Resort Review: Sunbathing in Punta Cana

Bahamas? No, thank you. Cuba? no. Both islands were visited by Christoper Columbus on his first voyage around the Caribbean in 1492. But the great navigator chose to pass. Instead, the first European settlements in the Americas arose from the eastern half of Hispaniola, the area today known as the Dominican Republic. There’s a good reason for the country’s stunningly beautiful landscapes. But what actually brought the first Europeans here (the thirst for gold) is still not what brings them here today. Rather, you’ll be craving late-night rum cocktails, crystal-clear waters and golden dawns on palm-fringed beaches.

Welcome to Punta Cana. The easternmost tip of the island (and the second largest island in the Caribbean), it is a haven for those escaping the noise of modern life. It is a haven for those who are tired of work and want nothing more. Collapse on a sun lounger, drink in one hand, read a book in the other. Ambar, a luxury resort in Bahia Principe, was my retreat.

memorable party

At the end of March, the resort celebrated its grand opening after extensive renovations. Bahia Principe is a Spanish brand born on the island of Mallorca, so as you might expect, they know how to enjoy the festivities. Like a teddy bear picnic (rum and weather permitting), journalists and travel writers from around the world were invited to celebrate the resort’s reopening. There was a lot of dancing and I’m pleased to report that the British delegation stayed on top right from the bottom up. The actual dancing was left to a group of Latin Americans. Because they’re better at it. But they’re practicing. (Incidentally, the resort regularly hosts poolside parties, performances, and stage shows at Bahia Principe Village throughout the year for those looking for a little nightlife after dark.)

There was a lot to toast that night. Amber has renovated the restaurant, sports bar, and state-of-the-art gym. A swim up suite has also been added and frankly it’s nice. The rooms have large beds, minibars, percolators (with delicious local coffee), spacious showers and bathrooms. But the real highlight is the private pool just beyond the sliding doors and your very own “pier” perfect for working in the evening. Amber even has her own ethos behind the way things are done here. I call this an “escape experience”, but I hasten to add that it’s not from a resort (although it would be a lot of fun to try and tunnel your way out through the soft sand) . Rather, it’s a philosophy centered around eating delicious food, drinking alcohol, lazing around, and playing sports when appropriate.

There’s also tennis, beach volleyball, swimming (of course, if you feel like you’ve gone too far, you can always refresh yourself at the swim-up bar), and the aforementioned fitness center. The resort’s app on your phone also offers all kinds of classes and activities every day, including one called “surf yoga.” Well, neither am I. There is also a spa, where you can enjoy outdoor massages between the beach and the pool. You can also take a day trip, as we did, to Samana, across the bay of the same name. There are horseback riding tours to beautiful beaches and hidden waterfalls. Or visit a farm to see how sugar cane is grown and cigars are made, and sample the Dominican Republic’s national drink, a soothing blend of rum, red wine, honey, and mysterious medicinal herbs. can. Legend has it that it was invented in 1910 by Mama Juana, a 90-year-old woman, and the tonic (allegedly an aphrodisiac – be warned) is named after her.

Perfect for families

But back to Amber. In fact, there are seven resorts. Seven. – Inside the Bahia Principe campus, connected by lovingly tended gardens and paths and the Bahia Principe Train (a very long golf buggy) that runs rounds throughout the day. Amber is adults only and is a haven for couples looking to recharge away from the kids. But other parts of Bahia Principe’s campus are a children’s paradise. That’s because not far away there is Fantasia, a resort for young families completely formed from a child’s imagination. A fairy-tale castle stands at the center of a huge pool, reached by a graceful footbridge. For a few minutes after sunset, it comes to life with a magical display of son et lumières.

Lunch is served at Garden Circus, a restaurant that serves a buffet with plenty of kid’s favorites, including burgers and pizza. There’s also a spa and gym for teenagers, as well as a games room and movie theater just for kids. At the edge of the Bahia Principe campus, Turquesa Resort also has a water park with slides and water chutes.

do not lift the figure

No matter where you put your belongings, you can live a life where you never have to lift a finger. For example, Ambar is all-inclusive, so you don’t have to settle down for every drink or meal or dig around in your trunk for a soaked room card. The most difficult decision you will have to face is deciding where to have lunch and then dinner. There are 5 restaurants in Amber, and many more located in the surrounding area.

At Rodizio, a Brazilian restaurant, huge skewers of grilled meat are brought to you until you beg them to stop. Las Olas has warm waters that provide a stunningly beautiful backdrop. There’s also Amber’s fine dining restaurant, Limbo (pictured above). Think creamy sea urchin first, then roasted flounder. An “elegant” cocktail with gin, Basel and pineapple isn’t bad either. True, all-inclusive resorts are not suitable for everyone. More adventurous types will probably find everything a little too “safe”. But if you’re looking to escape from it all and just want to spend a few days eating, drinking, lying in the sun and soaking in the sea along the way, Ambar and Punta Cana might just be the place for you. I don’t know. Caribbean paradise.

To book your all-inclusive stay at Luxury Bahia Principe Ambar, please visit www.bahia-principe.com. From £87 per person per night in June.

A version of this article originally appeared on MoneyWeek