One of the Dominican Republic’s jewels, Eden Roc Cap Cana turns out to be worth those rave reviews – a total indulgence under the Caribbean sun
Words: Sandy Cadiz-Smith
With its year-round summer vibe, gorgeous beaches and balmy cerulean seas, Dominican Republic has earned its stripes as the perfect sun-drenched retreat in the Caribbean. It’s certainly an enticing thought, slipping away from London’s murky grey skies on a direct flight to the balmy embrace of the Dominican coast.
Our destination is Eden Roc Cap Cana – a secluded, soul-soothing oasis just 15 minutes from the airport. It feels like we’ve landed in another world. From the moment we’re handed chilled drinks and led to dinner under a blanket of Caribbean stars, we know we’re somewhere special.
Eden Roc is the only Relais & Chateaux property on the island and was voted the No 1 Resort in the Caribbean in the 2024 Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards. Impressive accolades – and something to live up to in a competitive field – so we’re anticipating a very special time.
After a superb Asian-style dinner, our personal concierge awaits to drive us under moonlit skies to our Pool Junior Suite. It’s dreamy, with soaring ceilings, a plush four-poster bed and a huge bathroom with two showers (one alfresco). There’s also a bathtub that makes us want to soak for hours. The grand cedarwood walk-in closet, accessible from two entrances is large enough to be a whole bedroom.
Outside, our private garden awaits. Verdant, secluded and surrounded by sheltering trees with a private pool glistening at its heart, it’s flanked by elegant sun loungers made for lingering to enjoy the peace. There’s also a vine-draped pergola with table and chairs for shady relaxation. This is a suite so spacious, so fabulous, we’re thinking we would like to move in permanently.
Our concierge lets us know that she and her colleague remain at our disposal around the clock, before handing us the keys to a golf cart for our exclusive use – we’re overjoyed. We soon get into the swing of being in the driver’s seat, and love navigating ourselves around the resort, which sprawls across acres of palm-studded, verdant land.
Days start early with a dip in our private pool with the sound of birdsong as our swimming soundtrack. We jump into our cart and head down the hill past manicured fairways with glimpses of the sea beyond. Our destination is the Blue Grill & Bar with its fabulous selection of breakfast treats. This is the life, and the best way to set us up for another glorious Dominican day.
Those days feel quite busy in a relaxed sort of way. We explore the beautiful surrounding area in a colourful open-top Moke (lots of photo opportunities there). We enjoy rum and cigar tasting, cocktail making and a Dominican Mofongo cooking lesson. We shake off the last of any tension with an incredibly relaxing sound healing session, followed by rejuvenating massages in the spa.
In between times, we make the very most of the idyllic white, sandy beach and balmy azure ocean – when we can drag ourselves away from our private pool with shady loungers. Lunch is always a leisurely affair. We love La Palapa, positioned at the water’s edge and with the rhythmic murmur of the sea providing a soothing backdrop.
There’s a lovely poolside vibe at the chic Blue Grill & Bar. On occasion, we venture further afield, winding our way through the verdant fairways and greens of the Jack Nicklaus-designed Punta Espada Golf Course to dine at their restaurant. This offers a panoramic tableau of emerald greens rolling gently toward the sapphire of the Caribbean beyond.
Eden Roc Cap Cana is like stepping into a dream you never want to wake up from. We’re not at all surprised it is such a favourite among seasoned travellers, for it is a place where time slows down and every little detail feels just right. Sun-kissed mornings filled with birdsong, lazy afternoons on the beach or hunkered down by our private pool, and exquisite food in gorgeous restaurants – they all add up to a special holiday. But what makes it extra special goes way beyond. It is the feeling of being completely, deliciously spoiled. That, for us, is the most wonderfully indulgent feeling in the world and a recipe for a magical and memorable holiday.
Eden Roc Cap Cana edenroccapcana.com
Further reading: Beach dream in Turks and Caicos
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