Sol Melia Caribe, Punta Cana, the Dominican Republic

Comments 12 by Rebecca Bollwitt

I had no idea what to expect when I heard we would be traveling to the Dominican Republic. I had never been anywhere tropical, nowhere south of San Diego, and had never been to a completely all-inclusive resort. To say that I was in for a treat is a severe understatement.

Beach, Punta Cana

Melia Caribe

Our trip to Punta Cana was a working holiday (as John was on the clock) but having just that slice of Caribbean heaven for 4 days and 3 nights was enough to make me want to return, and constantly pine for that white sand between my toes.

Lobby Bar Melia Caribe

Melia Caribe Melia Caribe

The Melia Caribe Tropical is a part of the Melia group which operates hundreds of resorts around the globe. We were checked into their “Royal Service” side, which goes above and beyond the regular all-inclusive amenities. The Royal Service area has its own pool, bar, restaurant, beach, beach-side bar, and guests have a butler service. Our room service was also included as well as the welcome basket of fruit and a selection of drinks and bottles was supplied.

Resort Villa Resort Villa

Our villa was amazing, the service was phenomenal, and each person we encountered at the resort went above and beyond to ensure our stay was as pleasant as possible.

Pool (one of the half-dozen on the resort) Oasis

We had dinner with Scarlet Garcia, a manager at the resort, and she said that they try to please every sense at Melia. We noticed the soft decorations, soothing sounds, and even strategically-placed scents in every doorway. The Gabi Club restaurant smelled of a spiced citrus while our room had cinnamon aromatherapy accents. The ashtrays were monogrammed, the towels in the bathroom were rolled up with fresh-cut flowers, and (although we didn’t take advantage of it) we had a pillow menu for our sleep each night. Even during our meal music began to play and 3 pairs of dancers glided into the restaurant for what was like a ballroom flash-mob that lasted just a few minutes before they ran off again.

Service Real -- Royal Service

“Meticulous” is the word I promised to use when describing the thought and detail that goes into the guest’s experience at the Melia Caribe. They even used CFL (compact fluorescent lights) in their outdoor and indoor lighting, and instead of blasting Air Conditioning at every corner, many lobby bars and public spaces had large fans to wave in the cooler air.

Palms Palms

The resort’s greenspace was equally impressive, with hundreds of palm trees, ponds, creeks, foliage, flowers, and more varieties of birds that I could name on two hands.

Peahen and her pea...babies My new buddy

When we took a late evening dip in the ocean (after the beach house bar had closed) a security guard brought us towels even though we were prepared to air-dry. When we ate at the lunch buffet for lunch at Gabi, our server Juan brought us a special non-buffet dessert for me and my Juan. When we chose to explore a few of the dozen restaurants on-site, we enjoyed traditional Dominican cuisine, and some of the best guacamole at the Mexican restaurant, La Hacienda (although I still can’t compare it to my mother in law’s or Keiras… but it was really close).

Sunset at the Beach

We were pampered beyond expectation since as I said, I had no idea what was in store. It was a treat, it was decadent, and we definitely made sure to give away plenty of tips to the hard-working individuals that made our stay so special.

Sunset at the Beach

I’m sure we had an extra special experience thanks to the nature of our visit, and the Royal Service bracelets on our wrists, but regardless the Dominican is one spectacular place. The people who live and work at the resort made things pleasant however it was being away with my husband and spending that time with him that made it that much better.

Sporting a tourist tan My Island Man

Toes Hi Mom!

The air was hot and thick, the water was clear and warm, and my heart swelled so much from the beauty of this place and all the kindness around us that I shed tears when it came time to leave.

Palms

As we sit here back in Vancouver this morning, sipping some delicious shade-grown 100% Dominican coffee, we have come to a decision. John and I are officially ready to take the plunge and begin raising a baby… palm tree. Our plant Oscar didn’t make it through last winter and we’ve decided to try and grow a small palm to remind us each day that we definitely need to visit the Dominican again in the future.

Related post: You can read all of my posts from Punta Cana here & also check out John’s update from our trip over on his site.

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12 Comments  —  Comments Are Closed

  1. Keira-AnneMonday, August 3rd, 2009 — 4:15pm PDT

    My stomach truly took a 100-storey drop until I read the words “palm tree.”

  2. LesleyMonday, August 3rd, 2009 — 5:15pm PDT

    Absolutely gorgeous! My stomach also dropped until I read the words “palm tree”!!

  3. JinvanMonday, August 3rd, 2009 — 5:33pm PDT

    Wow, it looks amazing! Is a “pillow menu” for breakfast in bed?

  4. JennyMonday, August 3rd, 2009 — 7:42pm PDT

    Glad to see you guys feel you are ready to take on the huge responsibility of being plant parents. It’s such a big step to take.

  5. Mom-in-lawMonday, August 3rd, 2009 — 7:46pm PDT

    Okay, Julia and I both gasped when we read your little message, and then let the air out of our balloons when we finished the sentence. Oh well…….another time?

  6. Sis-in-lawTuesday, August 4th, 2009 — 8:14am PDT

    We would like another girl in the family. Are there girl and boy palms???

  7. Sis-in-lawTuesday, August 4th, 2009 — 8:15am PDT

    Oh…..any chance for twins? One of each would do.

  8. Tyler IngramTuesday, August 4th, 2009 — 10:37am PDT

    Looks like you two had an amazing time! Was the resort slow, I don’t see anyone else in your photos! Looks like it was a private resort that way.

    I love the sand that Punta Cana has. We definitely would go back!

  9. Miss604Tuesday, August 4th, 2009 — 10:39am PDT

    @Tyler yeah it’s the low season right now and our part of the resort was pretty quiet. The other part looked pretty full though.

  10. VancityAllieWednesday, August 5th, 2009 — 6:01pm PDT

    Wow that looks like an incredible time!

    Melia resorts are some of the best for sure, with their Royal Service!

    What a treat… looks like you guys pretty much had the resort all to yourselves!

    Those birds also look amazing! P.S. Nice tan! Really looks good on you!

  11. MagomzaSaturday, August 8th, 2009 — 5:48pm PDT

    Hi there!!….im from the DR and this was truly a relatively common experience visiting us here!!….we are kind people and I hope you decide to visit us in the near future again….in any case i’ll be willing to help go to a round trip in Punta Cana and Bavaro!!

  12. vancouver limousineSaturday, August 8th, 2009 — 7:07pm PDT

    I was in the Dominican republic 2 years ago and it was amazing. Great photos! looks like you had an awesome time.

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