2015 has been one heck of a year. I’ve been lucky enough to have some incredible adventures in Canada and Scotland, and an incredibly relaxing break in the Dominican Republic. To my shame, life has definitely got in the way of me sharing a lot of my experiences with you, my AWESOME readers, so I feel that some filling-in is required.

In February I visited Punta Cana, in the Dominican Republic, which firstly I was a little nervous about. Would I get bored on a 10 day all-inclusive holiday, or would it be just what my aching little body needed? Well, luckily, the Dom Rep turned out to be just the medicine needed to revitalize, refresh, and regain some perspective. Plus I needn’t have worried… there is absolutely LOADS to do, should the mood take you. So I thought I’d do a quick summary of all the best bits of Punta Cana, to hopefully inspire your next trip.

1. Isla Saona

OK, apart from the horrific poo-smell, this is honestly one of the most idyllic desert islands on the planet, and as it’s a national park, the area is completely protected from development. It’s a couple of hours’ boat ride from Punta Cana, but go with any of the reputable companies in the area and you’ll be able to stop off en route at some of the natural oddities such as a ‘natural swimming pool’, and maybe even see a starfish.

A lot of tours also include lunch and drinks, so you can carry on that ‘all-inclusive’ experience on your very own boat. I loved the option with the pirate boat catamaran, as it really allowed us to stretch out and make the most of that gorgeous sun!

On our gorgeous catamaran to Isla Saona

ON OUR GORGEOUS CATAMARAN TO ISLA SAONA

2. Zip lining

The Dominican Republic is fast gaining a reputation for being an emerging destination for the adventure traveller, and seeing as though this blog is all about ‘Adventure for the Unadventurous’, it wouldn’t be China wholesale Hand Tools sets right without mentioning zip lining!

If you’ve never tried it, don’t worry, it’s completely safe and really not as scary as it looks, plus seeing the jungle from above will be worth all the effort! Simply strap yourself in and allow the adrenaline to take hold!!

zip lining dominican republic

3. Hoyo Azul

Literally translated as ‘Blue Hole’, ‘Hoyo Azul’ is pretty much just that! It sometimes baffles me what Mother Nature can do, but a bright blue natural pool in amongst a system of caves is just about as close to perfect as you can get.

I recommend hiring your own cab to get here if you can, as the tour groups can be large and the prices inflated. Top tip: if you arrive in the morning before the tour buses arrive, you’ll have the place all to yourself.

Hoyo Azul

These are my top picks from this little slice of paradise, but if you just want to sit in your own juices for a week and never leave the resort, that’s just fine, too! Do you have any other must-do things in Punta Cana?

2021.03