The Dominican Dream: This Caribbean island, once considered cheap, is now the most popular island in the region

There is a dusty old history book in the library of the Cap Cana Shrine, entitled The British Are Coming. It feels quite prophetic.

Ten years ago, the Dominican Republic, with its troubled political past, would have been fairly low on the average Briton’s Caribbean wish list. No longer. In fact, the country’s tourism industry has rebounded so strongly after the pandemic that it is now the most popular tourist destination in the entire Caribbean.

British visitors still outnumber Americans, but with regular direct flights from Britain there’s no better time to visit a congenial destination with a real spring in the step.

All major tourist developments are concentrated in Punta Cana, on the eastern tip of the island. The enclave feels light years away from the hustle and bustle of Santo Domingo, the capital, but if you’re looking for the holy trinity of sun, sea and sand, not to mention golf courses, theme parks, sunset cruises, etc ., then you will not feel deprived.

Opened in early 2023, the lavishly appointed Sanctuary Cap Cana embodies the new atmosphere of trust in the Dominican Republic.

Moment of reflection: The resort, which opened in early 2023, is owned by Marriott International

It is a truly beautiful property, combining Spanish colonial architecture in the main building with state-of-the-art accommodation and facilities. The lovingly landscaped gardens, interspersed with tropical flowers and shady streams, are beautiful.

For owners Marriott International, the resort is an important first: a luxury resort that is also all-inclusive. This means: you can eat and drink as much as you want 24/7. The luxury and all-inclusive markets have traditionally been seen as separate markets, catering to different types of holidaymakers.

In the case of the Dominican Republic, the island used to be associated with all-inclusive resorts that were so cheap and cheerful that they were a magnet for drunken young Americans on the run. Think of Ibiza in the tropics.

Max says Sanctuary Cap Cana “embodies the new spirit of trust in the Dominican Republic.” Above, a Junior Suite with Ocean View

“The resort really comes alive after dark, with live shows and cabarets,” says Max. Upstairs, resort entertainment

So Marriott is breaking the mold and I’m curious to see how well the Sanctuary has managed to close the loop.

Very good, is the answer. In fact, judging by the piercing smiles on the faces of our fellow guests, Marriott has a winner on its hands.

It’s an adults-only resort and the poolside bars have the cocktails flowing from the early morning, as you’d expect. But there’s not much rawness and there’s an appealing mix of informality and style in the resort’s various bars and eateries.

People dress casually, talk to strangers, take pictures, walk around the pool, let their hair down. But there’s nothing cheap and cheerful about the food. The breakfast buffet is as good as any I’ve encountered: an abundance of fresh fruit and fish, pastries and omelettes for all ages.

The traditional American steakhouse is another winner: excellent cuts of beef, cooked to perfection, washed down with delicious French wines. And if you just want a simple burger and fries or sushi, you can get that too.

From sunrise to sunset, relaxation is the message. Apart from a few people cycling around the resort or taking aerobics classes, no one ever seems to be in a hurry. There is just too much in the area to enjoy.

The main building of Sanctuary Cap Cana features Spanish colonial architecture

‘From sunrise to sunset, relaxation is the message’, writes Max (not in the photo)

From our balcony suite, with its outdoor Jacuzzi, we can admire the Caribbean at its incomparable best, with the sun catching the small waves and an endless succession of brown pelicans surfacing to catch fish. Or try to catch fish. One brave bird, whom we call Percy, makes six attempts in as many minutes, soaring, diving, and emerging with an awkward crouch. Why does he do it? He needs to know that he is wasting precious energy. But his persistence is strangely moving.

For me, people watching is an intrinsic part of any holiday, and there’s a rich choice here, with more minor cartoon characters than Love Island. The tattoos seen in the pool are an education in themselves. I remain the woman with a baby penguin on her shoulder willing to stand next to the man with a big shark on his chest so I can shout, “Look behind me!”

Apart from a couple from Berkshire, most of our fellow guests are American, with an average age of around 40, while the friendly Spanish-speaking staff give the resort a very different feel to the former British colonies such as Barbados or Antigua, where you are located. at the risk of bumping into your neighbors from Hemel Hempstead.

If the days are relaxing and subdued, a chance to unwind and leave the cares of the world behind, the resort really comes alive after dark, with live shows, cabarets and cheesy crooners and just as many opportunities for dad to to dance like a seasoned one. ham as I could ask for.

It all adds up to a very attractive package: an oasis of peace and refinement in a congenial country. If, like me, you’re a fan of the Caribbean and want to spread your wings, this could be the answer.