Mendacity again on my sunbed on a tiny island, 12 miles off the coast of the Dominican Republic, I’m unsure I’ve ever felt extra relaxed.
Saona Island, a gem off the southeastern tip of the Dominican Republic, is a protected a part of the Cotubanama Nationwide Park. The Dominican authorities safeguards this space resulting from its wealthy, untamed pure magnificence – and although I anticipated to see unbelievable landscapes, I used to be nonetheless blown away by the luxurious mangroves, vibrant coral reefs and palm-fringed seashores. Regardless of its modest measurement of solely 42 sq. miles, Saona attracts extra guests than all of the nation’s nationwide parks mixed – and I am not shocked.
How did I find yourself on a secluded island within the Caribbean, you may ask? In truth, Saona is fairly simply accessible from close by Punta Cana, my base for my Dominican Republic journey. A fast Catamaran journey organised by a enjoyable native crew (who stored spirits excessive with loads of music and Dominican dance classes throughout the journey) took us throughout the ocean to Soana, the place I spent the day lunching, lounging and dipping out and in of the ultra-clear waters. Heaven.
Again in Punta Cana, I stayed on the Grand Palladium Palace Resort Spa and On line casino in Bavaro – discovered on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic – the place I used to be spoiled for selection on methods to discover the island. A mere half-hour from the airport, the resort is conveniently near pure reserves and vacationer points of interest. However for those who favor to fly and flop (hey, no judgement right here) there is a mammoth 14 eating places and – look forward to it – 25 bars that might fairly fortunately see you by no means leaving the resort.
Friends of the Grand Palladium are additionally granted entry to sister properties the Grand Palladium Bavaro Suites Resort and Spa and the Grand Palladium Punta Cana Resort and Spa, which you’ll leisurely journey between utilizing the on-demand golf carts that are discovered throughout the grounds.