Relaxing in a shallow natural pool in the middle of the Caribbean Sea – just off the southeastern tip of the Dominican Republic – the hustle and bustle of my London life seemed a million miles away.
The sun was beating down and shoals of colourful fish darted around when I put my head under the water. This was a far cry from my normal daily routine.
I felt myself first begin to relax when I saw the azure horizon from the aeroplane window, following a nine-hour flight from Gatwick on board a state-of-the-art Thomson Airways Dreamliner. It’s aptly named as the time on board flew by like a dream.
I had never visited the Caribbean before, and the vision that greeted me on arrival in the Dominican Republic was even more blissful than I had imagined. The bold blue sky, white beaches, palm trees and cocktails on every corner that I had seen in photos were all there, yet I was really taken aback by just how relaxed the vibe was.
I was staying at the Sensatori Resort Azul Punta Cana on the island’s east coast, and as soon as I arrived, the stylish interiors and attention to detail confirmed this was going to be a real luxury experience. The newest of the Sensatori resorts, this high-spec hotel has it all: an amazing beachside location, excellent eating and drinking options, and plenty to do.
My room was in an adult-only area of the resort and had swim-up access to the pool – perfect for me, as I always like to do a few lengths while on holiday. I spent my first day drinking from chilled coconuts while leisurely wandering the soft sandy beach and resting on four-poster daybeds. The day was topped off with a delicious fine-dining experience at the Sicilian restaurant Verdello.
In fact, throughout the whole trip I was treated to amazing dishes from a variety of cuisines, from authentic-tasting Asian food to a 16-course “epicurean” dinner extravaganza at Kitchen 23. They certainly know how to push the boat out at Sensatori Punta Cana.
The inclusive drinks were much appreciated and I even partook of a cigar one night when I was feeling decadent. Well, it would be rude not to when the place is famed for them.
One day I signed up for the resort’s Caribbean Cruise excursion, which began with a speedboat whisking me away to Saona, a nearby picture-postcard island where that famous Bounty advert was filmed.
After snorkelling in the crystal-clear surrounding sea, I sprawled on the deck and topped up my tan, not quite believing how perfect the setting was. Total paradise. After exploring the island, a catamaran smoothly carried me back to the resort.
On another day our party witnessed the wonderful sights and sounds that the Dominican Republic has to offer from a chauffeur-driven rally car. This was off-roading in luxury style.
We enjoyed a tipple from the in-car mini bar as it sped down jungle trails, passing local farmers, craft shops, schools, ranches and plantations, which grow some of the country’s main exports, cocoa and coffee. Now I know where my favourite brand of dark chocolate comes from.
As soon as I left Sensatori Punta Cana I immediately wanted to return. I love the bustle of London but with this much fun and relaxation in one place, it’s the perfect sanctuary to escape from everyday life.
Thomson offers seven-night holidays to the Dominican Republic staying at its 5T Sensatori Resort Azul Punta Cana on an all-inclusive basis from £1,082 per person. The price is based on two adults sharing and includes flights departing from Birmingham airport on May 23, 2017, and transfers. To book, visit your local Thomson travel shop, thomson.co.uk or call 0871 230 2555.
