Tropical Orquidea Club All-Inclusive Punta Cana

... Have I mentioned how awesomely nice they are...here are the things I learned. Fact #1: Always ask Dominicans about their family...they love showing you pictures and talking about them...especially their children. Fact #2: Just because a Dominican man is married and has a 2 month old son, does not mean he won't do his best to hit on you. Fact #3: Punta Cana workers are baller at pool, but are nice enough to let you play a good game against them if ...

... My driver's name was Felix and I quickly learn that Dominican people may be some of the nicest I will ever meet. For example, I run into Felix later the next night at the Employees Club (hereon referred to as "the Club") donning a white tee, jeans and "Chucks" (converse) just beaming at me with his brilliant white teeth.

At the Foundation I meet Ivelisse who is the Coordinator for Virginia Tech groups in Punta Cana. She ...

... or really any of the staff. I feel you don't get that closeness that I have enjoyed at other smaller resorts (where some of the staff remember your name, what you want to drink with dinner, how many people are in your group, things like that!) This hotel was very beautiful, lots of amazing gardening and well kept grounds, the rooms were standard hotel rooms, nothing spectacular. I found that this ...

... The ancient rhythms of the earth have insinuated themselves into the rhythms of the human heart.  The is not outside us, it is within:  the clay from where the tree of the body grows.  When we emerge from our offices, rooms and houses, we enter our natural element.  We are children of the earth: people to whom the outdoors is home.  Nothing can separate us from the vigour and vibrancy of this inheritance.  In contrast to our frenetic ...

We just returned March 29th from 2 fantastic weeks at the Grand Palladium Palace in Punta Cana, DR. This is our 6th all inclusive and we have to say it is the best so far. The service and the food and the resort were all top notch. We have nothing but praise for this resort. Don't listen to any of the naysayers. This resort is incredible and the beach is amazing. There are 2 pools in each of the 3 resorts within the complex you have access to ...

... tried to learn how to windsurf. We also went swimming with sea lions, a highlight for me. It was a great trip, although the last day and the few days after were unfortunately ruined by both of us getting pretty sick...Montezuma's Revenge claimed its latest victims!

... to Punta Cana and they've had mixed feelings. Some loved it and some were just so-so about it. I do highly recommend booking at least one excursion while visiting. Also, a little side note, everyone we encountered did speak English and most spoke other languages too like Italian, French, and some German. After taking 4 years of Spanish in high school, I did get the chance to practice...to my enjoyment and also the Dominicans.

... keep myself entertained with them - but my roommate didn't and the spanish speaking television wasn't working for her.

Needless to say, the remainder of the week turned out to be a bust - and it was a long week. Now I do my research ahead of time to make sure I'm going to a place in the appropriate season. I also know to check out hotel and resort information to ...

... things really started to bother me. The hotel really tries to get you to interact with staff and other guests - which just really isn't my style. I don't like to make small talk and I don't like to be put into these situations...Well, at club med they sit you at large tables with guests and their staff also comes to sit with you as well.

We were the only guests there in our ...

... a car to take her the airport we were meeting at. I don't remember the airport but I know it wasn't too far, it was only supposed to be a quick flight for her!

I was getting really anxious as I waited for her - flying by myself out of the country wasn't really in my plan and I was uncomfortable with the idea as I wasn't really a savvy traveler at this point, and I didn't really want to go by myself for any length of time. The plan had ...