Dominican Republic Recap- Part 1

I've finally gotten myself together to start this recap of one of our best vacations--although any vacation that involves my husband, the beach and sunshine is pretty much a recipe for a great time!

We woke up early Sunday morning and caught our flight to Philly and then down to DR. 
We got in around 1:30 and made our way to the resort--we stayed at the Barcelo Bavaro Beach, on the adults only side.
Guys, when I tell you this resort is huge, I'm not even kidding. It is MASSIVE. We had access to the other part of the resort, which was awesome because they had so many great restaurants, and a huge pool, shopping, entertainment, etc. But we were able to stay on our side for a quieter, less chaotic and more romantic time.

Unfortunately our first night we had two double beds (pushed together lol) because the resort was super busy with it being the Holy Week. So that was a bummer.  And we didn't have dinner reservations at any of the fancy restaurants that first night so we hit the buffet for dinner. Not the best, but it was our first night, I was wearing shorts and flip flops and no heavy coat was needed.
Things could have been worse!
It was an early night for us because we were so tired from our day of travel, so we crashed.

But, we woke up to this sunrise:

We had breakfast and made our way down to the beach for the day...and pretty much spent most of our days with this view:

The sand in the D.R. is SO soft, and during the highest heat of the day, you can walk on it  barefoot without burning your feet. Heaven!

We had lunch every day around the same time and had this view:
You can't have a bad day when that's your lunch view.

We also got our room moved the first morning we were there to one with a King sized bed and this beautiful view to wake up to every morning:
 That night we went to dinner at the Italian Restaurant and then we walked back to our side of the resort for the entertainment. 
pre-dinner picture (had to get creative using the table inside and a glass to get the pic)
The next day (Tuesday) was spent on the beach again (and pretty much every day), but we booked an excursion for Thursday. We spent the day reading, playing in the water, trying out tasty drinks and just relaxing together. I think I finished Book 1 of 4 on the trip, and started book 2.

That night we went to dinner at the seafood restaurant. The weather was super nice every night but this night was less humid than other nights, and the food was really tasty. 

We had dinner outside, overlooking the setting sun, with a bottle of wine
My view wasn't too shabby ;)
After dinner we discovered a coffee and cigar bar that we then went to every night (it was bigger inside than a Starbucks) because it had the BEST after-dinner coffees, desserts, liquors!

Irish Coffee, and Cafe Mocha, plus little desserts
 That night we went to the evening show on the resort (there were 2 a night, and I've never seen resort entertainment as good as it was here). This stage was huge and the amphitheater could have easily fit over 1000 people. We saw the Michael Jackson tribute show and it was SO good--I felt like I had actually seen MJ himself.
Every night after being on the other side of the resort, we would walk back to our side along the beach, under the moonlight. It was almost magical--I wish I could have taken a picture that did it justice.

Wednesday, we spent another gorgeous day on the beach and MG went kayaking
(I snapped a photo on his way back to shore)
I finished my second book of the trip and started my 3rd.

Every day there were boats on the water going by, music would be playing...it was just an awesome and relaxing atmosphere.

That night we went to dinner at the steak house, had our after-dinner coffees and watched the entertainment for the night before heading back to our side of the resort with another night-time walk on the beach :)

I'll be back with Part 2 of the recap which has our amazingly beautiful excursion pictures and the end of our trip.
Just looking through these makes me desperate for the DR beaches, the weather, and the incredible time we had.
Thoughts for Thursday 

24 comments:

  1. Gorgeous photos!! We have a few of the same photos where we had to creative with the self timer LOL!!! I love the orange, blue and white maxi you wore - so pretty! I still remember you sending me that first beach picture on your first day and I'm like....AHHH need to get to the beach asap!!! So happy that you guys had a great time and I can't wait to hear more about the island!! xo, Biana - BlovedBoston

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  2. From Stuff and Things...looks like a great time! You look relaxed and like your having a great time. Nice photos of your trip.

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  3. Ugh totally jealous of your trip! Those pictures are amazing! Im seriously dying over how pretty that water is. I think Id never want to get out of it! You are making me want a vacation ASAP!

    <3, Pamela
    Sequins & Sea Breezes

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  4. And I'm getting on the next plane. I wish. Looks absolutely fabulous. That first sunrise was just amazing.Perfect way to wake up on your first day!

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  5. Everything looks so gorgeous! I'm super envious of the Michael Jackson tribute show, I love him!

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  6. It looks like such a gorgeous place! You definitely had the best vacation - beach and relaxation. Doesn't get much better in my book!

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  7. great recap! i love your striped dress up there too. that's a bummer about the bed, but at least you got it fixed haha. the sand not burning the feet thing is just a plus!!

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  8. Yes! So happy there’s a recap! That sunset looks fantastic – sometimes the first night is good for just settling in – shorts/t-shirt/beach is great to just adjust! The view from the new room is so amazing! Everything just looks like it was the best time! Love all your maxis too!

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  9. Your vacay looks heavenly! I'm super jealous. Looks like you guys had an amazing time!

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  10. Oh my gosh.... HEAVEN! I definitely have to go here someday! The water is gorgeous, the sand sounds amazing, and I just really need to read a million books next to the water, ha ha! I'm so glad you had an amazing vacation- exactly what you deserved!

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  11. Oh I love the Dominican.. my favorite place! Loving all your dresses, and the beach looks heavenly!

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  12. mmmm closing my eyes and pretending to be there! My friend and her hubby leave today for the DR and I was so tempted to hide in her luggage as well haha

    You look so great by the way- love the maxi!!

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  13. I love that maxi dress! Girl make your pictures bigger I want to see that paradise in all it's glory! ;-) I told Mark I'm buying us a selfie stick for Greece. There I said it. One....because I'm afraid someone is going to run off with our phone and two because I definitely wouldn't have been as creative as you with that table balancing act. That looks like such an amazing time!

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  14. Such a fun trip!!! What a gorgeous place. I love your cute swimsuit in that last picture. Is that Victoria Secret???

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  15. I went to the DR about 6-7 years ago and it was so fun! I'd love to go back (and stay at another resort, bc our was a bummer lol), explore more, and just take in the beautiful teal ocean views! Glad you had a blast!

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  16. Oh my gosh, that sunrise though. Gorgeous! I love your dresses from your trip! So pretty. Glad you had such a fun vacation, friend.

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  17. aww you guys are too cute!! love your dresses and your bikini in the last pic. :)

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  18. Sounds like an amazing vacation so far! Its awesome that you were able to read so many books...few things beat lying on the beach with a drink and a book in your hands! Love your maxi dresses too! Can't wait to read part 2!

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  19. What a wonderful vacation! There is nothing like traveling with your husband...and this trip looks like perfection!

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  20. You have me dreaming of a tropical vacation, this looks perfect! Xo,Stephanie

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  21. Ugh, I'm so living vicariously through you right now! That is perfect! So glad y'all had a great time! Can't wait for Part 2! xo

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  22. The jealousy is real right now. OMG all the pictures look amazing. I'm glad you had a really great time! and what a nice way to celebrate one year of marriage bliss!

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  23. How did I miss this post?! The view from your room is gorgeous and loving all the beach photos! Wish I could be there now sipping a cold one!

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  24. Looks soooooo relaxing, and i love the views!

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