Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic is synonymous with luxury and relaxation, a premier destination where high-end resorts line the immaculate beaches and largely block the ocean view from the roads. Each resort offers a sanctuary of comfort and indulgence, with sprawling pools, varied dining, and impeccable service. The private beach, reserved exclusively for guests, provided a perfect spot for quiet reflection and leisurely strolls, though the seaweed intrudes up he beach each morning. Despite the resort's opulence, if you were open to explore you could find the small local village servicing the resort just next door.

Punta Cana Beach

There are some small stretches of the beach that are not privatly owned, but broadly the beaches of Punta Cana are owned by the hotels that back onto them. Normally full of sunbeds, volleyball courts and so very much seaweed. Every day a tractor like machine travels the beaches clearing up the seaweed.

At Grand Serenis, the hotel has seven or so ‘a la carte’ restaurants where you need a booking to attend as well as two buffets open most of the day and several cafes and snack shacks. As an all inclusive resort, everything is included, so its very very easy to over-indulge.

The Japanese restaurant is probably the most fun as its also a bit of a show.

Grand Serenis Shopping Area

Far less impressive than the name implies, the Shopping Area is a couple of souvenir stores near to the Grand Serenis hotel

Sea Pro Open Water Diving

Bookable via their website or through the hotel itself, Sea Pro Diving offers lessons in Scuba diving, tours, boat trips and snorking. I took the opportunity to finally learn how to Scuba Dive. Having viisted many of the worlds great locations for it in the past and never taken the time to learn. Recently however the academic part of the course became something you could do in your own time online rather than in a classroom during your holiday. Having spent the required hours learning all about air pressure and safe diving, I was able to do a two day course with Sea Pro and get my licence.

Ocean Adventure - Dolphin Experience

Another excursion arranged via the hotel was the Ocean Adventure, taken out into the ocean to a floating platform to see and swim with Dolphins. Its always a somewhat concerning opportuntiy on holidays when you interact with local wildlife, but the assurances on the treatment were strong and the Dolphins seemed to be enjoying themselves.

Fun Day

An excursion combining a number of activities, we drove dirt buggies, rode horses, swam in a pool, got taken to a souvenier shop. It was a lot of fun.

Agua Games

A good sized waterpark in the Punta Cana resort, there’s enough to keep kids and adults occupied for the day. Its not Disneyworld, but you’ve also got a beach and a collection of other Swiming pools, tennis, bike riding and more, so really, manage your expectations.