Punta Cana

From the moment you arrive here you are reminded you are in the Caribbean. The newly designed airport is integrated into the landscape with its thatched roofs and lush tropical plantings, you would hardly recognize it as an airport.



Travel to Punta Cana and be swept away into a secluded paradise, with forty miles of pearly beaches studded with palm trees, almost as pristine as when the island was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1492. The crystalline waters where the Caribbean Sea meets the Atlantic swirl in the vivid hues of indigo, turquoise, and aquamarine that you've seen only in your dreams.

We stayed at the Riu Palace in Punta Cana, which is located only 19 miles from the airport. Opened in 2006, this is the very latest addition to Riu’s outstanding resorts in the Dominican Republic.


Located on a spectacular stretch of white sandy beach, this magnificent property has 612 junior suites. And, staying here entitles you to exchange privileges to the 4 sister properties, the Riu Palace Macao, Riu Taino, Riu Naiboa and ClubHotel Riu Bambu, in the resort. I must say I love the Riu family of hotels. My daughter and I were treated like royalty here. It could be because she (my daughter Jill) is something else in a bathing suit, but we did receive a lot of attention during that stay. The Riu line of all-inclusive resorts combines luxury with entertainment, relaxation and pampering. They have five restaurants, in this one property, to choose from eating and believe me when I say the food was great. Next to eating, I also enjoyed sitting in the pool. Like most newer resorts their pool has seats built into the water. You can sit in the sun, covered in water; with the pool bar near by and the staff making sure your glass was always full.



The beach is also wonderful, the surf calm, the recliners ample. If you are a gambler you’ll have access to the casino located at the Riu Macao in the resort complex. My idea of the perfect vacation!

Punta Cana is considered the major resort area in the Dominican Republic. Several professional golf courses have been built in the region.

The nightlife inside the resorts is very lively. For those who like to explore off site, several small plazas and discotheques allow tourists to interact with local residents. Other tourist attractions have also been installed in the area, among them Manatí Park (a waterpark), Plaza Bolera Punta Cana (a shopping mall and bowling center), a Marina, and the Palma Real Shopping Center in Bávaro, housing well known facilities such as Hard Rock Cafe and Tony Romas. Personally though when I pay for an all-inclusive resort I stay onsite and get the most for my money.

This article was written by Diane Pajak, a Travel Consultant for Travel Concepts if you’d like more information or a quote for these fine resorts, call 800-229-7228.