Myself and other agents headed to Punta Cana for a few days to tour some new resorts and older resorts that have had some updates. I flew on Frontier Airlines out of Chicago O'Hare. Frontier operates out of the International Terminal. This terminal does not offer a separate TSA pre-check line, so I am handed a yellow card advising that I can keep my shoes on & do not have to go through the body scanner. I still have to separate my laptop from my carry-on bag. This terminal is currently under construction, so does not offer many food options, so plan accordingly.
Upon arrival into Punta Cana, once we passed through customs and immigrations, we were whisked off to our first resort tour: Secrets Cap Cana. We enjoyed lunch then took a tour of the property. This is a new adult only all-inclusive resort in a gated community. It has fantastic swim out suites available as well as an expansive beach.
After our tour, we took a hour drive to the opposite side of the island, the La Romana area. Here we unpacked to stay at our host hotel for 2 nights. After checking in, we took a tour around the property. This property has two different sections. You access the beach side via a tunnel under a roadway.
The next day, we had an early wake up to our excursion day. We were headed to Saona Island! Some scenes from Pirates of the Caribbean as well as Blue Lagoon were filmed here. This excursions is via a catamaran which stops at a sandbar to get out and enjoy the crystal blue water, as well as orange star fish! Once we reach the island, a private buffet is set up for us, including lobster! We enjoyed a few hours on the beach before headed back to the mainland via a speed boat. It was a nice relaxing day, knowing the other days will be jammed packed with tours!
The following morning, we saw a couple of resorts in the La Romana area before heading back to Punta Cana. In total we toured 6 resorts in one day! Out of the 6, I can only see my clients at two of them, so it definitely helps to see resorts in person.
We checked into our second host resorts, Now Onyx. This is a family friendly all-inclusive that has been on the sold out list since it opened! I was glad to be able to finally tour it as well as experience an over night stay. The Preferred Section has an adult only pool and adults have exchange privileges with Breathless next door. Breathless is more of a party scene, so great for friends trips! We dined at the steak restaurant that evening to check out the atmosphere.
The following day we were scheduled to see 8 resorts! A couple more adult only properties, and a very popular family friendly property, Nickelodeon! I was pleasantly surprised by the Nickelodeon as the character side is on the opposite side of the street from the resort/beach side. You again taken an underground tunnel to the waterpark/kids club area. Unfortunately we were unable to tour the Pineapple accommodations as it is always sold out! The super pool villas are another great option if you prefer a stand-alone unit but the swim out suites are my favorite!
The following day we only had two properties to see as the new Scape Park recently opened, so we went zip lining! This new excursion is also located near Cap Cana, the private gated community. It is a natural area with many activities, from swimming in caves to cliff jumping in the recently found blue hole! (Yes, I did jump!!)
This was a great way to end our trip as we headed home the next day. Overall, we toured 18 resorts in our short 5 night stay.