“Hop out,” the boat captain says. Our speedboat has stopped and is bobbing about on a crystal blue sea. In the distance, I see a white sand beach lined with palm trees, but we’re at least half a mile from shore.
“Trust me,” he says. “You can stand up here.”
I nod and slip over the side of boat. Sure enough, the water comes up to my shoulders. We’re on a sandbank in the middle of the sea, and colorful starfish dot the soft sand beneath our feet. The boat captain turns on some music as my friends jump into the sea beside me. A crew member offers us cups of rum and Coke, which we sip, relaxing in the warm water.
Right now, the cold weather back home seems very far away. Yet the Dominican Republic is just a 3.5-hour flight from Newark, N.J. Those few hours can make a world of difference.
Punta Cana, a resort region located on the easternmost tip of the Dominican Republic, draws visitors from all over the world. Many come for the warm weather, the miles of beautiful beach and clear waters. Most resorts here are all-inclusive, meaning that meals, most drinks, and some activities are included in the room price, making for an affordable vacation.
Occidental Punta Cana
Our base for the weekend is the lovely Occidental Punta Cana, an all-inclusive resort on Bavaro Beach, less than 19 miles from the airport. Three huge pools wind through the resort, and there are 11 restaurants and snack bars to choose from. Along with two buffets, we can dine at ala carte restaurants specializing in Italian, Asian, seafood, Mexican cuisine or even steak.My room is one of 52 “Royal Level” rooms, which includes access to a private area on the beach, a private ala carte restaurant, and free Internet service. My room is large and comfortable, with a private Hydro massage tub on the deck.
