My wife semi-quietly arranged for a 4 day get away for just the two of us in the Dominican Republic a couple of years ago. She had been working hard raising our daughters, while I have been able to travel around the country and a bit of the world. for work. Now that our daughters are older and able to take care of themselves, I was happy for the two of us to get away for a few days without the fear the kids would starve or that the house will be reduced to embers while we are gone. Of course, internet and facetime also alleviated any residual reservations or parental guilt.
Our trip included free airfare on Spirit Airlines. This was definitely a “no frills” airline. The seat had very little padding and only a tiny mini-hammock for the safety card. Crammed in like sardines I was especially glad this was to only be a 1.5-hour flight. Arriving in Punta Cana we disembarked and made our way to the bus line. Unfortunately, the bus we were told board went to the wrong resort the sister resort. Not to worry, they sent us off to eat lunch while we were waiting for a private bus to arrive.
I was informed that this trip was simply to relax. On most of my trips I am always anxious I will miss something and I go, go, go until everyone is exhausted. Our very first cruise together as a couple I picked all the excursions and each one started at 7 am and was activity level 3. I was told this was not going to be that kind of vacation. Ok…..I understand.
Welcome to the Lobby 
Desserts Galore
Driving about 45 minutes west of Punta Cana on highway 3 we turned off onto a small lane in semi remote area and finally arrived at our resort, the Be Live Collection Canoa. It and another 4-5 resorts are situated together all in a row along the beach.
Our resort being reasonably priced allowed my wife to upgrade our stay to the VIP section. This included dining at a couple of the nicer restaurants, larger suite like room, and VIP concierge support. Escorted to our room looking out at the Caribbean we dropped our bags and relaxed.
Having unloaded our many bags and having rehydrated with some appropriate vacation beverages we decided to stroll the resort to have a peek around. The property was well maintained and had a measurable amount of security people. Walking out to the beach it is always nice to feel the breeze off the ocean, enjoy the sights and let the stress of the daily grind melt away just a bit. Some local wildlife also kept us entertained as ducklings waddled behind their mama next to the sidewalk.
Restaurant on the Water 
Think these two have our name on them 
By the time we made it back to the room the sun was over the yardarm and time to grab a bit of dinner. Maybe even watch the sun set.
Altos de Chavon
Starting our second day we did manage to get out of the room and arrive back at the lobby to join our group that was going to Altos de Chavon. It is a village designed and constructed in 1976 to look like 1600 European village. Otherwise, in today’s terms, its a genuine fake! But a rather good looking fake. The surrounding homes in the Casa de Campo remind me of Robin Leach with his, “Champagne wishes and Caviar dreams of the Rich and Fabulous”. Nevertheless, Tara and I enjoyed a morning stroll through the unique village.
Isla Saona
One of the more prominent excursions from the resort is a nice boat ride to Isla Saona. An island on the southeastern tip of the Dominican Republic it is a nice place to spend the day, catch some rays and hopefully not drink too much of the ubiquitous rum punch. Our trip included a picnic barbeque lunch so it was time to slather on the sun screen and head back out to the beach!
We started with a quick drive up the coast to a small port of Playa Bayahibe. Then they loaded us up into smaller boats for the journey out to the shallow park area between the main island and Isle Saone. After standing around in chest high crystal clear water we were transferred to a large sail boat for our trip to the isle itself. Once we landed our guide took across a spit of land to Playa de Gato. Here we relaxed until it was time to call it a day and head back to the resort.
Not sure he was happy getting picture taken 
We were some of first to hit the beach that day 
Everyone dance after rum punch
Resort Living
Back at our resort we were learning to enjoy the food of the Island. While trying to cater to many people the food itself was good but not great. Our resort had several restaurants and while none of them were great, none of them were horrible either. The coffee bar was always good for a quick pick-me-up and VIP lounge for an ice cold prosecco. If you enjoyed a local beer or opened an imported wine with your meal things quickly became better and better. I found the staff helpful and very courteous.
However, as a traveler I always made sure I locked up any valuables. There were reported thefts and you are a long ways from home. Be careful, don’t be flashy with jewelry and you will do fine!
Sausages abound 
Nice but everything was a bit salty.
Snorkeling Fun
The final day we had a bit of fun on another boat going snorkeling. I have a small camera with an underwater housing but amount of fish were somewhat limited on our day but splashing about in the ocean is always fun. Be prepared as currents can be strong depending on how windy it is so manage your energy level. I think they did give out floats for those that wanted a little extra boyancy.
On camera
Time for Home
I enjoyed our trip to the Dominican Republic and wished we had one more day to visit Santo Domingo. As the capital of the Dominican Republic it was the gateway city to the Caribbean. Christopher Columbus, Ponce de Leon and other launched their explorations of the new world from Santo Domingo. But there is always time for another trip.
After we had departed from the Dominican Republic it was plagued by several high profile deaths that made the US news. Like any second world country it has some issues. To help yourself stay safe click here for Hints. We had a nice time in the Dominican Republic, recharged our batteries and returned home safe, sound and less stressed.
If you have any comments or suggestions please feel free to contact me. I love hearing about your experiences and hope this helps you consider a trip to the Dominican Republic.
The Sane Adventurer 
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