Honeymoon in the Dominican Republic

Arrival in Paradise.

Our journey to paradise began with a flight from Denver to Punta Cana, with a quick layover in Charlotte, NC, via American Airlines. The flights were smooth, and our excitement grew as we got closer to our tropical escape. Upon arriving at the Punta Cana Airport, we took a taxi to the breathtaking Excellence El Carmen Adults Only All-Inclusive Resort.

As soon as we arrived, we were greeted with a glass of champagne—such a warm and luxurious welcome! After check-in, we were escorted to our room, and it completely exceeded our expectations. The space was massive, featuring a jacuzzi tub with glass windows looking outside and a private patio with our very own pool—perfect for just the two of us. Everything was spotless, and the decor was absolutely gorgeous, setting the tone for a romantic and relaxing stay.

After settling in, we headed out to explore the resort and take in its stunning amenities. For dinner, we chose the steakhouse restaurant, where we indulged in a full-course meal of appetizers, soup, entrées, and desserts. It was the perfect way to end our first day in this little slice of paradise

Soaking in the Sun on our first full day.

Our first full day at Excellence El Carmen was all about soaking in the beauty of the resort and enjoying everything it had to offer. We started by exploring the stunning grounds, which are right on the oceanfront, giving us breathtaking views wherever we went. Most of the day was spent lounging by the pool, sipping on refreshing drinks, and swimming in the crystal-clear ocean. The combination of the warm sun, soft sand, and gentle waves was pure bliss.

Later, we stopped by the concierge to book an excursion for later in the week, adding a little adventure to our relaxing honeymoon. It was the perfect mix of unwinding and planning for more memories to come. Day 2 left us feeling recharged and even more in love with this tropical paradise!

Honeymoon photos at Playa Macao and a private dinner on the beach.

We started Day 3 with a cozy breakfast from room service, enjoying a quiet meal in the comfort of our luxurious suite. Afterward, we took a quick dip in our private pool, soaking up the morning sun before getting ready for a special outing.

We ventured to Playa Macao, a stunning nearby beach, where we had hired a photographer to capture honeymoon pictures. The backdrop of turquoise water and soft white sand made for breathtaking photos we’ll cherish forever.

After returning to the resort, the magic continued with a private dinner on the beach. The setting was dreamy—soft candlelight, the sound of waves crashing, and a delicious meal prepared just for us. It was the perfect way to end a day filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

Adventuring through La Hacienda Park with ziplining, ATV rides, and more!

Day 4 was filled with thrilling activities and cultural experiences at La Hacienda Park. We started by taking a chairlift ride with stunning views of the surrounding mountains—such a peaceful way to begin the day. Afterward, my husband soared through the treetops on the zipline, an exhilarating experience that brought us both closer to nature.

Next, we hopped on ATVs for an adventurous ride through the jungle, getting completely covered in mud—it was messy but so much fun! Our phones were safely stored in a locker for the day, so we couldn’t capture the action ourselves, but thankfully, a photographer was on hand to document every exciting moment. After working up an appetite, we enjoyed a delicious Dominican lunch, featuring fresh local flavors.

Once fueled up, we saddled up for a horseback ride through the scenic landscape, followed by a unique experience milking a cow—something we never thought we’d try! It was a day packed with adventure, culture, and memories that will last a lifetime.

Unwinding in our private pool and enjoying a peaceful evening together.

After an action-packed day before, Day 5 was all about unwinding and spending quality time together. We decided to take it easy and spent the entire day in our private pool, just relaxing and recharging. It was the perfect way to enjoy the tranquility of the resort and savor each other's company. In the evening, we had a delightful dinner at the resort, reflecting on all the amazing memories we’d made so far.

Booze Cruise!

Day 6 started with a peaceful morning, as I spent a few hours reading a book by the pool—pure bliss. Afterward, we boarded a booze cruise, and the fun began! We had unlimited drinks, danced on the boat, and enjoyed the lively atmosphere.

The highlight was snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters and spending time in the ocean, surrounded by beautiful marine life. It was a perfect day of adventure and relaxation, and we couldn't have asked for a better way to spend our honeymoon!

Our Last Day in Paradise

For our last full day in paradise, we decided to keep it simple and enjoy each other's company. We spent the entire day in our private pool, savoring the peacefulness and beauty of the resort. It was the perfect way to reflect on our incredible honeymoon and relax before heading home.

The Journey Home

Sadly, it was time to leave paradise. We had a layover in Chicago on our way home, but things took an unexpected turn when our flight was delayed due to a tornado near the airport. While the delay was frustrating, it gave us a bit more time to reminisce about our amazing trip and all the unforgettable memories we made in the Dominican Republic. Despite the delay, we finally made it back home, already planning our next adventure together!