Are you looking for yet another travel abroad to a Central American dream? Last summer, my best friends and I spent the most amazing week in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. We did not stray far from our wonderful resort; nonetheless, I can confirm that I have some amazing recommendations.
The Place to Stay
I spent majority of my time at the Hyatt Ziva in Cap Cana. It was a remarkably beautiful and all-inclusive resort on the eastern side of the country. There are so many activities that the resort managers can organize for you and your group (like snorkeling or a spa day) and some of these activities do not even require an additional cost! There are multiple different room package options that each offer a different array of benefits. My favorite part was the several amazing pools with swim up drink services! Book your reservation here!
Places to Eat
Yes, all of these restaurants are located within the Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana Resort, but I promise that you will have no desire to go anywhere else when you arrive in paradise! While on vacation, food is the joy and the joy is food!
El Mercado
This is a fast, casual option for any meal of the day. My group really enjoyed this buffet-style option for breakfast because we could all find something to eat that we enjoyed, and it was quick enough to not waste time away from the beach or pool! My favorite options were the large variety of tropical fruits, as well as the create-your-own omelette station. This place gets busy, so be sure to make a reservation ahead of time!
The Chinola
The Chinola is a very tasty restaurant that sits directly on the beach! You can hear the waves crash onto the shore while you eat the amazing selection of healthy foods. My group would often share a variety of options, some of our favorites being the avocado toast and seafood varieties.
Things to Do
Boat Tour
One of our absolute favorite days on the trip was the day that we all piled onto a boat for a snorkeling experience, and to swim in the clearest of blue waters. All we had to do was visit the front desk of the resort, and they were able to set up the entire experience for us. It was an all day experience (and it was exhausting), but if it is in your funds to do this, I highly recommend.
Make sure to visit the Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana during your next visit to Punta Cana!
Thank you!
That pool looks insane! What a cool place to stay, did you go for like a senior week? If so this is quite different than the typical Ocean City trip most seniors (myself included) go on. You talk a bit about the places to eat and I’ve been wondering how different the food is in terms of quality compared to the United States. Do American restaurants do a good job recreating the food?
My Dad has a cousin who lives in the Dominican Republic, and we were thinking about maybe visiting her sometime. It would be cool to stop in Punta Cana while we’re out there! I’ve never been snorkeling before, so I would love to try out the boat tour! I’m also a big fan of seafood so Chinola sounds right up my alley!
Punta Cana sounds absolutely magical. That pool looks so relaxing wow. My dad used to snorkel and scuba dive a lot, I want to try it so bad!!
Going to Punta Cana sounds like a dream omg. My dad went for his honeymoon and he was raving about it, I was so jealous. And you make it sound even better like I’m dying to go.