Melia Caribe

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

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If your idea of vacation fun is variety, you should try the Melia Caribe resort in Punta Cana, at the eastern extremity of the Dominican Republic. The sheer variety of experience that’s on offer at this remarkable and diverse all-inclusive resort is perhaps mirrored by the on-site dining facilities. The resort’s advertising material proudly announces that you could stay at the Melia Caribe for two whole weeks and eat at a different restaurant or bar every night – without ever having to leave the resort’s grounds. This, amazingly, is true – although, as there are a total of thirteen eateries, two weeks must be understood to mean fourteen days rather than fourteen nights!

We shall return to the resort’s delightful catering shortly. The variety on offer also extends to the accommodation that the Melia Caribe provides – although the level of quality is constant. Even if you opt for the most basic accommodation package on offer – the Junior Suite Garden View – the level of luxury is significant: every room is the Melia Caribe is classed as a suite. At the higher end of things, in the Royal Service Suite, you can enjoy the luxury of a private pool and personalized attendance. The Melia Caribe doesn’t house its guest accommodation in one huge block – rather, the suites are spread out across forty-four bungalow on the site, so wherever you are you will have the pleasant sensation of being tucked away in a quiet corner, and you won’t have to put up with the inevitable noise and disturbance of high-rise accommodation.

You won’t find yourself short of things to do during your stay, either. The Melia Caribe has its own on-site golf facilities, including an eighteen-hole and a nine-hole course. Green fees are reasonable, and some complimentary green passes are thrown in with all-inclusive packages, the amount of free time you are permitted depending on the length of your stay. If you don’t want to go to the trouble of bringing all your own equipment with you, you may hire clubs and other kit, and, for $40, avail yourselves of a cart. If you’re a novice, or a more experienced player wishing to improve your game, the resort provides training sessions with seasoned players who will help you develop your skills why relaxing on one of the best courses in the Caribbean.

There is a vast range of other sports and activities on offer, some of then included in the cost of your Melia Caribe vacation, while some of them incur an additional fee. The resort has no fewer than eight tennis courts.

For watersports enthusiasts, sunfish sailing, snorkeling, Hobie Cats, paddle boats and windsurfing gear are available at no extra charge. If you would like to try your hand at water activities such as deep-sea fishing, Scuba, motorboating, or jetskiing you may have to pay an additional charge. The same goes for some dry-land activities. The Melia Caribe offers a bewildering range of these, from horse riding to climbing on its own custom-built climbing wall. Information about all the activities on offer is available from main reception or your assigned customer service staff.

If you like the idea of a vacation that purifies the body as well as the mind, you might like to take advantage of the Melia Caribe’s on-site spa facilities. A full range of services and treatments is on offer from the resorts qualified and experienced spa staff. Enjoy the sauna, Jacuzzi and steam room before unwinding completely with a relaxing massage, facial or manicure.

If you like to enjoy yourself in the evening the Melia Caribe has more to offer than many resorts in the same category. Get your pulse racing at the resort’s very own casino, or relax and chill out at one of the many musical events put on for the entertainment of guests.

As for your evening meal – as has been mentioned already, in this area as in so many others the watchword at the Melia Caribe is ‘variety’. Those who enjoy elegant a la carte continental cuisine should sample the delights of Le Gourmet restaurant. If you enjoy more hearty and down-to-earth fare you should pick up a burger and salad at the BBQ Restaurant or the Agora Grill. Another interesting alternative – for those who think food is theater as much as fuel – is to dine at Pagoda, where the excellent oriental cuisine is prepared in an open ‘show’ kitchen, so you can admire the skill of the chefs as you dine.

Melia Caribe is one of the best resorts in the Dominican Republic – and possibly the whole Caribbean – if what you’re in search of is a vacation that provides the opportunity to be as active or as lazy as you like!