The Swimsetter Guide: Dominican Republic

The Swimsetter Guide: Dominican Republic

Exploring DR's All-inclusive options, jungle retreats and tranquil coastlines

In town for a destination wedding, we took the opportunity to explore Punta Cana's luxe all-inclusive resorts and then travel north to the hidden gems and off-the-beaten path jungle adventures of Samana. 

 Punta Cana's Adults Only All-Inclusive: CHIC Punta Cana

Hip and glamorous adults-only property. Fun, enthusiastic staff. Daily activities around the pool including yoga, aqua cycling (cycling bikes IN the pool), and Saturday foam parties. They also have an on-site nightclub, and a plethora of bars and restaurants to choose from. If you pay extra for the VIP packages, you get an upgraded room along with access to a "premium spirits" bars and a elevated pool deck.

CHIC PUNTA CANA

ALL INCLUSIVE RESORT

PUNTA CANA, DOMINCAN REPUBLIC

@chicpuntacana

Although it was overcast during our stay, we had an impromptu photoshoot on the beach for Isle Poni Lo swimwear.

Model: @bdapril Photographer: @pure_focus_photography Swimwear: @isleponilo

Hidden All-Inclusive Jungle Retreat- Dominican Treehouse Village

This all-inclusive resort is more of an eco-conscious, communal glamping experience. Nightly themed meals, playing games, daily excursions like yoga, zip-lining, ATV tours, horseback riding to waterfalls, or bicycling to the nearby beach make this property a backpackers dream!

THE DOMINICAN TREE HOUSE VILLAGE

TREE HOUSE RESORT

SAMANÁ, DOMINCAN REPUBLIC

@dominicantreehousevillage

Our ATV adventure down to Playa Rincon

And we went zip-lining for our first time! Thank you @samanazipline 

Ending our jungle adventure with horseback riding to El Limon falls

Cabana-Clad Luxury Resort- Sublime Samana

We spent our last two days at this gorgeous spa retreat nestled in the Las Terrenas coastline. It is rare that the images on a hotel's website reflect the actual property so precisely, but Sublime Samana did not deceive. Without a cloud in the sky and only a handful of occupied rooms- this place felt like our own personal paradise. The service, hospitality and culinary delights were everything I wanted during my trip to DR and even exceeded my expectations with their crafted cocktails, fresh ceviche, and others mouth-watering healthy creations at every meal. If I come back to DR, I will definitely stay here. Total bliss.

SUBLIME SAMANA

HOTEL & RESIDENCES

SAMANÁ, DOMINCAN REPUBLIC

@sublimesamana

During a sunset stroll I took full advantage of our secluded beach and played in the sand and surf sans bikini #islandgirlstyle

Swimsetter Travel Tip:

Fly into SDQ Las Americas International Airport in Santa Domingo and rent a car. The government of Dominican Republic invested a lot of coin a few years back to build shiny new interstate highways and roads to make travel between the regions safe and easy for tourists. Only things to be aware of- Having cash and speaking conversational Spanish is important here to explore the island. There are tolls that only take cash, with cashiers that don't won't speak English to tell you the cost of the toll. Also, if you speed on said highways and get pulled over (like I did)- you will likely need cash to "convince" the officer not to write you an expensive ticket you will have to pay in person in Santa Domingo. Basically- DONT GET HUSTLED. HAVE CASH.