We left the resort three times. Once to go on a catamaran excursion, once to go to a beach club, and once to go home.
The catamaran trip was iffy, from a safety perspective. They didn't enforce masks or social distancing on the bus, or on the boat. When I asked, I was told that the boat was rated for 38 passengers, but I'm sure they didn't intend them all to be gathered below decks for the usual speeches, etc. Fortunately, no one was ill.
I was a little concerned when we arrived at the location for the catamaran. The waivers they had us sign included an agreement to wear life jackets. It turns out, I guess, that you were agreeing to wear them if the boat sank? We were offered them when we went snorkelling, but no one demanded we wear them. There weren't any flippers, just masks and snorkels.
The snorkelling itself was cut short because of how strong the current was. People were finding it too tiring to stay near the boat. But that meant the bar opened, and we headed to the area they called the Swimming Pool, which was a circular shallow area, just right to hang out and have drinks from the floating bar the boat crew set up. There were also people with animals to pose for pictures (monkey and parrots), and a floating fresh coconut store.
The snacks were reasonable for the time of day, and the bar was very open. The excursion was good except for one small detail: my camera got left on the transportation coming back from the boat. The tour desk guy said they had found it, but somehow in the 3 days they had it, they never got it to the resort. Which is why this trip doesn't have as many pictures as previous trip reports.
The next time we left the resort was our last night in Punta Cana. We were out of a la carte nights, but they widely advertised that we had a discount at the Pearl Beach Club next store. We should have gone there before the last night.
They took our temperature when we arrived which did make me feel a little more secure. Then they showed us to a very nice table near one of several plunge pools.
We ordered a cheese board and some cocktails. The service was excellent, and no one was seated near us at all. In fact, we only saw a few other customers.
The cheeseboard was excellent, with a generous amount of cheese, and some lovely fruit, nuts, breads, and condiments. The drinks were not skimpy, either.
I had brought my bathing suit, so I spent some time in the plunge pool. Sadly, the place was only open until 7, so we had to call it a night. The bill for 6 drinks, and the cheeseboard, was only $44US. For a night out, this is excellent value for money, and very affordable when on vacation.
I think if I were to do it again, I would do it earlier in the vacation, and start earlier in the day. I would definitely recommend this place.
The last time we left the resort, it was to go home. We were using the Air Canada transfer, so it was a short bus ride to Sangster. Once there, we checked our bags, and went through security. There is a lounge at Punta Cana that is available for Priority Pass members (and others with a small fee), so we hung out there, and had some food, knowing there would be none on the plane (sorry AC, but a tiny package of pretzels is not food). We were also permitted two adult beverages each. The lounge has a pool, but there is no shade for it, so I didn't regret packing my bathing suit in the checked luggage.
All in all, it was a very enjoyable trip. And very worth the 2 week quarantine when I got home.
Next: Jamaica November2020
No comments:
Post a Comment