Words by Amelia Bell
A short 10-minute drive from Punta Cana International Airport lies Cap Capa, the exclusive resort town situated on the eastern shores of the Dominican Republic. Home to deserted beaches with sugar-like sand and more palm trees than people, Cap Cana’s gated community feels worlds away from the crowded coastlines next door – but still close enough to all the action.
With the grandeur of an old colonial city blended with the ease of a beach town, it’s easy to see the allure of this luxury bolthole. And, as I soon discover, TRS Cap Cana Hotel is an excellent choice in which to experience it.
The five-star, adults-only hotel is offering up a superior proposition in the way of excellent, all-inclusive cuisine that never compromises on quality, great service with each room equipped with a 24-hour personal assistant, and postcard views looking out onto the stylish marina, where a series of mega-yachts and pastel houses pepper the bright, turquoise skies.
After checking in, I spotted this view instantly from my balcony, which features a swim-up pool and hammock swaying gently from side to side in a slight, but necessary, breeze. Outside, I spy a manicured lawn, an expansive pool flanked by tall palm trees and a bridge that crosses over to the outdoor dining area, Helios. It’s very modern, but the hotel still feels inviting and fresh.
I particularly like the colour palette inside the rooms with burnt orange, clean white and turquoise, and the occasional Aztec print, for effect. Aside from the enviable views, an extra-large bed and flat-screen TV, the all-inclusive mini-bar and shampoos and conditioners courtesy of L’Occitane are some of the best highlights.
Alongside a cocktail bar rustling up any concoction you can think of, there’s also a sports bar serving up pints by day and karaoke by night. You can grab a drink at the Ibiza-style restaurant, which plays live music until the early hours. Or, if you’re an early riser, you might be lucky enough to spot a manatee or two in the water while enjoying a morning coffee. And coffee, like the chocolate here, is one of the Dominican Republic’s best-kept treasures.
There are two main restaurants to choose from inside the hotel: Gaucho serves traditional Argentinian Parilla, and Izakaya specialises in Peruvian and Japanese fusion. I sampled butter-like tuna tataki and an inventive wasabi creme brulée on the first night; soft empanadas and rare fillet beef on the second night.
Both menus are experimental and unique, and despite an all-inclusive offering, the food is excellent quality. The breakfast at Capricho? An array of local dishes and home favourites, from fresh fruit, banana bread, great coffee of course, and cooked breakfast.
Though it’s tempting to spend each day lounging around in the pool’s swim-up bar, possibly with a rum-based cocktail in tow, Cap Cana has plenty to offer in the way of activities. The Punta Espada golf course designed by Jack Nicklaus, for instance, is the best on the island, and there’s also a horse-riding centre that’s worth a visit.
Juanillo Beach is also around the corner boasting the clearest, turquoise waters, perfectly formed palm trees, and white sand; it feels so unspoiled and picturesque, you almost feel guilty for pressing your toes into the immaculate sand.
There’s no shortage of luxury hotels in the area, but few are striking a balance between relaxation and activity as well as TRS Cap Cana Hotel: one day, you’ll dance to the sound of the DJ at the pool or take up a new water sport; the next, you’ll while away the hours at the spa and wander around the marina at sunset… the choice is yours.
A one night stay in a Junior Suite Swim Up at TRS Cap Cana Hotel is from £240, all-inclusive, based on two people sharing.
Address: Boulevard Fishing Lodge, Punta Cana 23000, Dominican Republic
Phone: +1 809-469-7560
Website: palladiumhotelgroup.com
