Sun, Salt, and Serious Vacation Mode

What better place for a family vacation than the Caribbean?! The Dominican Republic has it all - clear blue water, good food, and easy days. We stayed at an all-inclusive and fully leaned in with pool days, beach time, and bottomless drinks.

Jump to Tips

A Family Getaway to Remember

After our first year of dating, Zak’s dad’s side of the family decided to plan a trip together - because nothing says “getting to know everyone” like four days at an all-inclusive resort. We packed our bags and flew to the Dominican Republic, ready for sunshine, family time, and maybe a little chaos. It ended up being the perfect mix of both.

The All-Inclusive Experience

There’s something about waking up and realizing all you have to do that day is… nothing. Mornings started with beach walks and workouts (mainly so we could eat whatever we wanted later) followed by breakfast overlooking the ocean. Afternoons were a blur of sun, piña coladas, and floating between the pool and the beach. By the end of each day, we had that happy kind of tired that only comes from saltwater, laughter, and too many desserts.

Adventure Meets Paradise

Of course, Zak’s family doesn’t do “relaxing” for too long. One day we went snorkeling - the coral reefs were full of color, the water impossibly blue, and the fish definitely unbothered by us. The next day, we took ATVs through the dirt trails, and of course Zak went wild - doing donuts, splashing through mud, and somehow managing to get it on everyone. He’s insane, but it made for the best laughs.

Spa Serenity

After all that action, a spa day was non-negotiable. We spent the afternoon getting massages and soaking in every ounce of calm we could find. Between the ocean breeze, soft music, and post-treatment daze, it felt like time slowed down. It was the perfect ending to a trip filled with sunshine, adventure, and a whole lot of family memories.

Now that you've heard my Dominican Republic story, keep reading for my top tips and recommendations!

Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit: Literally anytime but December through April is prime: dry season, warm temps, and sun that stays.
Currency: Dominican peso (DOP)
All-inclusive perks & pitfalls: Staying at an all-inclusive means everything (food, drinks, beach time) is right there: perfect for relaxed family time. Still, bring some cash in pesos for local tips or excursions outside the resort.
Other important info: Watch for local weather patterns (hurricane season runs roughly June–November).

Accommodations

Barceló Bávaro Palace - All inclusive resort, everything we needed was in one place - from food to poolside cocktails to beachfront lounging.
Highlights:
- Located on Bávaro Beach, which is listed among the top beaches in the world, with crystal-clear turquoise water and a protective coral reef.
- Massive all-inclusive setup: 10+ restaurants, 4 pools, spa, golf course, casino - the list goes on!

Fun & Unique Experiences

Snorkeling - The water here is unbelievably clear, with coral reefs and colorful fish just below the surface. It’s an easy and beautiful way to spend a morning off the resort.
ATVing - One of the best ways to see the island beyond the beach. Zak obviously went a little wild, doing donuts through the mud
Cenote Cave - Hidden inland, these freshwater caves are incredible to swim in. Such a unique experience to add to the trip!

Restaurants & Food Picks

We didn’t leave the grounds of the resort once - staying at an all-inclusive meant everything we wanted was right there, and we leaned into it fully: breakfast buffets, à la carte dinners, and zero cooking or cleanup.

Here are some spots included:

Santa Fe Steak House: Classic steak-house dinner.
El Coral Sea Food: Seafood night with lobster, fish, and shellfish.
La Dolce Vita: Our Italian fix - pasta, risotto, and desserts.
Miramar Buffet: Casual, all-you-can-eat buffet mornings and afternoons when we weren’t in the mood for formality. Tons of variety and no pressure.

Dominican Republic