A Dream Week in Punta Cana: My Stay at Excellence El Carmen in Punta Cana
If you’re dreaming of the ultimate tropical escape, look no further than Excellence El Carmen in the Dominican Republic. My week-long stay at this luxurious resort was nothing short of extraordinary at this stunning location.
Resort Life at Excellence Punta Cana
From the moment we arrived, Excellence El Carmen felt like paradise. Nestled along a pristine stretch of beach, the resort’s laid-back atmosphere set the tone for an unforgettable week. Our Excellence Club upgrade made the experience even more special, offering us exclusive perks like a private check-in, access to a tranquil lounge, beachside cabanas with drink service, and elevated attention from the staff.
Arrival & First Impressions
Private transportation was arranged for us (a nice perk for stays of 3 nights or more), ensuring a smooth and stress-free transfer from the airport. Upon arrival, we were greeted with a glass of welcome champagne, and our bags were whisked away by the attentive staff. We then entered the spacious lobby, setting the stage for the luxury that awaited us.
Our Club Room
We stayed in a poolside club room (tip: book early, as these rooms are in high demand!). The room featured a fully stocked minibar, large bottles of premium alcohol, and a Nespresso machine—perfect for starting the day off right. The main living space included a comfortable seating area, a spacious desk, and a large, cozy bed. The pillow menu was a great touch.
The bathroom was spacious, with dual sinks and plenty of counter space, plus a large rainfall shower. The separate toilet area, behind a glass door, lacked privacy, which was my only minor complaint. Outside, we had a private patio with lounge chairs and a small table, and easy access to the club pool. Each night, the room was turned down, and the minibar was restocked upon request.
The Private Beach
The resort’s private beach is lined with swaying palm trees and offers stunning views of the turquoise waters. Beach attendants set up lounge chairs for us, creating a “towel bed” and offering table-side drink service throughout the day. The palapas (thatched umbrellas) provided ample shade, while small tables with hooks for your bags kept everything organized.
The Excellence Club beach area is equipped with canvas-shaded cabanas, available on a first-come, first-served basis. These cabanas were a perfect spot to relax, enjoy a piña colada, and soak up the sun.
Pools & Secluded Areas
Lounging by the pool became our daily ritual. The sound of the water and a refreshing cocktail in hand made for the perfect afternoon. We enjoyed the main pool, which features a wraparound “lazy river,” a swim-up bar, and daily pool games. For a quieter experience, we spent time at the two secluded Club pools, each with its own bar and serene atmosphere.
Wildlife lovers will appreciate the resort’s lagoon, where we spotted herons and a variety of ducks.
Dining: A Culinary Adventure
The variety of restaurants at Excellence El Carmen catered to every craving, and the dining experiences were truly exceptional. Our favorites included:
- Agave: Seating is in an outdoor courtyard. My favorites here was the guacamole, fajitas, and margaritas.
- Flavor Market: The plentiful sangria, along with the tapas and paella, made this Spanish-inspired restaurant a must-visit.
- Spice: The Hibachi experience was not only entertaining but also delicious, making it one of our top dining highlights.
- Lobster House: The grilled lobster and ceviche were absolute must-tries.
- The Kitchen Table: For breakfast, this restaurant’s huge spread had everything you could ever want, from fresh fruits to made-to-order omelets.
- Magna (Excellence Club Restaurant): The Tomahawk steak here was truly wow-worthy, offering a melt-in-your-mouth dining experience.
- La Placita Food Truck: This gem was perfect for a light lunch, my favorite was the tasty Cuban-style sandwiches.
We also enjoyed slower mornings with room service, which is included, letting us enjoy breakfast and coffee in the comfort of our suite.
Activities That Made the Stay Memorable
While relaxing was a big part of the week, I also participated in several activities that added fun and depth to the trip:
- Larimar Workshop: This hands-on experience was a unique opportunity to polish our own Larimar stones, a beautiful blue gemstone native to the Dominican Republic, and turn them into necklaces. It was not only educational but also a special keepsake to take home.
- Bingo: A classic game with a twist, where winning meant prizes that added a little extra excitement to the day.
- Crafting Canvas Bags: Using templates to paint designs onto canvas bags was both creative and relaxing, making for a fun souvenir.
- Private Rum Tasting: By far, my favorite activity. This private experience allowed our group to sample and learn about a variety of Dominican rums. The rich flavors and the intimate setting made it unforgettable.
Evening Entertainment and Socializing
The resort truly came alive at night, offering a vibrant mix of entertainment and social experiences. From live music performances to featured shows like the “Michael Jackson” tribute show, circus show, karaoke, silent disco, and the “Dominican Night,” there was something to captivate everyone.
Mingling with fellow guests at the Martini Bar was a nightly highlight. The lively atmosphere and friendly conversations made it the perfect place to kick back and connect with other travelers.
For a more exclusive start to the evening, we loved heading to the Club-only bar. With its upscale cocktails crafted from premium liquors and small plate appetizers, it set the stage for the rest of the night.
Exploring Beyond the Resort
To add a cultural dimension to the trip, my friends LT and Zachira and I embarked on a private guided day tour that took us beyond the resort:
- Basilica de Higuey: This awe-inspiring cathedral is a must-see for its stunning architecture and spiritual significance.
- Cigar Rolling: Visiting a cigar shop in Higuey gave us the chance to roll our own cigars, a fascinating hands-on experience that connected us to the Dominican Republic’s rich tobacco heritage.
- Mamajuana Tasting: We sampled this traditional Dominican drink, a unique blend of rum, red wine, and honey steeped with herbs and tree bark. It’s both a drink and a cultural experience!
- Visit to Anamuya Village: We met a local farmer who shared his knowledge of growing cacao and coffee beans. Tasting fresh fruit, coffee, and hot chocolate straight from the farm was a highlight.
- Salto de Anamuya: The picturesque waterfall offered a refreshing and serene break, showcasing the natural beauty of the Dominican Republic.
Final Thoughts
My week at Excellence Punta Cana was everything I had hoped for and more. The combination of luxurious resort life, engaging activities, and cultural exploration made for a perfectly balanced vacation.
If you’re planning a trip to Punta Cana, I can’t recommend Excellence Punta Cana enough. And if you’re considering the Excellence Club package, go for it – the added perks make an already amazing stay truly unforgettable. Cheers to tropical adventures and unforgettable memories!
