With spring break just around the corner and the Georgia weather teasing us, as it tends to do this time of year, you may be dreaming of your next beach vacation. Thoughts of an escape to the Caribbean may have entered your mind. If you are looking for a relaxing getaway to enjoy the fabulous Caribbean views, Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, is the perfect escape from the realities of every day. I recently spent three and a half days there recharging in paradise and these are my favorite things about this beautiful destination:
The author was hosted to facilitate this review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are their own.
The fun at Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana starts when you check in and are greeted with a welcome popsicle! I mean who doesn’t like a popsicle? I stayed in Waves, which features rooms that are a celebration of relaxation in whites, blues, and greens. I love the subtle décor that nods to Jimmy Buffet fans. The lounging couch on the balcony was my favorite spot. I could see the pools and the ocean as I enjoyed a fruity cocktail. It was so relaxing, I drifted off to sleep.
An early morning trip to the St. Somewhere Spa really helped leave my worries and tension behind. The spa was pure serenity. I chose the 90-minute therapeutic massage, and I honestly can’t say when I have been so relaxed. My masseuse applied just the right amount of pressure and paid attention to the areas where the knots were tighter than a boa constrictor around a mongoose. When I left, I felt like butter. It was bliss.
 Margaritaville Island Reserve serves up popsicles to welcome guests. Photo Credit: Jennifer Sheran |
The blues and greens of the Caribbean waters are just magnificent. There are plenty of places to lounge on the beach. Attendants come around frequently to bring you towels and drinks and to check on you.
For those who want to be active, there are volleyball nets, soccer goals, and you can go snorkeling. If you get hungry soaking up the sun, Cheeseburger in Paradise is both beachside and poolside and serves up amazing burgers.
I love how easy it is to get a drink at the pool, not only do they have two swim-up bars, but the attendants walk around regularly so that you can put in your drink order. The bartender made me an excellent Rum Runner to sip on. There are several pools to choose from – including an adult-only section and a family-friendly section so you can enjoy a little adult time while the kids are in the Parakeet Kids’ Club.
 The poolside swim up bar has swing seats for friends to gather and chat. Photo Credit: Jennifer Sheran |
Family fun is definitely on the itinerary at Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana. The resort has a whole section of family-friendly pools. There is also a splash pad playground for the little ones. Kids ages 4-12 can play at the Parakeet Kids’ Club which is open daily and offers a brightly colored clubhouse, as well as an outdoor play area, swings, lots of toys, and enrichment activities. They also schedule activities like an evening Just Dance competition.
 The little ones can enjoy the zero entry splash pad. Photo Credit: Jennifer Sheran |
They didn’t forget the teens either. The resort has a cool teen center with ping pong, shuffleboard, and other games. It’s a great place for the teens to just chill and get a break from parents and younger siblings. They can also check out equipment like volleyballs, soccer balls, and tennis or pickle ball rackets.
 Teen game room at Margaritaville Island Reserve. Photo Credit: Jennifer Sheran |
I enjoyed so many delicious bites and drinks at Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana. From the tapas to the tacos to the cocktails and Landshark beer, it is a paradise for food and drink. There are a variety of restaurants on the property with an option for everyone, including Dominican fare, seafood, steak, American style, Italian, Asian fusion, and a five-star restaurant for a truly elegant experience (for an additional fee).
I loved getting up each morning and strolling through the breakfast buffet. So many choices! They had kid-friendly, vegan-friendly, and gluten-free covered too. I enjoyed a fresh made omelet with the ingredients of my choosing, sizzling bacon, and fresh-squeezed juice.
Joe Merchants was open for a quick bite, coffee, or snacks, and when you stay at Margaritaville Island Reserve you receive points to shop at Joe Merchants, to pick up drinks, snacks, and other goodies you may want to customize your mini bar.
I couldn’t help but note that Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana is the perfect place for your special occasion. While I was there, I saw a beautiful wedding, a bachelorette party, a special breakfast on the beach set up for two, and our girl getaway! We had two fabulous pool parties set up for us including a floating taco bar and a foam dance party in the pool (floating taco bar available at an extra charge)!
There are also evening activities every night that include karaoke, dancing, and more. They clearly are invested in creating a fun and memorable experience for the guests. There is even an island ambassador who travels around the resort with his guitar to hang out with guests and elevate the experience. It was so nice to see all of the staff at the resort having just as much dancing and getting guests up to dance as we were!
 Pool, DJ, foam, roving bartenders? Yes, please! Photo Credit: Jennifer Sheran |
While the resort has many different room options, dining choices, places to shop, and places to relax, it is not too expansive so you can easily get to all the amenities. Everything is within a short walk. And if you happen to lose your way, the friendly staff will happily escort you.
You can truly leave your worries behind and relax at Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana in Punta Cana. And as a mom, it is important to experience a change in latitude to enjoy these carefree moments because, as Jimmy says, “If we couldn’t laugh, we may all go insane.”