Saturday, December 7, 2013

Pure Luxury only 4 hours away: Eden Roc Cap Cana


Besides beauty and creating jewelry, another passion of mine is travel, always has been and always will be. Basically, when I learned how to walk, I learned how to fly and developed the insatiable travel bug. Since then, every chance I have, I research and book a destination. Usually, I do not prefer to travel to a place more than one. To me, whats the point? The world has so much to offer and so much to see, why go somewhere again? Almost, like a book, why re-read the same page over and over? I know people don't usually agree with this. However, the below completely negates what I am about to show you. I have been to the Dominican Republic 4 times now. Why? Well to be honest, it is the most exotic place you can go for under 4 hours leaving from New York City, in my opinion. I have been to Punta Cana (terrible experience, think spring breakers galore...no), Cabarete and Puerto Plata, and now, I can say I have been to Cap Cana.

Cap Cana is unlike the rest of the Dominican Republic, usually one does not equate the Dominican Republic with utter luxury, well I have something new to tell you. Wipe that out of your head. As I arrived to Cap Cana I immediately knew I was in for a treat and as I pulled up to Eden Roc at Cap Cana and was treated to a tropical papaya, mango beach drink, I sighed in bliss.

This resort is not like any other resort in the Dominican Republic. This is no holds barred 5 star exclusive private luxury resort. From the private suites (which really are private villas) with their own infinity pools, to the gold carts you are given to drive around to the white sand, turquoise beaches. This is not a hotel in the sense that there is one main building, there are only villas which either hold a junior suite (studio), one bedrooms up to 4 bedroom suites. Junior suites start at $800 per night.

Enough of me rattling on, check out the photos, they speak for themselves.



My mode of transportation for 4 days, I love this, the best part, it plugged right in and was electric. Eco friendly! We were lucky enough t  stay in a one bedroom suite. Perfect for my friend Gwen and I.


The deep soaking tub is in every suite at Eden Roc. An ideal way to relax after a day swimming in the surf and sunning on the beach. The couch outside is a small resting area, completely private and has an outdoor shower as well. Ahhh... bliss.


The view over the lagoon.

The view walking from the Beach Club to the ocean, you pass by the brand outdoor pool.

Cabanas around the pool.


The private beach.





I must say, I have been to many a Caribbean beaches and this one ranks high above the rest. It also blows away all the other beaches in the Dominican Republic. I may also be biased her because I like the private luxury. If you are looking for a party, I do suggest looking elsewhere. This is where you come to get away from everything and have peace and quite while enjoying PURE white sand and crystal clear waters (while being waited on hand and foot- no too bad).


La Palapa for me was the highlight of the restaurants at Eden Roc, the tuna tartare was fresh and done perfectly. I do judge a restaurant on execution of tuna tartare, it is one of my favorite dishes but is hard to get just perfect. La Palapa did it. Plus, the view overlooking the beach and bluffs can not be beat.





Even as a quick storm came and passed it was idyllic. This is the point of the resort, on the bluff, a perfect place to look out and think. I do love myself some quiet time. This would be THE perfect place for a wedding, under this hut, I was just imaging it while standing here.





I must admit, I did not leave the resort much (three times to be exact). I was too happy and content. However, one of my outings (the other was zip-lining across the jungle, which was amazing too!) was to Jaunillo Beach, at Jaunillo there was a place called Jaunillo Beach Food and Drinks. It is a very unassuming little place, you might not even know if it a restaurant if quickly passing by. However, I was lucky enough to enjoy, what I must admit was the best food of my trip. The classic Peruvian ceviche was certainly something to write home about, as well as the conch shell in plantains and carpaccio. Perfect, tropical fare. If you make it to Cap Cana, I urge you to go and ask for Carlos! I hear they also throw a seasonal beach party. Wish I was there for that!  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Juanillo-Beach-Food-Drinks/157286177646204


Hanging in the hammock, being a sloth for an hour watching the sunset on Jaunillo beach.


All in all, I must say, this was one of the most luxurious and relaxing vacations I have taken in a long time.

I obviously highly recommend going to this resort, far above any other if you are deciding on making a trip to the Dominican Republic. I can wholeheartedly promise that you will not be disappointed. And if you do go, you must ask for Juliana, she is is the Sales and Marketing Manager and is an absolute delight to chat with.

http://www.edenroccapcana.com/


xx Dara