Starting Paradisus Paradise in Punta Cana

As you can see from the photo of the backyard of my room (yes, that is a queen size bed, in front of the beach with  the aqua blue water of the ocean), I’m not exactly roughing it in Punta Cana. 

The view is certainly heavenly and I’m looking forward to some time on that beach at the Paradisus Punta Cana (with my Royal Service butler bringing me a Pina Colada) sometime today.  There are a few minor glitches here, but I keep reminding myself that we are in the Caribbean and things happen a little slowly. 

Speaking of slowly, I am still patiently awaiting my friend Jaimee’s arrival from Haiti and hoping her delay is only due to the slow roads between the two countries.  It is hard to imagine this is the same island, where Spanish is the language instead of French, and champagne is poured instead of rationed water, but we all need our relaxing getaway and that’s what Punta Cana is all about.

My three flights all connected without a hitch and a driver was waiting for me right outside the airport to take me to my first hotel.  A lot has changed (mostly with me) since I was in the Dominican Republic years ago and I knew better than to hand my luggage to one of the porters to take it a few feet.  They were respectful of my “No, gracias” and I was soon on my way to the resort.

This was probably the first time I ever arrived in the Caribbean at night so I can’t say much about the scenic view.  I can say that Punta Cana appears to have developed nicely do to tourism and, though the resorts are still gated, locals and visitors seemed to mingle nicely in the bars and restaurants that line the streets.


I am staying in the Royal Service section, which has its own concierge, pool and beach.  Check in was quick and included a glass of champagne. My room is modern and lovely, within steps from the beach.  The bathroom and closet are a bit small, but the comfort, 24 hour room service and stocked mini bar (plenty of bottled water) were welcoming.   

Dinner was just a short while after I arrived at the Gabi Club, an exclusive restaurant for Royal Service, Reserve and Family Concierge Guests.  It is in a contemporary setting with a very large selection.  I had a tasty Artichoke/Mushroom soup; Beef Tenderloin in mushroom sauce with a small Potato Casserole in Ham; and cheesecake in kiwi sauce for dessert.  Everything was good, except the cheesecake tasted a bit more like custard than cheesecake.  I had a glass fruity and sweet Santa Helena Sauvignon Blanc and was about ready to pass out from the day in my suite.

I woke up early this morning and was greeted by clear skies, soft sand and the blue water.  After enjoying it with my room service breakfast, I’m ready to begin my first day in Punta Cana paradise.