A Guide To a Relaxing Vacation in Punta Cana
Punta Cana is known for its stunning beaches, adventure-packed excursions, and vibrant nightlife. But if adrenaline-fueled activities like ATVs and zip-lining, or the party scene aren’t your thing, you can still have an amazing and relaxing vacation in Punta Cana.
For this trip, my sister and I wanted to take it slow, and enjoy calm activities. So that meant no crazy excursions, no clubs, no wild nights. And honestly, I loved it. I actually went home feeling rested!
So, how can you have a relaxing vacation in Punta Cana without feeling like you’re missing out? Let’s talk about it!
Where To Stay For a Relaxing Vacation in Punta Cana
We can all agree that where you stay can either make or break your vacation. This is why it’s very important to consider various factors when choosing your resort, as opposed to only going by aesthetics. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you want to have a relaxing vacation.
Resort Atmosphere
In Punta Cana, the majority of resorts are all-inclusive. One thing to know is that some cater specifically to party-loving travellers. This often means lively foam parties by the pool, nightly music shows, and an overall high-energy atmosphere. While this might be exciting for some, others might find it to be overwhelming and disruptive. If you’re looking for a more relaxed and peaceful vacation in Punta Cana, be sure to look into hotel reviews to be sure you’re choosing the right resort for you. Some resorts are designed to create a serene atmosphere. For example, Meliá Punta Cana Beach Resort is known to be a wellness resort that focuses on the well being of their guests. Their property includes quiet spaces, sensory spaces, etc. So, this would be an ideal resort option if you’re looking to have a relaxing vacation.
Adults Only vs. Family Friendly Resort
Many all-inclusive resorts have sister properties. This means one side is designated for adults only and the other caters to families. It’s often assumed that family-friendly resorts are more chaotic, with lots of children running around and noisy dining areas. However, this was not my experience. I stayed on the family side of Serenade Punta Cana, and it was surprisingly peaceful. I never felt overwhelmed by noise from children because there simply wasn’t any. Perhaps this was due to the resort’s spacious layout, which made it easier to minimize any noise. Nonetheless, I enjoyed my time here, and every space felt comfortable and inviting.
Before finalizing plans for your accommodation, read reviews online to get insights about the resort you’re interested in. If you’re not sure of where to stay, adult-only resorts are generally quieter and more suited for relaxation, so that’d be a safe bet.
Pool & Beach Crowd Levels
Most resorts have private beach access for guests, but it’s always a good idea to double check. This way you can enjoy those peaceful morning walks along the shore, or even a day of tanning by the water. Also, check if resorts have multiple pools. When a resort has more pool options, that helps distribute guests more evenly, reducing overcrowding and creating a more enjoyable environment.
Beachfront vs. Garden/Pool View
A beachfront room is often what everyone wants because of its stunning ocean views. However, depending on the size of the resort as well as its layout and proximity to the beach, a beachfront room may come with higher noise levels from beachgoers and resort entertainment. On the other hand, garden views can be quieter and as a bonus, they’re more budget friendly. Be sure you know about the resort’s layout before booking a room
What To Do in Punta Cana
I’m usually the type of person who has an activity-filled itinerary, but for this trip I tried something different. I was with my sisters who are more relaxed travellers, so we opted for an itinerary that allowed us to rest, without feeling like we were missing out. Here are some of the things that we did:
Montaña Redonda
A trip to Montaña Redonda means escaping to Miches, a small town just an hour away from Punta Cana. What I loved the most was the serene atmosphere at the mountain. When you first get there, you and other guests will be picked up by a jitney that will take you up to the mountain. I won’t lie, it’s a bit of a rocky ride, but nothing too extreme. Plus, the breathtaking scenes along the way makes the ride totally worth it.
At the top, you’ll pass small souvenir shops before reaching the main highlight: the swings. My sisters and I called them the “Bali Swing Look Alikes” because they resemble the iconic swings in Bali. Also, the panoramic views? Absolutely beautiful. With four swings available, you don’t need to rush to secure one before other tourists. Since the mountain isn’t crowded, the experience feels peaceful and private. As someone who’s not a fan of heights, I found the swing gentle and enjoyable. If you’re a bit anxious, you can always ask your travel companion or the staff for a light push.
There’s also ziplining for those wanting a little adventure, though we skipped it because we wanted a relaxed day. We booked through GetYourGuide, and if you want to do the same, I highly recommend Jesús as a guide. He was super friendly, accommodating, and even went as far as taking our photos, which is a big deal when you’re getting stunning shots at a place like this.
Other than swinging, and enjoying a delicious lunch (included in our package), you can also enjoy lounging in hammocks, taking a short walk, and simply taking in the views. If you’re looking for a peaceful, crowd-free activity, Montaña Redonda should definitely be on your itinerary!
Horseback Riding
After seeing the stunning photos of the white sand, I knew I had to book this experience. Horseback riding on the beach is always a lovely experience, and this time it wasn’t any different. For us, we went to a beach in Bavaro. It was attached to the Grand Bavaro Resort in Punta Cana.
The experience itself started off with the typical safety briefing and instructions. Right after that, we got on our horses and we were on our way.
It was a smooth ride along a sandy pathway, before we finally got to the beach. We went along the shore and back, and we also took a ride along forest trails that were slightly off the shores of the beach. While I didn’t participate, this experience includes the option to have a swim in the lagoon. There’s also a brief break for everyone to have a tropical fruit juice drink.
What I loved about this experience was that it only took about 2 – 3 hours, if you include the time it took us to get there and to return to the resort. I appreciated the convenience because it wasn’t like the. typical holiday excursion that goes on to the point of one being exhausted by the end of the day.
With my booking, pickup was included, which made the experience even more seamless.
Saona Island
This one is a bit tricky, since I didn’t quite enjoy my experience. However, I do see how it could be a relaxing experience if booked properly.
We booked our excursion through GetYourGuide, but unlike the other two activities, the activity description for this was a bit misleading. What was supposed to be a full day of relaxation on a beautiful private island turned into six hours in transit and only two hours actually on Saona Island.
So, here’s what I’d recommend:
1) Confirm your transportation details: Make sure your tour provider offers direct transportation from your resort to the port where you’ll board the boat to Saona Island. In our case, we had to switch vehicles once and also stopped at a souvenir store, which added unnecessary delays.
2) Check the itinerary for extra stops: Most group excursions include a stop at a natural swimming pool, which I was okay with since it was part of the experience. However, we ended up spending slightly over an hour there, which cut into our time on the island. If you prefer more time on Saona Island, consider booking a private excursion instead.
When we finally arrived, Saona Island was beautiful and relaxing. Although we only had two hours there, it was still an enjoyable experience. Had we booked a better tour, I’m sure it would’ve been even more amazing, so keep these tips in mind when you book your experience!
Since the island itself is quite lovely, if you’re okay with the idea of having a couple stops before getting to there, I have provided a link to the tour that I did.
Spa Day
I always say every vacation needs a spa day because I really can’t think of anything else that can get you to feel relaxed both physically and mentally. And the best part? Most resorts invest heavily in their spa facilities. It’s more than just going for a massage. Many of them include hydrotherapy treatments, which adds an extra layer of comfort to your experience.
To top it all off, the spa facilities at all inclusive resorts are often designed to make you feel like you’ve stepped into a world of serenity. At Serenade Punta Cana, their spa facility was equipped with a modern pool that had water circuits, a large sauna, a jacuzzi and various massage rooms and other services. Like I said, many of these resorts don’t hold back when it comes to investing in their spa facilities!
So, if you’d like the ultimate relaxing experience, I’d definitely recommend you give yourself a spa morning.
Resort Entertainment
One of the best things about all inclusive resorts is that you can enjoy your trip without having to leave the property. So if you really want to rest and not have to leave the resort, you can do so without feeling like you’re missing out.
Resorts usually have various activities going on, and there will most likely be a schedule to keep guests informed. While some activities are curated for those who enjoy high-energy experiences, like pool parties, beach volleyball games, and live entertainment, there are also activities for those who want something more relaxing and low-key.
Some of these activities include jazz nights and yoga classes. So when you arrive at your resort, be sure to find out if activities like these are available, and take note of their scheduled dates and times, so you don’t miss out!
So…is that relaxing vacation in Punta Cana really possible?
All things considered, it’s definitely possible to have a relaxing vacation in Punta Cana. While many go to party and have an adventure, if you want to take things slow, you can still have a lovely trip!
