13 years have passed in the meantime. Oh man, I was so excited … just a couple of weeks together and Sven wanted to go on a long-distance trip with me. I couldn’t believe my luck. Since there was hardly any time for planning and we really only wanted to enjoy a relaxed love holiday, we inquired at the travel agency and the holiday was already booked 😊
Just thinking about it makes me smile today. At that time, of course, I had absolutely no experience with travel planning, perfect travel times, visas or vaccinations. But what are travel agencies for 😉
At the moment I could hardly imagine such a spontaneity when it comes to long-distance travel. I have to find out about the country beforehand, preferably read the travel guide twice, pick out activities, study hotel reviews … Well, that’s how times change 😉 What has also changed (luckily) are fashion and hair trends 🤣
In any case, shortly afterwards we were already on the plane to Punta Cana. Since I was so excited, I didn’t notice anything about the jetlag, I was just totally in love and happy 😍
We checked in at the Iberostar Bavaro Selection. The hotel was just a dream, Sven and I have been talking about going back someday for years.
Our daily sports program was not neglected either. In the morning before breakfast we jogged along the beach. We were often accompanied by a few stray dogs.
In the afternoon the program was … either an hour of gym or beach volleyball.
Our absolute highlight was a day trip to Saona Island. Dream weather, dream beach, turquoise water … what more could you want. This excursion can be booked directly on site or in advance via Viator or getyourguide .
From a culinary point of view, we lived like kings in this hotel resort. Lots of seafood, freshly squeezed juices, during the day there was paella on the beach, delicious cocktails and Sven even enjoyed a cigar rolled especially for him.
I thought back and forth for a long time whether I should mention our trip to the Manati Park. Actually, I’m not a fan of zoos at all, and certainly not of “swimming with dolphins”. A few years later in Hawaii we were lucky enough to meet dolphins in the open ocean (simply fantastic).
But this story is also part of our vacation and that’s why I publish this as well. However, I recommend that everyone should rethink the swim with dolphins activity.
Our personal opinion about Punta Cana:
- dreamlike palm beaches
- turquoise water
- it’s a caribbean dream
- next time we will definitely see more: Santo Domingo, Puerta Plata, …
Best travel time:
Punta Cana is a real year-round destination, as the effects of the rainy season are only mildly felt by the more sheltered location in the east of the Dominican Republic. The rainy season is from May to October, the rainiest months are May and October. However, the best travel time with the least chance of rain is from November to April.
Hotel recommendation:
Iberostar Selection Bávaro – Punta Cana
More tips & recommendations:
- a day trip to Saona Island is a MUST
- please DO NOT book “swimming with the dolphins”
