Things we're not doing this year: scrolling on Instagram, being jealous of other people's vacations. Things we are doing this year: pulling the trigger on booking a dream vacation. And if your personal checklist includes...
✅ Sunny weather
✅ Bathtub-temperature ocean
✅ Drinking out of coconuts
✅ Impeccable vibes
✅ Your own personal golf cart
I'm quite literally begging you to go to Eden Roc Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic, a hotel so lovely I genuinely considered cancelling my plans and extending my trip (don't tell my boss). Need convincing? You won't in a minute:
THE QUICK HITS: Eden Roc Cap Cana
- Name: Eden Roc Cap Cana
- Location: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
- Cost Per Night: Starting at $850
- Best For: A long summer weekend away (when rates are cheaper!) that'll completely revitalize you.
- While You’re Here, Visit: The turquoise waters at Scape Park.
- One-Word Vibe Check: Transcendent.
- Most Iconic Photo Spot: Your private table above the hotel's cenote.
- Don’t Leave Without: Getting a massage at the spa, obviously.
THE FIRST IMPRESSIONS
You know a trip is going to be good when you're immediately handed a freshly made drink at reception. (Mine was so good, I asked for it to be recreated during multiple meals.) But you know a trip is going to be great when your personal concierge drives you to your room via golf cart, and you are cheerfully informed that you get to keep said cart to use the entire trip.
Note: The Eden Roc Cap Cana property is pretty huge—it's definitely walkable, but driving the cart around the lush, palm-tree-filled grounds was honestly the most fun I've had in a while. Yes, I have a picture, yes, it's too embarrassing to share.
THE ROOMS
Honestly wish someone had taken a picture of my face when I walked into my room and was greeted by this (that's a personal pool):
And I might have actually lost it for a moment when I saw the bathroom (complete with outdoor shower and personal hot tub).
All I know is that I'm not sure how I can go back to life without a massive walk in closet, multiple showers, a king-sized bed, and team of people checking in on me via WhatsApp to ask if I need anything. (The service is on another level—they truly want you to have the most perfect stay).
THE AMENITIES
Look: the pool at Eden Roc Cap Cana is bliss. There are multiple areas to lounge in, a bar serving tasty drinks and snacks, and plenty of shade if you need to escape the sun. But can't pretend I didn't spend every second of my day swimming in the perfectly temperate ocean and lounging on the white sand beach. It was, simply put, paradise.
Of course there's also a huge pool (+ always handy pool-side bar), a gorgeous golf course that abuts the water, not to mention an eco trail for biking, opportunities to take a private boat to the pristine Saona Island, and access to an equestrian center just a few minutes away.
Though due to being lazy, when I wasn't at the beach or in my private pool, my time was spent at the spa. Still dreaming of my facial, which was thoughtfully reserved for late afternoon so I wouldn't run into issues going into the sun afterwards.
THE FOOD AND BEV
Eden Roc Cap Cana has three restaurants, and since I was there for three nights, that worked out great for me. Not exaggerating when I say each meal was better than the last—from the fine dining at Mediterraneo, where I had a gorgeous beet risotto, to the fresh fish at Blue Bar and Grille, to regional specialties like arroz con habichuelas y res guisada at La Palapa.
That said, the most unmissable part of Eden Roc? Having a private meal in the property's cenote.
THE BOTTOM LINE
There are a lot of hotels to choose from when planning a beach vacation, and I've been lucky enough to try a few of them. But Eden Roc Cap Cana is out of this world in terms of its attention to detail, delicious food, and the team's absolute commitment to making sure your stay is truly perfect. It's a special place, and I'm already jealous of your visit.
