7 tips to make the most of your Punta Cana getaway

Planning a tropical getaway to Punta Cana? Lucky you. Over the past few decades, the coastal region on the easternmost side of the Dominican Republic has transformed from barren cattle farmland into massive tourist destination, thanks to year-round 80-degree weather, palm-fringed beaches, crystal-clear waters and lavish resorts. Given Punta Cana’s popularity—and the all-inclusive nature of such resorts—you might reasonably assume that upon booking accommodations, the details of your trip will be all sorted out… Food! Drinks! Beach chairs in full recline! Our advice, however—and this applies to any type of travel—is to go prepared. Ask questions ahead of time, do your research and you’ll be better able to enjoy yourself in the DR. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your Caribbean vacation:

1. All-inclusive resorts aren’t all created equal

Photo courtesy of Dreams Punta Cana

Do you want to unwind in a place that’s family-oriented? Just for adults? A “sprang break!”–style hotspot? Or a laid-back escape? For better or worse, most of the action in Punta Cana happens at resorts, so it’s important that you like where you’re staying. The atmosphere of the area’s beach properties runs the gamut including family-friendly Memories Splash Resort and Spa, home to the Caribbean’s largest water park, and Dreams Punta Cana Resort and Spa, offering a kid-centric Explorer’s Club; something-for-everyone spots like the sprawling Hard Rock Hotel and Casino—with a brand new adventure sports facility, Camp Woodward, opening in 2017; and adults-only destinations such as Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana and Excellence Punta Cana. Research the vibe of the resort before you book, and don’t be afraid to ask questions about what’s actually meant by “all-inclusive.” Some will charge extra for things like spa treatments, sports lessons, equipment rental and premium-brand liquor.

2. U.S. currency is okay

The official currency of the Dominican Republic is the Dominican Peso (DOP), but U.S. dollars areaccepted at most tourist spots. Credit cards are fine, too. Unless you plan on doing some off-resort shopping or dining, or venturing into non-touristy areas, you shouldn’t need to convert your dollars to pesos. Just be sure to bring some smaller bills—some people recommend up to $100 in one-dollar bills, though we think $50 in ones is fine—because they can be difficult to obtain once you’re in the DR. Plus, small bills are convenient for tipping.

3. Bring an Alexander Hamilton to the airport

Speaking of cash, make sure you have at least $10 on you when you land in Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ). After you’ve deplaned and before entering customs, tourists are required to pay a cash-only visitor fee (U.S. dollars are accepted) to a bouncer—er, we mean immigration officer. Indeed, the “tourist card” feels a little like paying a cover to get into an exclusive nightclub known as Punta Cana. We half expected a velvet rope!

4. Arrange ground transportation ahead of time

Most resorts are located about 30 minutes to an hour away from PUJ. The easiest way to avoid the stress of figuring out transportation after landing there is to prearrange it (unless, of course, you’re traveling with a tour company that has done that for you). Book your airport transfer online, so that when you arrive in Punta Cana, you can walk straight out to meet your driver, who will be waiting outside with a sign. Taxis, with preset rates to the various resorts, are also available outside the airport and safe to use. Just avoid the several other competing drivers who will try to stop you along the way and convince you to use their own transportation services.

5. If experiencing Dominican food is a top priority, plan ahead

Yes, you’re in the Dominican Republic. But the truth is, it’s going to be difficult to experience the local cuisine—a mix of Spanish, indigenous Taíno and African influences—from within your resort, where you’re more likely to run into takes on Asian, French, Italian or American fare. There are exceptions, however. Some resort buffets include Dominican dishes such as rice and beans, mangú (mashed plantains) and sancocho de siete carne (seven-meat stew). And some destinations, such as the recently opened Excellence El Carmen, feature a weekly Dominican night on the beach. Here, guests are introduced to local flavors—roast suckling pig, tostones (fried plantains), tropical fruits and so on—and enjoy entertainment in the form of traditional music and dancing.

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6. Try a shot of Mama Juana

One aspect of Dominican culture you’re guaranteed to encounter, on resort or off: Mama Juana. A mixture of rum, red wine and honey soaked in a bottle with a combination of twigs, bark, leaves and herbs, the drink is served at room temperature and is similar in taste to port or amaro. It’s also said to contain all sorts of curative properties—an aphrodisiac, if you will. Try a shot (or two) and see for yourself.

7. Adjust to “island time”

This seems true of anywhere you go in the Caribbean, but the Dominican Republic really does operate at a calmer, slower pace. Meals, traffic, service, conversation…none of it feels as rushed as in the States. Perhaps the most effective way to enjoy your Punta Cana vacation is to forget about the clock or the need to maintain any kind of rigid schedule and simply relax into island time yourself.

Where to stay:

Photo courtesy of the Excellence

The aforementioned Excellence El Carmen, an adults-only all-inclusive resort on the white-sand beaches of Uvero Alto, opened in 2016 and sets itself apart with its clean, contemporary design—think marble floors, stunning light fixtures, low-slung coffee tables stacked with design-centric tomes—and a truly outstanding approach to service. The 492-room resort offers an array of suite options, all of which highlight an ocean or pool view and come with an in-room Jacuzzi for two (perhaps our favorite feature). Be sure to visit the Millé Spa, with views of the Dominican mountains, for a massage or aqua wellness treatment. Meanwhile, myriad dining choices await at a dozen restaurants, ranging from Spanish tapas to teppanyaki to French cuisine. The Kitchen Table ups the ante on buffet-style restaurants with a beautifully prepared array of fresh fish, fruit and vegetable dishes. Have a question or need or just hankering for another piña colada? The El Carmen staff is at the ready.