In the Cap Cana Shrine library there is a dusty old history book called “The British Are Coming.” It feels quite prophetic.
Ten years ago, the Dominican Republic, with its checkered political past, would have been low on the average Brit’s Caribbean wish list. Not anymore. In fact, the country’s tourism industry has recovered so strongly after the pandemic that it is now the most popular tourist destination in the entire Caribbean.
British visitors still outnumber Americans, but with regular direct flights from the UK, there’s no better time to visit a lovely destination with a real spring feel.
All major tourism developments are concentrated in Punta Cana, at the eastern tip of the island. The enclave seems light years away from the hustle and bustle of the capital, Santo Domingo, but if you’re looking for the holy trinity of sun, sea and sand, not to mention golf courses, theme parks, sunset cruises, etc. you will not feel disadvantaged.
Opened in early 2023, the spaciously equipped Sanctuary Cap Cana embodies the new atmosphere of confidence in the Dominican Republic.
Max Davidson checks into Sanctuary Cap Cana (pictured), an all-inclusive resort in the Dominican Republic
Moment of reflection: Opening in early 2023, the resort is owned by Marriott International
This is a truly beautiful property that combines Spanish colonial architecture in the main building with modern accommodation and amenities. The lovingly landscaped gardens are beautiful, interspersed with tropical flowers and shady streams.
For owner Marriott International, the resort is an important innovation: a luxury resort that also includes everything. This means you can eat and drink as much as you want 24 hours a day. The luxury and all-inclusive markets have traditionally been considered separate markets that appeal to different types of vacationers.
In the case of the Dominican Republic, the island was once associated with all-inclusive resorts so cheap and cheerful that it was a magnet for drunken young Americans on the run. Think Ibiza in the tropics.
Max says Sanctuary Cap Cana “embodies the new spirit of trust in the Dominican Republic.” Above: a junior suite with sea views
“After dark the resort really comes alive with live shows and cabarets,” says Max. Above: Resort entertainment
So Marriott is pushing the envelope and I’m excited to see how well the Sanctuary has managed to close the loop.
Very well, is the answer. Judging by the piercing smiles on our fellow guests’ faces, Marriott actually has a winner on its hands.
It’s an adults-only resort and, as you’d expect, the pool bars start serving cocktails early in the morning. But there is not much rawness and there is an attractive mix of informality and style in the resort’s various bars and restaurants.
People dress casually, talk to strangers, take pictures, walk around the pool, let their hair down. But there is nothing cheap or cheerful about the food. The breakfast buffet is as good as anything I have ever experienced: an abundance of fresh fruit and fish, pastries and omelettes for all ages.
The traditional American steakhouse is another winner: excellent cuts of beef, cooked to perfection, accompanied by delicious French wines. And if you just want a simple burger and fries or sushi, you can get that too.
From sunrise to sunset, the message is relaxation. Apart from a few people cycling around the resort or taking aerobics classes, no one ever seems to be in a hurry. There is just too much in the area to enjoy.
The main building of Sanctuary Cap Cana features Spanish colonial architecture
“From sunrise to sunset, relaxation is the message,” writes Max (not pictured)
From our balcony suite with outdoor hot tub, we can admire the incomparable beauty of the Caribbean: the sun catches the small waves and an endless line of brown pelicans emerges to fish. Or try fishing. A brave bird we call Percy makes six attempts in as many minutes, rising into the air, diving and diving again into an awkward crouch. Why does he do this? He must know that he is wasting valuable energy. But his persistence is oddly touching.
For me, people watching is an essential part of any holiday, and there’s plenty to choose from here, with more little cartoon characters than Love Island. The tattoos seen in the pool are a lesson in themselves. I remain the woman with a small penguin on her shoulder, ready to stand next to the man with a large shark on his chest so that I can shout: “Look behind me!”
Apart from a few from Berkshire, most of our fellow guests are Americans with an average age of around 40, while the friendly Spanish-speaking staff give the resort a very different feel to former British colonies such as Barbados or Antigua, where you is located. at the risk of running into your neighbors from Hemel Hempstead.
When the days are relaxed and subdued, with a chance to relax and leave the cares of the world behind, the resort really comes to life after dark, with live shows, cabarets and cheesy crooners and just as many options for dad to dance like a pro one. Ham as I could only wish.
All together create a very attractive package: an oasis of peace and elegance in a friendly country. If you, like me, are a fan of the Caribbean and want to spread your wings, this could be the answer.
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James is an author and travel journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a love for exploring new cultures and discovering unique destinations, James brings his readers on a journey with him through his articles.
