Salsa and Sand: Dominican Republic Getaway
Our escape to the heart of the Caribbean began with a long-awaited journey to the Dominican Republic. Seeking a week of pure relaxation and tropical beauty, we chose the breathtaking cliffs of Cap Cana. Here is the daily log of our unforgettable island escape in March 2025:
Days 1 & 2: The Journey to Punta Cana
Our adventure started on Friday evening, March 14th, as we boarded our flight out of Seattle, heading east. A brief 3.5-hour layover in Atlanta gave us just enough time to stretch our legs before catching our connecting flight to Punta Cana. By Saturday afternoon, we were stepping off the plane into the warm, humid air of the Dominican Republic. We checked into the magnificent Sanctuary Cap Cana, an adults-only luxury resort built like a Spanish colonial castle on the edge of a cliff. The ocean breeze immediately washed away our travel fatigue as we settled in for our first night in paradise.
Day 3: Settling into Sanctuary
On Sunday, we spent the day fully exploring the resort. From the white sandy beaches to the turquoise infinity pools, every corner felt like a postcard. We adjusted to "island time," walking along the shoreline and enjoying fresh seafood right by the water.
Day 4: Cabana Relaxation
On Monday, we rented a private beach cabana. It was a day of absolute tranquility—listening to the gentle waves of the Caribbean Sea, reading, and enjoying tropical cocktails under the shade of palm trees.
Day 5: Catamaran Cruise to Isla Saona
Tuesday was one of the major highlights of our trip. We set off on a full-day catamaran excursion to Isla Saona, a protected nature reserve famous for its untouched white sands and shallow natural pools in the middle of the sea. We snorkeled, swam with starfish in waist-deep crystal water, and walked along a completely raw Caribbean shoreline.
Day 6: Resort Leisure
Wednesday was a quiet day back at Sanctuary Cap Cana. We swam in the unique saltwater pools, walked around the beautiful marina, and watched a dramatic golden sunset paint the cliffs.
Day 7: Snorkeling at Isla Catalina
On Thursday, we took another adventure, this time to Isla Catalina. Known for its incredible coral reefs, it was a snorkeler's dream. We swam among thousands of colorful fish and relaxed on the quiet, palm-fringed beaches of the uninhabited island.
Day 8: One Last Cabana Day
Friday, March 21st, was our final full day in paradise. We decided to spend it exactly how we spent Monday—in our favorite beach cabana, soaking in the warm Caribbean sun and capturing the last memories of this tropical haven.
Days 9 & 10: Headed Home
On Saturday, we began our journey home, flying first to Minneapolis for a sleepover to break up the travel. On Sunday, March 23rd, we caught our final flight back to Seattle, officially concluding our beautiful Caribbean diary.
