We wanted to get away for Thanksgiving since we didn’t have our kids with us. I found an “Adult Only” all inclusive resort in the Dominican Republic in Punta Cana called “Excellence“. The name caught my attention. No children, No distractions, No interruptions, No demands on your time. Only a stunning Caribbean setting in an all inclusive luxury resort. Sign me up!!
So off we went. The flight from Fort Lauderdale to Punta Cana is short, only 2 1/2 hours on JetBlue. Once we arrived at the airport in Punta Cana, the hotel had a transfer service waiting to take us to the hotel. It took roughy around 30 minutes to arrived at the Excellence Punta Cana Resort.
Do you ever get that, “Oh, this is nice” feeling when you get somewhere? Well, I did. We were welcomed and given a glass of champagne upon arrival.
Excellence Punta Cana has 452 suites in pastel-colored buildings with four-poster beds, whirlpool tubs and separate showers, private patios or balconies, mini-bars, bathrobes, satellite TVs, free wireless internet, stocked minibar with beer, juices, soft drinks, water and snacks, in-room premium liquor & wine bottle selection, and turn-down service. Did you get all that? It’s a lot of amenities.
The resort’s ten bars are spread throughout the property, including the Martini Bar in the lobby, the swim-up pool bars, and the X-Lounge on the beach. The main pool is huge and very refreshing. There are ample amount of loungers, but be prepared to get out there early for a raft. The main pool is used for pool activities (volleyball, water aerobics). Pool waiters walk around taking your drink orders. The Cascade Pool is much quieter and a little deeper.
We enjoyed relaxing in the pool area and the beach.
I had never been on a beach before that had covered beds to lay down on. This of course was a huge hit for my husband who hates to be in the sun . I’m a sun worshiper who loves to be in the sun and get a tan so I would lay in the sun on one of the recliners.
You have a choice of seven restaurants on the property: Chez Isabelle, with French cuisine; Agave, serving Mexican fare; a Mediterranean eatery, Barcelona; Toscana with Italian food; Spice, an Asian restaurant; and the Lobster House. The food was excellent and we always received very good service and had no issues. There’s something for everyone, and the staff will go out of there way to satisfy you in every restaurant!
Every night before dinner we would sit out on our balcony and have a glass of wine while looking out into the ocean. On our third night, we sat out in our balcony like all the other nights. This night was special because John got on his knees and proposed to me. I of course said yes! Our favorite restaurant most definitely was Chez Isabelle! Not only was the food remarkable – top class! I got engaged there.
I know I have a look of shock in my face! He caught me off guard.
The resort is a great place to host a destination wedding. This lovely bride was being escorted by her dad on a horse-drawn carriage to the resort’s beachside wedding gazebo.
We will be back to this resort and cannot wait to go experience the rest of the Excellence Resorts!! We highly recommend staying here. And ladies, if you think it might be time for him to pop the Question, you might schedule a long weekend at the Excellence Resort to see what happens. I did back in 2007 and look what happened to me!
Daidri | Thee Getaway Gal
September 24, 2014 at 1:59 pmCongratulations Carmen! How exciting for both of you. The resort looks fantastic and perfect for a quiet getaway. I would love to be on one of those beds under the grass umbrellas reading a book right now. Heavenly!
Carmen
September 24, 2014 at 2:26 pmThanks Daidri, That was back in 2007 when we got engaged. I have friends that just got married and went there for their honeymoon. I thought it would be a cute idea to share my experience of the hotel.
Emily and Andrew @alongdustyroads
September 26, 2014 at 9:11 pmWhat a truly wonderful place to get engaged. Your other half is a clever chap!
To be honest, one look at that hotel room, and who wouldn’t say yes.
Carmen
September 27, 2014 at 1:40 pmHi Emily and Andrew! It was my idea to go to the hotel, but you are correct he did pick a perfect location to pop the question. I was totally surprised since I had packed his suitcase. My first question was where did you hide the ring (his socks).
Brianna
September 26, 2014 at 10:56 pmCongrats! What a souvenir to come back with 🙂
Carmen
September 27, 2014 at 1:41 pmThanks Brianna, It was a very sparkly souvenir that I will cherish forever. We plan on returning to the hotel one day soon.
Cat
September 26, 2014 at 11:57 pmWow, what a gorgeous sunset! Never stayed at an all-inclusive resort before except Club Med. I’ve always wanted to go to the Caribbeans. Definitely will look into one next time!
Carmen
September 27, 2014 at 1:44 pmHi Cat, We’ve stayed in several of the Club Med’s in the Caribbean. Punta Cana is one of our favorite. It’s more of an intimate resort since it only caters to adults.
Lyn - A Hole in my Shoe
September 27, 2014 at 11:18 amHow wonderful to share the story of your engagement at such a beautiful place. The food choices sound amazing.
Carmen
September 27, 2014 at 1:47 pmHi Lyn, I just had a family member return from his honeymoon, and they loved it as well.
Lisa
September 27, 2014 at 7:02 pmThis resort is gorgeous! My cousin was married there a few years ago and she said it was flawless. Would definitely like to visit without the kids;)
Carmen
September 30, 2014 at 1:47 amHi Lisa, It’s a very intimate and romantic hotel. I can see why a lot of couples choose to go for their honeymoon. It’s also a plus that they don’t allow any children.
Evanne @ Poplar Travels
September 28, 2014 at 7:38 amWhat a great place to have an excuse to go back to!
Carmen
September 30, 2014 at 1:49 amH Evanne, We’ll have to go back to celebrate one of our anniversaries there. It’s a special place for us.
Sammi Wanderlustin'
September 28, 2014 at 5:07 pmWhat a beautiful place to get engaged, congratulations 🙂
Carmen
September 30, 2014 at 1:49 amHi Sammi, Thanks, At least he surprised me and made it a destination engagement. 🙂
Amy
September 28, 2014 at 5:44 pmWhat a gorgeous resort and perfect place to get engaged! I love that beach bed.
Carmen
September 30, 2014 at 1:52 amHi Amy, It was hard to get my husband off the beach bed. He loved it there, since he was able to read his book under the shade. It was comfortable too.
Katrina
September 29, 2014 at 8:43 pmI have a feeling that the universe is telling us to either go to Costa Rica or Punta Cana in the DR… we were just looking at prices for the DR last night! Friends of ours honeymooned there and raved how beautiful it was. Thanks for the write-up!
(Found you through #WeekendWanderlust)
Carmen
September 30, 2014 at 1:56 amHi Katrina, I’ve been to both. We actually got married in Costa Rica and spent two weeks driving around. It all depends what you want to do.
Constance - Foreign Sanctuary
September 30, 2014 at 1:36 amWow! What an amazing place to chill and relax!! I bet you had an awesome time there!
Carmen
September 30, 2014 at 1:57 amHi Constance, We did have an awesome time, especially since it was just the two of us. (no kids). It’s a great hotel to enjoy the beach, pool and lay back and do nothing.
Lauren
September 30, 2014 at 11:08 pmOh my goodness, beach beds! That’s amazing. Sign me up! Also awesome that you got engaged there!! 🙂
Carmen
October 1, 2014 at 4:14 pmHi Lauren, It was my first time ever seeing such a thing “beach bed”. I thought is was a great idea. Lots of people enjoyed laying on them.
Anne Klien ( Meanne)
October 4, 2014 at 8:26 amThats a beautiful place…. is this a blog or a fairytale….. good story