When the pilot of your plane asks, “How many of you are on your honeymoon?” you know you’re headed for Newlywedland.
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, has always enjoyed a steady stream of mid-range vacationers lured by the white sand and the family-friendly accommodations. But more discerning travellers are also eyeing the area, drawn in by places that are tipping the scale with more luxurious surroundings, including the two Paradisus resorts, in particular the Paradisus Palma Real.
This breezy home-away-from-home will make anyone smile, with almost 500 suites, five à la carte restaurants and the biggest pool you’ve ever seen. You will witness a little bit of everything on the public beach (which is refreshingly free of ocean-front vendors), lots of tiny swimming costumes on people that shouldn’t go there, designer sunglasses and a barrage of languages. Spot the Brazilian may just become a favourite pastime (and we don’t mean the wax treatment).
One thing you’ll notice as you lazily let the parasailers drift through your field of vision is the absence of high-rise hotels. “The Dominican government will only let buildings be as tall as the tallest palm tree,” says Lou Mira, a regular visitor from Connecticut. “We love it here, and keep coming back,” he adds. “Today I met couples from Belgium, Spain, New Jersey—people are from all over, but it’s never too many people.”
But the real reason we’re here is to see if they can make a bride’s dreams come true. Romance Director Diana Landgraf says, “Definitely.”
April and May see a steady stream of weddings, from six people to more than 100, all tailor-made to the couple’s whim. “The beach can be set up to have a barbecue, a dancefloor, the ceremony, whatever you wish,” says Landgraf. “The only problem is that you have to have a weather backup plan if you want to be outside.” Luckily, this place has Plan Bs down pat, with setups easily moved to multiple indoor swathes of marble floors. All this going on around other families and friends enjoying the sun. “Nothing can interfere with the regular guests,” says Landgraf. Indeed: A Michael Jackson tribute blaring “Billy Jean” inside an auditorium didn’t once upstage Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies” at the adjacent outdoor bouquet-throwing.
Another luxurious accommodation option
Fifteen minutes up the road is the Paradisus Punta Cana. With almost 700 suites, 12 restaurants, seven pools and a very comprehensive Kids Zone, this resort is more spread out and more rustic, with an eco-friendly focus. Gorgeous hibiscus and purple trinitaria line the walkways and a real sense of community prevails, right through to the salsa dancing lessons at the beach.
Here, according to Romance Director Jennifer Alvarez, the wedding teams “recreate your own ideas, details and touches. You are not restricted to a package—each wedding is different, 100% what you want.” As well, once the weather reports are out at 10 a.m., the bride has to decide whether she wants to risk any rain and move her party inside or stick with the original plan. “The beach gazebos are the most popular, and there is a lot of breeze so it feels comfortable,” says Alvarez, but many areas within the main buildings can transform into wedding central.
Perfect pampering at YHI Spa
No pre-wedding fun would be complete without the getting-ready ritual, and both these resorts do that up in spades. At the Palma Real, a colossal YHI Spa, which must have cost an absolute fortune, offers a full menu of relaxing pre-wedding services, all prefaced beautifully with a trip to the water-ritual sanctuary. Closer to the beach, a little bridal suite makes a great gathering spot for the prettifying preamble.
Over at the Paradisus Punta Cana, brides can dress in a little area by the YHI Spa outdoor treatment area, ringing a peaceful pool. “They bring their bridesmaids here to have a snack or Champagne while they get their hair done,” says Spa Attendant Gelen Beltre. “They can get massages and relax. It’s all very comfortable.”
“We can hear them laughing in there, enjoying themselves,” adds Spa Director Daniela Nikolic. “I get so many emails from brides thanking me” she says. “They appreciate the special things we do. We always have a little something to add that they’re not expecting and they appreciate that.” If you have a little more time, try the signature Hibiscus Journey, with the bay-rum sugar scrub.
On the horizon
Two new Paradisus resorts are almost ready to outshine (perhaps blind is a better word) every other luxury resort in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, this coming November and December.
Paradisus La Perla will be the chain’s first adults-only property, with almost 400 elegant suites, including 60 swim-up suites, which will give guests access the free-form pool right from their terrace. The La Perla will also lay the Royal Service on thick, with private pool, bar, restaurant, spa treatments, palapas, beachfront, checkout, i.e. everything.
Paradisus La Esmeralda will be cornering the luxury family market, offering more than 500 suites, including 122 Family Concierge suites, which will see your family spoiled for life.
Your true paradise, that once was lost, now is found!
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