Travel

This year my family went somewhere different for spring break.  For the last 9 years we have been going to Marco Island, which I love, but the teens in our life were getting restless.  So we tried to find a place they would enjoy and stay busy.  A friend of mine told us the Hard Rock in Punta Cana is a great place to go with your older teens.  I have to admit, I was a little reluctant to go as I love the quiet peacefulness of Marco and the simplicity of our vacations there.  The Hard Rock was a bit overwhelming at first but once I acclimated myself I really enjoyed it.  Here are some of my highlights:

1.)  The Beach!  The thing I loved loved loved about Punta Cana was the beach.  The sand was so smooth under your feet! I didn’t feel like I do in some settings where I have to watch out for sting rays at every turn or sharks!  There are some beautiful beaches in the world but this one I wasn’t afraid to get deep in the ocean and enjoy it!  The waves were so amazing and I felt like a kid swimming.  It makes me smile just typing this.  On our last day before we left my husband and I headed out for one last swim.  The ocean did not disappoint that morning.

2.) Macao Surf Camp was the bomb!  Some family members highly recommended this company for surfing.  We booked ahead of time and went in the morning.  They were very organized and hospitable.  Each person in our group had their own coach.  They had about a half hour instruction before hitting the waves and then once in the water they were with you the entire time.  They even helped push your surf board to get your going. Half way through the lessons they bring you ashore and someone is there cutting up coconuts to give you FRESH coconut water to hydrate before you head out on your next surf.  It was fabulous and exhausting!

3.) The people.  The people in Punta Cana were friendly and we did not have a single negative experience with them.  The staff at the Hard Rock was spectacular.  We were fortunate enough to have our own staff person and she booked all of our itinerary for us.  We were able to go to dinner without a wait, book excursions and even our bali beds!  It was such a wonderful luxury.

4.) The spa at Hard Rock was the best.  I have been to a lot of spas around the country and the services were top notch.  The spa was clean, professional and the services were amazing.  I had a facial and a deep tissue massage.  One word… Amazing!  My friend had a chocolate wrap and said it was heavenly!

5.) The Fish Pedicure was also a cool experience!  I am the type of person that will usually try something once and in this case I am glad I did.  It was a little freaky at first but after about five minutes in a strange way you get used to it.  It kinda of tickled and also made me feel a little squeamish!  In the end, my feet felt fabulous!  It is one of those things you need to try at least once in your life.

My family was very excited to go to Punta Cana and if you have teens who are looking for some fun with their friends and families it’s a great spot. We always felt very safe and I am missing that beach and the view!  Great memories!