A Jewel In The Caribbean
By Stuart J. Faber
The Dominican Republic is a Caribbean nation that shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti to the west. It's known for its beaches, resorts and golf. Its terrain comprises of rainforest, savannah and highlands, including Pico Duarte, the Caribbean’s tallest mountain. Capital city Santo Domingo has Spanish landmarks like the Gothic Catedral Primada de America dating back five centuries in its Zona Colonial district.
It must be pointed out that the State Department has issued a travel advisory for the destination. Crime is a concern. The development of a professional tourist police corps, institution of a 911 system in many parts of the country, and a concentration of resources in resort areas means these tend to be better policed than urban areas like Santo Domingo. Nevertheless, it must be emphasized that the decision to visit this destination must be left to the individual traveler. For those who decide to travel to the Dominican Republic, there is a world-class resort I highly recommend.
Margaritaville Island Reserve Resort, Boulevard Zona Hotelera Cap Cana, Punta Cana, Provincia La Altagracia, Republica Dominicana. 23000+1 809-469-7260, ambassador.ircc@margaritavilleislandreserve.com, www.karismahotels.com.
Encompassing upscale coastal design, exceptional service, and top-quality food and beverage,
Margaritaville Island Reserve, Cap Cana delivers a vibrant, world-class experience that provides travelers with an opportunity for a fun and carefree vacation, inspired by the lyrics and lifestyle of singer, songwriter and bestselling author Jimmy Buffett. Located just 15 minutes from the Punta Cana International Airport, Juanillo Beach is famous for its turquoise waters, white sand and calm waves.
(Photos courtesy Margaritaville Island Reserve Resort.)
Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana offers an incomparable resort perspective with its unique, authentic, tropical vibe and the feeling of escape that is felt immediately upon arrival. The resort has an exclusive adults-only section called Hammock which includes Island Reserve Villas, and a family inclusive section called Wave. Each side of the resort encompasses its own pool, complex of suites, and dedicated restaurants. This creates the perfect stay whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a grown-up getaway with your best friends, or a fun-filled adventure with the whole family.
(Photos courtesy Margaritaville Island Reserve Resort.)
Service is remarkable. The team of local Island Ambassadors are genuine experts at guest relations who are always around for questions, comments, a good laugh, or to simply make things happen for you, so you can focus on enjoyment.
Accommodations
The resort showcases 519 rooms and suites including 40 spectacular Island Reserve Villas in addition to adults only and family friendly rooms and suites. These classy suites strike the perfect balance between comfort and luxury. The nautically inspired decor brings in the laid-back vibes of the Caribbean Sea. You’ll find crisp all-white linens, carefully designed furnishings, and thoughtful details all influenced by the colors of the sea, sand, and sky. Spacious bathrooms with sea glass colored tile, walk-in rain showers and wooden vanities create a serene experience. All rooms have a tropical vibe with modern conveniences that make them comfortable and relaxed.
The suites are created to invite luxury, comfort and escapism. A wide array of choices range from spacious Paradise Rooms to the exclusive enclave of Island Reserve Villas and to the stunning
Jimmy Buffett Suite, complete with more than 1,400 square feet of signature indoor and outdoor entertainment space. A 300-square-foot furnished terrace provides spectacular views of the beach.
All accommodations open to a private balcony overlooking either the pools, gardens or the Caribbean Sea. You can treat yourself to interesting and exotic drinks at your very own in-room refreshment center, complete with glassware, tools and a coffee station. Whether enjoying a morning coffee, mimosa, a mid-day beer, or a frozen Margarita on your balcony at sunset, nothing beats the comfort, privacy and convenience of this experience.
The Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana – adults-only Hammock section has 13 luxury room
selections. These include signature Island Reserve Villas with private pools and swim-up suites with direct access to swimming pools for the ultimate indulgence. All accommodations are provided with air conditioning, ceiling fans, smart TV, either one king bed, two queen beds or one king bed and pull-out sofa bed, customizable in-room refreshment center, safety deposit box, amenity kit, telephone, bathrobes, hairdryer and vanity mirror.
The Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana – family friendly Wave section has seven luxury room types from which to choose. The Parakeet Kids Club is dedicated pool and splash pad and more.
Adults Only Experience: These luxurious villas are located within an enclave of 10 two-story units, each with four villas. At the center of the enclave is a sprawling lagoon pool reserved for guests of the Villas. A swim-up bar with hanging chairs is also exclusive to Island Reserve Villas guests.
Located on the top floor of each of the two-story units, the Island Reserve Private Pool Villa features a king-size bed, kitchenette, breakfast bar and furnished living room area with TV which opens to an oversized terrace offering a private pool and furniture for lounging or dining al fresco. There is also a large bathroom featuring a walk-in closet, his and her sinks, a soaking tub, stand-alone rain shower and an additional outdoor shower where guests can rinse off under the sun, or the stars.
Located on the ground floor of the two-story units, the Island Reserve Swim Up Villa suites also feature a king-size bed, kitchenette, breakfast bar and furnished living room area with TV which opens to an oversized terrace, as well as direct access to the pool. These also have a large bathroom featuring a walk-in closet, his and her sinks, a soaking tub, stand-alone rain shower and an additional outdoor shower.
Wellness and Fitness
The resort has treatment rooms, including three couples’ rooms with tubs and a signature Bridal Suite, a full-service beauty salon and state of the art Fins Up Fitness Center. The hydrotherapy area includes an herbal steam room, dry sauna and scent-chromotherapy shower, bucket shower, hot tub, polar lagoon, sensory pool and thermal loungers.
The resort offers a variety of tropically inspired treatments designed to awaken the senses, strengthen circulation, soothe nerves, improve digestion, and promote a balanced metabolism. You can experience the Elixir of Life of the signature local Mama Juana massage. Experience custom designed treatments such as an invigorating ¨Jalao¨ Coconut Scrub or a Watermelon Basil Vodkatini Pedicure or early morning outdoor yoga session.
Dining
This resort has more eateries than most small towns. With its brick and industrial design, Landshark redefines one of Margaritaville’s signature restaurants. Open for lunch and well into the night, it’s the ideal place to enjoy a Landshark lager, brewed right on site or one of the succulent right-out-of-the-smokehouse specialties.
Frank & Lola’s Italian Trattoria is where you can savor authentic and exquisitely prepared Italian meals.
JWB Steakhouse is a destination in itself. Guest can select their preferred cuts grilled to perfection.
Inspired by the street art of Asia, Mon So Wi lives on the edge. From iconic street food specialties, searing-hot-off-the-wok offering and more carefully crafted preparations, Mon So Wi will take you to your favorite corner of Asia.
Chef lauded creative expertise brings A-LAM-BIK, a culinary journey without boundary. Located in the
Entertainment Village, A-LAM-BIK is the premium, adults only dining experience at the property.
Along with a full bar offering, Compass Bar showcases a wide array of the world’s most recognized and
artisan gins.
Joe Merchant’s Coffee & Provisions is a unique outlet which puts you in control of your in-room refreshment center. The easy-to-use Joe Merchant’s point system allows you to customize your in-room experience according to your family’s preferences.
Other Amenities And Activities
Welcome treat upon arrival, a free-form pool, a lagoon pool, open air jacuzzi, kayaks and paddleboards, pickleball and tennis courts, scuba diving, nearby golf, romantic beach dinners, car rental babysitting services, 24-hour medical service, retail stores and currency exchange.