I am currently traveling from the northeast to Mackinac Island, MI and it is a rainy, crap day. So I am going to write about our trip to Domincan Republic last fall. We fell short on writing the blog then…but I still feel that it is important to talk about the trip even now. My cousin was in Punta Cana a week or so ago and I found myself texting her a whole bunch of info, inspiring me to blog.
So we went in late October, Sarah and I escorted roughly 50 ppl from Ithaca, NY to Punta Cana, where we then met up with a larger group of 230 or so. We arrived in Punta Cana in the later afternoon. We had a group shuttle arranged for us by the tour company-they were ready and waiting with cold water and an air conditioned bus…clutch. When we arrived at the Majestic Colonial we were impressed right off the bat. Often times the theme/interior decoration of a resort does does match its surroundings…I’m my opinion. Not the case here. It is beautiful, tropical, and very welcoming. We met up with our group in the main entertainment hall, here the hotel did a big group check-in for us…it was smooth and quick. Then we were off to check in to our room. We stayed on the Preferred Club side of the resort – the perks include Butler Service and access to the Preferred Club itself, here you can grab a quick bite to eat and anything to drink at your leisure even if the other restaurants happen to be closed.
Our room was beautiful. Separate Jacuzzi and giant walk-in shower. A very adequate mini-bar area and ample closet space. The room was large and had a very nice balcony that looked out on the ocean and the pools.
We spent lots of time poolside during our stay there. The pool is long and winds throughout the resort so you can easily find a nice little corner to hide away and soak up the sun in.
Excursions:
We did go on a couple excursions while we were there. The first was an obligatory booze cruise…my favorite day of any tropical vacation. I stand by the fact that if given the opportunity, it is always important to get out on the waters when you visit any of these beautiful tropical vacation destinations.
1. Booze Cruise
A shuttle picked our group up right at the resort. This was organized through DePalm tours. We shuttled about 15min away and arrived at the pier. Here we hopped on a motorized catamaran. They explained the rules of the boat, turned on some music, the crew danced, opened the bar, and we were off!
First stop is a snorkel park. Here they have a section roped off out in the ocean with sharks, sting rays, and some other sea life. I love snorkeling but this was unimpressive to me. I don’t like the fact that these things were trapped in the area…and I really didn’t want to touch a sting ray and have my picture taken…but I did. Sarah made me. The picture is hilarious, we had no choice but to buy it as we exited through the gift shop. I will snap a pic of it and post later. You can tell I do not want to be touching the thing…and Sarah is thrilled and has 100% authentic perma-grin😃
Next we got on the boat, put a drink in our hand, and started a dance party with the crew. The dancing and alcohol induced fun continues as we cruise down the coast to the Natural Pool. Here they let us out in the water at a sand bar. The crew has floating bars that they bring out to serve us rum and coke while we float and enjoy ourselves. I like to try and remind myself in these moments that I do have one of the best jobs ever…so I snapped a pic, labeling it as our “Morning Staff Meeting” on Instagram.
Here you get a good shot of the boat we were on as well – Marinarium.
We stayed out here for a while and then hopped back on and danced our way back to the pier. Here we said goodbye to the crew and exited though the gift shop back to our shuttle.
In conclusion, it was fun. I stand by my opinion, you can never go wrong with a booze cruise.
2. Zip Line/Canopy Adventure
This trip Sarah and I led our own group excursion – a zip line and canopy adventure. The two of us have zip lined before in Mexico, I had fun then but Sarah felt sick….I think it was the tequila the night before…not the zip line. This time Sarah had a great time and I struggled a bit….I have no idea why…haha.
Either way, it was a great zip line. There was friendly staff, long lines over beautiful scenery, and our group was fun. It was hot though…felt great to return to a pool and a cold-frosty drink.
3. Dune Buggy Tour
I wasn’t sure what to expect. My coworkers told me that we were all going on this one because it is the most fun. Ok, I trust them…and we always seem to have fun when all of our staff joins a group on an excursion.
One need-to-know fact about a dune buggy tour. YOU WILL BE COVERED IN MUD. From head to toe….and then some. I am still trying to get the dirt out of my favorite Kavu bag and the hinges of my sunglasses.
You need a bandana or 2 and glasses. The tour company lined up several dune buggies. We listened to the rules and signed a waiver. Next we strapped on helmets and bandanas and buckled into our buggy. We followed a lead buggy and toured through mud puddles, dessert like dirt fields and roads…it was like the Domician Outback. Our group had a great time. Lots of fun pictures, thank god we had the GoPro and chose to leave our phones behind.
We wrapped up and awesome week with an epic party. This was hands down one of my favorite group events I have seen on a work trip. We are always looking for ways to provide added value for the folks on our group vacations. This time my colleague/trip leader Melissa, delivered in a big way. She got the resort to rent us the rooftop suite- complete with a huge patio. She filled the outdoor jacuzzi with ice and packed it full of beer for everyone. She set up a DJ complete with stage lights….and she rented a mechanical bull. Genius. Our group loved it. It felt like a VIP party and was an awesome way to wrap up a beautiful week.
There are a few things I am good at, riding the bull is not one…but here you go:
So there it is folks. Domincan Republic. My parents took me and the family when I was 17. I remembered it being amazing, mostly because it was my first experiance being able to legally order a drink from the bar. I was curious how it was going to sit in my memory this time after a year of experiencing some of the most beautiful places on the earth. My opinion is that you should go if you are looking for an affordable, beautiful, and relaxing resort vacation. You will have a great time. It is the perfect place to take a group of friends/family.
We would highly recommend Majestic Colonial or Majestic Elegance. The resort was great and I say splurge on the Club side, it is worth having access to the food constantly and a butler.
Safe Travels.
TW
Hard Work & Happenstance 