Day 8 — Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

  7/20/24 Saturday

Itinerary:

• Room service for breakfast 
• Blue Mall
• Lunch at El Mercado
• Water park
• Dinner

We woke up early and ordered room service as we were tired of the same food selection and had a long line yesterday at the breakfast. We started getting ready while waiting for room service and they came 30 minutes later. So we were able to quickly eat our breakfast in our room and leave around 9:20am so that we can get on the shuttle to the Blue Mall. 

We waited in the lobby and the bellman signaled us to come when the bus arrived. We got in the bus and they went to another hotel to pick up 2 guests before heading to the Blue Mall. We arrived just a minute before the mall opened at 10am. We were at the East Entrance and saw the employee opened the gate. First shop we went was Zara and we were able to found some jeans that Madison likes. We also went to get a stamp at the store as we needed 3 stamps on a paper ticket in order to ride the shuttle back to our hotel. We didn’t have the paper, so the security at the mall gave us the paper ticket. Next Anthony went to the other 2 stores to get the stamp while we shopped at Zara. I thought the mall was big but it was actually not that big. There were not many stores that we are interested, so after shopping for 45 minutes, we just sat at the mall waiting for our shuttle to come in 2 hours to pick us up. We also grabbed some snacks at Taco Bell while waiting. They take actual credit cards and Apple Pay. Also do not take American Express. I had to call Anthony to pay as I didn’t carry any actual cards with me.

Around 11:50am, we walked back to the East Entrance where we were dropped off this morning to wait for the bus. There were many others waiting there and luckily they were on other buses as our bus wouldn’t be able to fit everyone. 

When we reached our hotel, we went straight for lunch and afterwards, we took a rest before heading to the water park for one last time as we are leaving tomorrow. We had lots of fun going down the water slides and lazy river.

After the water park, we went back to our room to take a shower before heading out for dinner.

Day 7 — Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

  7/19/24 Friday

Itinerary:

• Breakfast at El Mercado 
• Adventure Boogies
• Dinner at Noodle & Thread

We woke up early today at 8am as we have a booked tour with Adventure Boogies at 10:40am. After a quick breakfast, we went upstairs to get ready for the tour and went to the lobby at 10:30am for the bus to come and pick us up. The bellman asked us to just wait and he will call us when the bus is here. Once the bellman calls us, we proceed to the bus and there was already 10 other people on the bus. We waited a bit as there was another family from our hotel and they were late. After they came, we left to pick up another group of 8 people at Westin hotel before driving about an hour to the Macao area. 

The tour that we booked at the hotel was Adventure Boogies and they have their own ranch in the area of Macao which is the Dominican countryside. We had booked the Honda car which is more expensive than the Boogies but more comfortable and also higher so that we wouldn’t get as muddy. After we arrived at their company, we were given a wristband and also sign a waiver before they led us to our car. They told us to go to the Can Am vehicle, so we just followed and the first 2 cars that we tried were broken so had to change to the third one that worked. We then followed the leader and drove about 20 minutes to Domitai Park. We parked the car and walked to the cave called Cueva Iguanaboina which is the largest private cenote to cool off and Mason did a quick swim there while we just watched him. After the swim, we were shown their local products and offered to taste their chocolate and coffee.

After the tasting, we were asked to go to the village where the island’s indigenous people performed their dance and it was very entertaining.

When the show finished, we were asked to return to our cars and someone took Anthony’s car, so they gave him another car to drive. This time, we were taken to a route with muddy trails and Mason went a bit wild and the mud was all over our face and body but it was so fun. Along the way, there were many local kids waiting on the side asking for money. The car in front of us slowed down to give money to one of the kids and it was dangerous as we had to stop suddenly. On another instance, the money flew off and the kid just ran across to pick it up. We went through a couple of the muddy trails and it was so fun. There was also a lot of dust along the way, so our face and clothes were all covered in dust. I couldn’t even recognized Anthony and Madison when they drove past us as their face was covered in dust. I think if we were to do this again, we definitely need to wear the eye googles as dust went into our eyes and there were times that we can’t see.

After about 45 minutes of riding, we returned to the place where we started and took a quick rinse before heading to our bus so that the driver can bring us back to the hotel. We were missing some group members, so we had to wait quite a bit before the bus could leave. Once he gathered everyone, we started to head back. On the way back, the driver got into a fender bender with another car but he wouldn’t stop, so the other car chased after him and blocked him from driving. The bus driver had to get out and talk to the other driver. Then he left without exchanging any information. The other driver was so mad that he hit the bus but our driver just ignored him and drove off. 

After about an hour, we finally reached our hotel and headed back to our room to take a shower as our face were all covered in dust. We were also supposed to go to the souvenir shop but since we returned later than expected, we missed the shuttle and had to rebook it for tomorrow. After we all took a shower, we took a few family pictures before heading to Noodle &Thread for dinner to celebrate Anthony’s birthday. We didn’t have a chance to eat lunch, so everyone was super hungry and ordered a lot of dishes.

When we finished dinner, Mason and I went to the beach to take more pictures while Anthony and Madison went to El Mercado for some fruits. We joined them later and has some coffee as well before heading back to our room.

The lady came to our room for turn down service to refill our snacks, towels and unfold our bedsheets for us. It’s a really nice gesture that they do every night.

Day 6 — Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

 7/18/24 Thursday 

Itinerary:

• Breakfast at El Mercado 
• Lunch at The Pier
• Lunch at El Mercado
• Republic Coffee
• Gym
• Dinner at Templest Table
• Dinner at Brando’s

We woke up around 9ish as this is our usual waking time since it’s only around 6ish West Coast time. We got ready quickly to have breakfast as they close at 11am. After breakfast, Maddison had to get ready for her SAT class. This will be her last class for this week and I feel so bad for her that she’s studying while we are on vacation. We stayed at the room a bit with her before heading out.

We went to the Hyatt Zilara for lunch at The Pier which is a buffet style. The food selection was similar to El Mercado but the crowd was so much less and we had a lot more attention from the servers as they kept checking on us and refilling our drinks. It was such a different feeling from the Ziva side as the buffet restaurant was mostly crowded and we usually have to wait a bit before someone comes to take our drink order or we have to flag someone sometimes if they don’t come.

I was planning to try our the Indian restaurant called Journeys for dinner tonight but it was under renovation.

After Maddie finished her classes, Anthony went to lunch with her at El Mercado while we were trying to book a shuttle to the souvenir shop and museum. But unfortunately we booked it too late, so they were full for today, so had to book it for tomorrow afternoon.

It started raining pretty heavily, so we couldn’t do much. Mason still wants to swim in the rain, so he left to go to the beach while the 3 of us got some ice cream and coffee and sat around the lobby to enjoy the nice breeze -and people watching.

About an hour or so later, Madison and I went upstairs to change to go to the gym while Anthony waited for Mason to return as he’s worried about him. Finally, Mason came back to the room right before we returned from the gym and we all got ready to have dinner. There was a long line today at the Templest Table, so while we were waiting, I went to the Rum bar outside the restaurant to order us some drinks. I had the lychee martini which didn’t really have much lychee flavor.

Before long, our pager vibrated to let us know that our table is ready. We checked in with the hostess and she took us to the table. We ordered some sushi rolls and also got some Mongolian grill where we choose the ingredients and the chefs will cook for us on the grill.

We had a good dinner and the kids went back to the room while Anthony and I went to Brandi’s for food as I wanted to bring Anthony there since he didn’t get a chance to go there last night. We didn’t even have to wait today and the food was pretty good and this time, I tried the dessert and it was delicious.

Day 5 — Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

 7/17/24 Wednesday 

Itinerary:

• Breakfast at El Mercado buffet
• Lunch at Prontoz
• Book tours
• Lunch at El Mercado
• Water park
• Juanillo Beach
• Gym
• Dinner at the beach
• Dinner at Brando’s
• Dinner at El Mercado buffet

We woke up early today to have breakfast as it’s the first full day that we have as a family since Madison doesn’t have any SAT class today.  

Then we went to hang out by the pool and have lunch at Prontoz. I had the green salad which was quite refreshing and a good change after eating so much food this past few days. After lunch, we went to book our buggy tour this Friday before heading back to our room for some rest. 

Since we had a light lunch, so we went to El Mercado for more lunch. We then went to the water park to spend some time going down the different slides that they have. It was so lunch and we ordered some nachos at the food truck. 

After the water park, we went back to our room to change and went to the beach by the hotel. We walked along the beach to the beach club and head to the gym afterwards. We had a good exercise and went back to take a shower before heading to the beach for dinner. They changed the venue from the front lawn to the beach today as they have a movie night by the pool area and also some acrobatic activities nearby. It was seafood dinner and they even had lobster. The food wasn’t that great, but we stayed a bit to listen to the live singing. We didn’t eat much as the food was very salty and dry. So Mason and I headed to the Zilara for more dinner while Anthony and Maddison went to El Mercado since Madison is a minor and can’t go to Zilara. The first restaurant that we saw at Silars was Brando’s which is a French Polynesian restaurant. So we decided to try it and the restaurant is very nicely decorated. We were seated within a few minutes of checking in and the food was quite good but portion size is very small.

After dinner, we just walked around the facilities to enjoy the ice breeze before heading back to our room.

Day 4 — Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

 7/16/24 Tuesday

Itinerary:

• Breakfast at El Mercado buffet
• Hyatt Zilara
• Lunch at Navigator Grill
• Late lunch at El Mercado buffet
• Water park
• Dinner at the outdoor lawn

Mason woke up very early to see the sunrise while we were asleep. Then we went to El Mercado buffet for breakfast while Mason was sleeping in his room.

Maddie had to go back to her room as she has her SAT prep class again while Anthony and I went around the hotel to check around what else they have. Then we walk to Hyatt Zilara to have some ice cream and have some drinks. 

Next we went to the Navigator Grill to have lunch before heading back to our room to check on Maddie and rest. After Maddie’s class, we went to El Mercado for her and Mason’s lunch. Then we went to the water park for some fun before heading to the pool for more swimming as the water park closes at 5pm. 

After swimming for while, we went back to our room for a shower and get ready for dinner at the outside lawn. Every night, they have a different theme and tonight is Mexico Magico.

Day 3 — Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

 7/15/24 Monday

Itinerary:

• Breakfast at El Mercado buffet
• Lunch at El Mercado buffet
• Water park at the hotel
• Teen lounge
• Hyatt Zilara
• Juanito Beach
• Rum Bar
• Dinner at Noodles &Thread

We woke up late today and got ready for breakfast. There was a short wait at the El Mercado buffet restaurant. So while waiting, I had a mimosa before they led us in. The selection was very good and food was great as well.

After lunch, we went back to our room as Maddie has an online SAT prep class to attend and I stayed in the room to keep her company.

After her class, we went for lunch at El Mercado before going to the water park and teen lounge at the hotel. We had to sign a waiver to use the water park. After that, we went to the gym to burn off more calories. Next we went to check out Hyatt Zilara which is adults only hotel next door.

We also went swimming at the Juanito Beach at the hotel and it was beautiful. The water was not as clear as I thought but it was warm and perfect to swim in.

We then went back to our rooms to shower and took some nice pictures in our room with sunset before heading to Noodles & Thread for dinner. We had a short wait so had some drinks at the Rum Bar before dinner.

The food at Noodles & Thread is so much better than the Teppan Table we had yesterday. The portion size was quite small, so the boys had to order a second dish after they finished their first main dish. 

After dinner, we went back to our room to rest.

Day 2 — Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

 7/14/2024 Sunday

Itinerary:

• Arrive at Punta Cana Airport
• Checkin to Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana
• Lunch at El Mercado buffet
• Gym
• Dinner at Tempest Table

We arrived at Charlotte, North Carolina airport and it’s my and the kids first time here while Anthony had a layover here earlier on his business trip to Vermont. We had a 4 hour 37 minutes flight from San Francisco and was tired as we couldn’t sleep well on the flight.

After having breakfast at the airport, we proceed to our next flight to Punta Cana which is about 3 hours and 3 minutes. The flight was full and the airline was offering travel credit to passenger who was willing to change their flight. Of course, we didn’t as we were so excited to go to Punta Cana for our first time.

After a short flight of a little over 3 hours, we arrived and went through the customs. It was super quick even though there were many visitors and they didn’t even checked our electronic form that we filled out beforehand. It’s a requirement to fill out an arrival and departure forms within 90 days of traveling to/from Punta Cana.

I had arranged for a private van to pick us up to the airport and it was called DAT ( Dominican Republican Transportation) and they had my name on a sign when we got out of the airport. It took us a while to find them as there were many people outside holding the signs.

The drive to the hotel was only 15 minutes and soon we arrived at the front gate. The security checked my name before letting our car in. We proceed to the lobby of the hotel and was asked to sit and wait for someone. The hotel receptionist came and welcomed us as well as checked us in while they served us some welcome drinks.

As our 2 rooms are not quite ready yet, so he bought us to the El Mercado buffer restaurant for some lunch and told us to return after lunch as the rooms would be ready. We had a nice buffet lunch before heading back to the lobby and got our room keys. I was quite surprised that they didn’t give us any wristbands as the last few all inclusive resorts gave us wristbands to identify us as guests. I guess since we are in a gated hotel, so they assumed that we must be guests, hence no need for wristbands.

We had 2 ocean view rooms next to each other. The kids are grown now, so we now book 2 rooms. The hotel also left us a bottle of wine in each room as we were here to celebrate Anthony’s birthday. We took a nap as we didn’t sleep well on the flights, and then went to the gym to work out. The gym was super nice and I have never seen such a big and nice gym even though I have stayed at many hotels before.

After work out, we went to take a shower before heading to the Tempest Table restaurant for dinner. We had to wait a bit for the Teppan table and then we were seated after 30 minutes wait. There were 4 Tappan tables that can site probably 15 or so guests but since the hotel was full and there was no reservation allowed, we had to wait. The dinner was okay and food was a bit salty to our taste but we still have a good time watching the chef perform during dinner.

After dinner, we worked around the hotel before heading back to our room to call it a day.

Day 1 — Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

 7/13/2024 Saturday

Itinerary:

• Fly to Punta Cana

We arranged for a private van to take us to the San Francisco airport tonight as we have an eye red flight to Punta Cana with a layover at Charlotte, North Carolina.

After arriving at Terminal 1, we checked in our bags before going through security. Since we all have global entry, we were able to get through security with a few minutes. 

After getting through, we went to get our dinner before getting on our flight to Charlotte  North Carolina.