Thirty or so Texas family and friends found ourselves in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic for my cousins’ wedding at the end of October.
This trip to Punta Cana had been in preparation for almost a year and my passport was ready to be stamped. So, with just 2 small carry-ons (4 days on the beach), and a quick lay over in Fort Lauderdale, I was off. This would be my first trip to the Dominican Republic, and it couldn’t have come at a better time; I was needing a getaway, relaxation, and love energy.
The arrival and customs process at the airport was quick and easy. We were greeted outside by our transportation bus to the resort. I had come to see, and would continue to see, that all communications and logistics were handled well throughout the entire booking process and stay. This was thanks to the bride and groom, and the travel agency, Modern Travelworks, working with everyone.
Dreams Royal Beach Punta Cana would be the destination and home for the next 4 days.
Just a quick 20-minute bus ride from the airport and right on Bavaro Beach. The weather was warm and sunny, although it would rain anywhere from 10-60 min each day I was there. The property was gated and there were plenty of trees, bushes, and flowers.
I was greeted at the resort with a wet towel, glass of champagne, and a smile. Let me be sure to say, the local people that I encountered the entire trip were all very nice, friendly, and hospitable. Check in was easy and came with a warning: Only drink bottled water or the filtered water from the restaurants. This would include to brush your teeth. This echoed the warning given by friends and family who had visited the Dominican in recent time. There was plenty of bottled water stocked in the bathroom, mini frig, and around the resort.
The Lay Of The Land
The property has a large open-air hut with stage and theater sized television (entertainment center), several pools, a palm tree lined “river walk”, bars, restaurants, and places to relax along the pools and on the beach. Within the gates are two Hyatt properties: the aforementioned kid friendly Dream Royal Beach and neighboring adult-only Secrets Royal Beach Punta Cana, home to a casino and covered rooftop dance club and bar, which adult guests from both resorts were welcomed.
I did not spend any time in the casino but did dance at the club, which played mostly reggaeton, with a (just one) hip hop/r&b song (nothing released after the year 2010) thrown in every 15 songs or so. Nevertheless, we found our way to the dance floor, and tore it up!
Location Location
My room was clean and spacious. Located just about center of the resort, second floor (three floors total) pool view, 2 Double beds, a sitting area with couch, table, and chair, and a balcony with private jacuzzi jet bathtub. The suite was stocked with extra blankets and pillows, robes, and an assortment of non-alcoholic beverages that were re-stocked daily. Initially, I was worried of the noise level, being poolside, but noise was not an issue for the entire stay.
When on the balcony at night you could hear the music from the Secret’s roof top club, but once inside, I was unable to hear it. I should note I was on the opposite side from the club, so the noise may or may not be an issue on the club side of the Dream Royal resort. I also found being in the middle kept any potential noise from the restaurants, larger bars, and beach goers (all located on the backside of the Royal resort) as well as the noise of the waterpark that is under construction on the tropical side of the resort at bay.
Amenities
The resort also offers luxury spa treatments. However, they were booked up during my stay, so I was not able to partake in the pampering. The white-sand beach and blue ocean were clean and beautiful. There were plenty of chairs to lounge and relax, space and a net set up for beach volleyball. I will say, be aware once you pass the tree line on the beach; folks walking on the beach trying to sell you any and everything. Some bought jewelry and t-shirts, but passed on the rugs. Several of the males in our party opted to get their hair cornrowed by the braider on the beach.
All-Inclusive
Dreams Royal Beach is an all-inclusive resort, the first time I had every stayed at an all-inclusive. I am not a big alcohol drinker, so unlimited drinks did not entice me. I am usually a two-drink max person: feeling the effects at two. However, from my take, and the consumers around me, the alcohol was not very strong. Besides, I was there for the food. I had saved up calories ready to lose my mind on the unlimited array that was sure to be available.
My first meal was a quick cheeseburger and fries from the beach snack hut. I was starving from travel so this would suffice. The real test would come from dinner. I loved dining al fresco with my family on the beach, which we did for most meals. Dinners provided an assortment of cheeses, breads, a seafood stew, potatoes, pasta bar, cut vegetables, fruit, and cute pastries. Imagine my disappointment when none of it was worth writing home about.
For those that know me, they know I love to eat, so I must admit I was very disappointed.
Overall, the food had no seasoning and lacked flavor. I did not enjoy one dessert the entire trip; they were not sweet or savory in my opinion. I was thankful for the small bag of chocolate chip cookies I brought from home. I would come to find breakfast was not much better. They did have an omelet station (which was hidden in another room) that was decent. This was not the nastiest food I had ever eaten, but far from good, edible. Fusion, the Asian cuisine restaurant, supplied my most satisfying meal of the trip. Needless to say, I did not overindulge in the food, which my waistline appreciates.
The Wedding
The wedding and the reception were held on the beach. The bride and groom were equally beautiful and handsome against the backdrop of the setting sun, sand, and ocean. The decorations and flowers were understated, elegant, and tasteful. It rained for about 15 min during the reception (just long enough for me to refresh but not long enough to turn the sand muddy).
Although the song playlist was not the one submitted by the bride and groom, we all danced and celebrated their black love union. The hard work the couple put in to make this day special was received and seemed to be well worth it.
All in all, I will say I enjoyed my time at Dreams Royal Beach. The memories made with my family, including the almost Gilligan’s Island fortuned 3-hour boat tour that had me seasick and thankful for my life by the time we finally reached land.
Nonetheless, I am so happy I was able to join the special occasion commemorating love, laughing and soaking up as much sun and as much needed relaxation with my family.
Been to the Dominican Republic? Stayed at Dreams Royal Beach? We’d like to hear about it.
Are you a light packer? How much luggage do you need for a 4-day beach wedding/vacation?
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Note: Life In AD is not affiliated nor being compensated by Hyatt, Dream Royal Beach, Secrets Royal Beach, Fusion, or Modern Travelworks.
3 Comments. Leave new
You captured it perfectly!
It was perfect!
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