During the pandemic, traveling with family has never been more confusing and tedious. With COVID-19 and Delta variants taking our lives to a halt, many of us have skipped traditional holidays. Families are eager to be relieved from the pressure of trying to keep up with recent changes, and are still looking for a safe haven on vacation with their loved ones. After an uncertain year of rules, elections, and isolation, I decided to try it out, looking for sunshine, great music, food and entertainment. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana exceeded all our expectations, and then some.
In preparation for our trip to the Dominican Republic this year, we have added many precautions to ensure the safety of travelers. My husband, my 5-year-old daughter Felicity, and myself all need to provide a negative COVID test to enter and leave the country. We arrived at JFK Airport with disinfectant wipes and used double-sided masks to clean all the surfaces we touched. The customs went well. We used hand sanitizer and restricted food and drink until we landed. After arriving at HRHPC, we were welcomed by champagne and noticed that the Safe + Sound team in bright yellow shirts was wiping every visible surface. Checking in was a breeze and we were escorted to our home away from home.
The futuristic update and decoration of the hotel surprised me. Our one-bedroom rock suite-includes a personal assistant, suitable for royalty! The living room is large and spacious, with a full bar area and a large private balcony with a huge spa bath. The bedroom design is updated in a modern style, complementing the refreshing white bedding with pillow-top mattresses. The bathroom is like a room with a family magazine with a complete walk-in closet. The second bathroom has a cooler update, which definitely gives a feeling of “J-Lo Versace dress”. Everything is packaged and marked, including the TV remote control, to let us know that it has been disinfected. We changed clothes and went to explore venues and activities to see what the hotel had to offer.
In addition to owning the largest casino in the Caribbean, HRHPC also provides a full range of services for overworked parents. The countless activities and performances throughout the day made our little ones have a lot of fun. Adults can indulge in child-free bartending courses, state-of-the-art spas, golf courses, and even a complete nightclub. We spent many unforgettable family time in the arcade, where the best collection of virtual games was provided for the entire staff. For dinner, we made a reservation at the seaside restaurant Isla, which became one of our favorite places to eat. We enjoyed fresh exotic fish and the most authentic taste of the Dominican Republic from mangoes to Maduro.
The children’s club under construction is still a fun and energetic treasure that parents love. From jewelry box and bracelet making to morning yoga class. Throughout the day, Safe + Sound staff can be seen everywhere, cleaning and disinfecting furniture, and disinfecting all surfaces. The biggest change has taken place in the market, turning us into a whimsical and beautiful forest with delicious food from all over the world. It is definitely not a normal all-inclusive meal. The food at The Market is comparable to any Michelin-starred restaurant, with everything from lobster rolls to deli plates on the menu. We are obsessed with delicious food from Spain, Thailand and Italy-everyone can find something for themselves. Each table has its own waiter to order, and there is no limit to what you can order.
We woke up early to catch up with the children’s pool next to the super large water park, which is arguably Felicity’s favorite place to play. My husband and I sit by the pool, while I enjoy drinks and various poolside snacks, including fish bites and corn flakes. That night, we decided to participate in the B+B show (Beyonce + Bruno Mars), boy, we have a treat! With the explosive fire stage performance of gorgeous background dancers, I had to squint because I thought I was sitting in the front row of the Grammy Awards. The performers gave an all-out concert, which is exactly what we need as a bedtime drink after a day at the children’s water park.
As the best all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana, HRHPC exceeded all our expectations. We have been hesitating throughout the year whether to travel during the pandemic and find a safe all-inclusive destination. All in all, we created memories in the beautiful oasis, filled our family with joy, happiness, and most importantly, kept us safe and sound.
Post time: Aug-28-2021