On a recent trip to Punta Cana, I was treated to a fun filled day of exploring Cap Cana’s new multi-million dollar resort destination - a place where the Caribbean Sea kisses the Atlantic Ocean and warm breezes had me seriously questioning a permanent change of address!
Cap Cana is just 10 minutes from Punta Cana International Airport (which I was happy to see underwent an expansion project in 2011), in the southeast of the Dominican Republic, and is located on 30,000 acres of unspoiled lush coast, with spectacular waterfront views and 3.4 miles of pristine beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see.
My day began with a visit to Scape Park, a natural themed park located within Cap Cana. Here, visitors can enjoy a number of exciting adventures like zip lining through a canopy of trees or experience an off road buggy adventure on scenic trails in the midst of tropical forests. There’s also horseback riding, cruises, fishing, cave expeditions and much more.
I enjoyed a short hike along an eco-trail to visit the beautiful “Las Ondas”, where a woman dressed in traditional Taino costume stood guard outside the mouth of the cave. My guide then led me down a steep wooden staircase into the cenote - an underwater lagoon that shimmered in an array of dazzling blues. It was an invigorating experience to enter this mystical pool of water, and I could not help but be in awe of its natural beauty!
At Punta Espada Golf Club, designed by legendary Jack Nicklaus and ranked the #1 Best Golf Course in the Caribbean and Mexico by Golfweek publication, billowy breezes and magnificent views left me speechless!
Cap
Cana - Dominican Republic's new tropical paradise - is home to a
number of luxury hotels and spas, beach clubs, as well as numerous residential
properties and stylish restaurants, bars and boutiques. The heart of this
resort destination is the post-card perfect Marina Cap Cana. Its beauty is
reminiscent of the French Riviera and the Caribbean’s most picturesque UNESCO
inspired port cities, where pastel colonial buildings line their waterfronts
and luxury yachts are ready to set sail in a moment’s notice. (Think Curaçao or
St Lucia).
Here,
I boarded a catamaran to sail Cap Cana’s spectacular coastline and
proximity, considered among the best spots in the world for fishing and
deep-water diving. The water was crystal clear and the most brilliant shade of
turquoise - the kind you would find in an ad campaign, so beautiful you think
it’s photo-shopped. And there, in the midst of this paradise, I went
snorkeling and walked along a picturesque sandbank - an experience I celebrated
with a cold cerveza in hand, as I danced to the rhythmic sound of bachata.
I ended this incredible day with a delicious Italian meal in a seaside restaurant. Could anything be more perfect - I think not! As I sat there taking in my beautiful surroundings, a wave of excitement washed over me. The future of Punta Cana shined brightly and I could not wait to share the news with all of you.
Look for more of my travels in Travelweek!