine choices, 4 different swimming pools, a spa, water park, bowling alley, a casino and more... there's really almost no reason to leave if you don't want to! I've captured all about Barcelo Bavaro Grand Resort for you all to see first hand!
I could go on about the fabulous facilities and the staff that made sure we have the time of our lives, but the only good way to really experience it, is to really experience it! I’ll leave you with a few more of my favorite moments at the property!
SCAPE PARK
“SCAPE PARK – A place where nature embraces your senses, takes you back through time and fills you with emotion"
On our second day in Punta Cana, we decided to spend the day at the incredibly popular Scape Park – a natural theme park with numerous attractions ranging from adventurous and adrenaline-pumping activities to cultural and highly entertaining experiences! Read all about our visit to Scape Park here!
All we had to do was contact Vacaciones Barcelo and they set us up! Starting from the 8am Hotel pickup, bathing suit & sunglasses on – we were guaranteed an unforgettable visit.
Scape Park is located in the heart of the Cap Cana Resort, encompassing a surface of more than 1 million square meters. Its limestone topography presents many interesting landforms, providing for spectacular views in various of the park’s activities including jumping into cold turquoise Cenotes, Zip lining, cave swims etc.
There are multiple options for you to explore Scape Park. We were limited on time so we handpicked the experiences we wanted to try. But I highly recommend staying the full day (which includes a Sunshine Cruise and a drop off to the hotel at 6pm) or additionally the VIP Juanillo option- named as one of the top 10 beaches in the world!!
We picked our top 4 - Hoyo Azul, Cave Swim, Cultural Route and Waterfall Expedition! Read all about our visit to Scape Park here.
Hoyo Azul
Hoyo Azul is a hidden cenote with the most impressive turquoise waters nature can offer! Walking your way through the natural park is an exotic journey will bring you face to face with the Caribbean’s amazing eco system.
Cultural Route
After an hour of Hoyo-Azul therapy, we were ready for some History lessons! The Manager who walked us from Hoyo Azul decided to take us on the Cultural Route sharing with us the generations of migration that resulted in what Dominican Republic is today.
Cave Swim
A short detour on the way from the Cultural Route, we found a completely isolated Cenote! We dove into this mystical underground spring and felt a genuine sensation of swimming in the invigorating waters, previously used by the ancient natives for sacred rituals.
Waterfall Expedition
The best way to conclude our trip was to immerse ourselves in the magnificence of the Waterfalls! There’s little to say and a lot more to see here! I stayed glueded to the green blue waters floating in and out of the falls while the hubby hopped on the Zipline wanting to experience jumping into the deep end over and over again.
WORLD'S LARGEST NATURAL SWIMMING POOL
On our third day in the Dominican Republic, we booked an all day tour with Vacaciones Barcelo to visit SAONA ISLAND! Read all about my visit to Saonaand its spectacular beauty is here!
The day starts of with a pickup from the hotel at around 9am, a 1 hour bus ride to Bayahibe, and a super fun 40 mins Speed Boat ride to the middle of the ocean, where the waters are so stunningly shallow, its called the “world’s largest natural swimming pool”! Our speed boat stopped right in the middle, we jumped off our boat and were in waist deep waters, with endless blues around us!
In Dominican Republic HAPPY HOUR style, the Boat had music playing, Rum & Coke being served out while we just relaxed with a drink in hand, basking in what seemed like the most unbelievable ocean experience we’ve ever had!
SAONA ISLAND
SAONA ISLAND is so stunning, you’ll think you’re dreaming! Read about our visit to Saona Island here!
Saona Island is located about 12 miles from the south eastern coast of Dominican Republic! Ranking one among the top 5 destinations in Dominican Republic, this Caribbean island is straight out of a postcard with its incredible white sand beaches, turquoise waters and rows of palm trees.
The Palm Trees here are so unique – especially the one right in the middle. It can get a little crowded toward the afternoons, so be sure to find your self moments with a little waiting around. These trees make for the best photo op!!
The whole place is lined with adorable shacks and multi colored little huts! It felt like another world really! Read about all the things that make a visit to Saona Island so memorable on my post!
Just an FYI, this is a Protected Park! That means, you respect the island’s natural resources. Please DO NOT TOUCH the starfish – like seriously! I’ve seen a TON of bloggers with pictures holding up starfish, and that’s quite pathetic and also a violation!
After a fabulous day spent on the island, just basking in the sands and sun, we made our way back by a Catamaran!
The whole day and the entire visit to Dominican Republic was such a reset for the likes of us – we spend our entire day in an office, on phone calls and conference rooms. Just being in the ocean for 4-5 hours was Just what the Doctor ordered!
Quick Links to :