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People opt for all-inclusive resorts for a variety of different reasons.
For some, it’s the endless amounts of food and drinks; others spend countless hours poolside, and the rest may simply want to unwind in paradise, enjoying all the posh amenities like complimentary room service.
My recent trip to the Grand Palladium Punta Cana Resort & Spa checks off all the boxes and more, and to be honest, I couldn’t think of a better way to kickstart summer.
From the seamless airport pick-up to room check-out, I was treated like royalty instead of just another face in the crowd of a long line of vacationers.
Greeted with a welcome cocktail and the friendliest bellhop I’ve ever met, Francel led me to my spacious ocean-view room for the week, mere steps from private access to the Dominican Republic’s most renowned beach, Bavaro.
Tucked away from loud motorcycle-filled streets and Punta Cana’s famous nightclubs, staying at this lavish 5-star resort is a haven for privacy in paradise, arguably one of the most blissful beach vacations on Caribbean soil.
Bon Appetit: 18 Restaurants To Choose From
Let’s start with the endless options of food…and maybe a few cold ones here and there.
But first, know that there are 4 separate resorts all part of one grand property. In addition to the Grand Palace (where I stayed), there are:
- TRS Turquesa
- Grand Grand Palladium Punta Cana
- Grand Palladium Bavaro Suites
Guests have access to all the restaurants no matter where you stay as part of your all-inclusive package, excluding 4 limited to TRS guests only.
I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed starting my day with breakfast as Las Torres day after day.
Some resorts have buffets where you may question what’s on your plate – not here, though.
From made-to-order omelets, a crepe station, an array of fresh fruits, and surprisingly delicious cappuccinos (yes, I’m a coffee snob!), this was my go-to day after day.
For lunch, I switched it up from beachside steaks Helio’s Beach Club one day to endless pizza the next, but it’s dinner where this resort shines the most in terms of its wide variety of international cuisines.
From interactive Japanese teppanyakis, to flavorful Indian delights, and decidant pasta topped with truffles and caviar, you can’t go wrong.
There’s even the Healthy Habits Bar for those who refuse to give in to “cheat days” on vacation. No judgement – more sugar and carbs for me!
I would highly recommend trying to score a plate of the freshly sliced suckling pig offered at Las Torres’ dinner service – so tender and flavorful.
While some may rightfully use vacations as their excuse to catch up on sleep, I’m the type who wants to take advantage of the moment and experience it all.
Where I found myself night after night was the only 24-hour establishment on-site, Xtra Time Sports Bar. When the hand-crafted cocktails came to a stop at Hemingway’s, the night continued on at Xtra Time.
Here, you won’t know where the night ends and the morning begins. You have a wide selection of snacks and cold Presidentes available at all hours where you can keep up with your favorite team back home.
If I Go Missing, You Can Find Me At The ‘Secret Pool’
Turns out the ‘Secret Pool’ is not so secret, but what’s great about it is this is a haven for those of us looking to escape screaming children for some grown-up time.
As a family-friendly resort, you will surely have run-ins with kids, but there are ample spaces to enjoy some peace, quiet, and adult beverages.
The Secret Pool was my hands-down favorite place to hang out during the day with a swim-up bar specializing in Pina Coladas, shaded cabanas, and more open space, not that crowds were ever an issue.
Of course, there were multiple pools scattered throughout the lavish resort, but this one stood out the most for its draw of exclusivity.
Across from the TRS, this side of the property is for those of us looking to enjoy our downtime unbothered, which more than exceeded the mark in that aspect.
Fun In The…Mud? A 10/10 Spa Day!
Not everyone is into spas on vacation, but you would be doing yourself a disservice by skipping out on a day pass to the Zentropia Spa and Wellness.
The entire program offered is unmatched,. The 30-minute massage was among the best I’ve had anywhere and this comes from someone who has been transformed into a human pretzel in Bangkok.
Immediately following the massage, you’re provided with a hot tea while awaiting a truly unique experience, something I’ve never had the pleasure of taking part in.
Zentropia takes a page out of Katy Perry’s book believing in hot and cold treatments. Once you take a required shower for hygienic purposes, you’re guided into a sauna followed by an ‘ice room’.
Going back and forth between extreme opposite temperatures may sound tortuous on paper, but it’s shockingly pleasant.
Followed by my personal favorite, the steam room, spritzing a menthol fragrance for the perfect finish before relaxing in the jacuzzi to recharge.
For the grand finale, you’re guided to a hidden area of the spa where you sit on a rock Flinstones-style after lathering organic clay masks, each with different health benefits.
These colorful mud baths may make you look crazy, but they’re surprisingly soothing. Just keep in mind removing all the mud afterwards can be a challenge in the unpredictable hot and cold showers, somehow oddly fitting given the spa’s itinerary.
Opt For A Private Beach Or Incredible Day Trip
As part of the ‘Palladium experience’, you will have exclusive access to over half a mile of not only the D.R.’s most renowned beach but also one of the most sought-after in the entire Caribbean.
Bavaro Beach is undoubtedly gorgeous with crystal-clear waters and soft sand living up to the hype.
Unfortunately, Mother Nature has other plans this time of year, such as turning this paradisal beach into a game of The Floor Is Lava with seaweed.
In other words, it’s sargassum season. Some days are better than others and the beach is still great for lounging in the sun or going for a swim, but you will brush up against sargassum, an icky brown algae, at one point or another.
While I loved taking walks on the pristine Blue-flag certified beach and going for a swim, the highlight of the trip for me was a day trip to Isla Saona.
Tucked away from luxe resorts, hordes of tourists, and best of all, free of sargassum, my time spent on the postcard-worthy island was well worth the hours-long journey by bus and boat.
The waters and beach were truly pristine and top-notch for snorkeling, especially to see plentiful starfish. It’s highly advised not to touch them as they are a protected species.
Travel Off Path was a guest of Grand Palladium Punta Cana Resort & Spa, who helped with the creation of this itinerary by hosting some of our accommodations and attractions. Our opinions, recommendations, and suggestions remain our own.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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