Stay & Play

Dominican Republic – AlSol’s Awesome Cap Cana Collection

by Susan Campbell

Stays for Every Style

I was delighted to discover a fairly new brand of resort recently (new to me anyway) in the Dominican Republic- all in the region of Cap Cana – a new tourism development right beside Punta Cana. The umbrella company name is AlSol and we hopscotched from one AlSol resort to another over the period of a week, and began with the Sanctuary Cap Cana.

Receive the Royal Treatment in a Castle

Sanctuary Cap Cana by AlSol is a sprawling five-star adult-only all-inclusive resort on a lovely yet tiny beach, and generously threaded with lush gardens, pools and waterfalls. I had actually been there before many years ago when it was under different management, and I had stayed on the colonial side, but wished I had stayed in the castle! This time I was fortunate enough to snag a room in the fortress on the first floor. My suite was inviting and spacious with a private beach and expansive deck cresting a serpentine swim-out quite circuit. The fortress also hosts their comprehensive spa with its own delightfu water therapy area. The vibe is dreamy and relaxed, and the dining superb at their romantic perch The Blue Marlin over the sea, but for those seeking more lively nights out, they also have a rollicking refuge called Sanctuary Town, which is also open to non-guests. It’s a colorful manmade village of dining and drink spots, and not to be missed is the first rate entertainment and fine fare at Fusion there where the servers and chefs sing, dance and set just about everything on fire but the guests! (They also literally climb the rafters! Such fun!)

Visit: sanctuarycapcana.com

Say Ahoy To AlSol Tiara Cap Cana

Yachties will say ahoy to this snazzy hangout with its own marina and luxury village, but non-boating guests will also enjoy its welcoming and colorful ambience. There are 115 rooms and there is a good choice of different styles for every budget from standard to luxe swim-out. There are lots of pools and food choices plus a small beach to make it a full service oasis for all ages. There are great day trips like snorkel boat adventures and rainforest zip line tours and eco tours to cenotes to be had from their operator on site, as well as first-rate golf nearby.

Visit: alsoltiaracapcana.com

Family and Pet-Friendly Digs at AlSol DelMar

For those with children and even animals in tow, the low-key yet luxe AlSol Del Mar is the ideal choice; it’s laid-back with a lovely child friendly beach and welcomes pets, too. It’s more an apartment than hotel style of stay, (it was originally a condo complex,) and rooms and suites also have fully-equipped kitchens and washers and dryers. There are also three restaurants and two bars on site. You can choose from all-inclusive or a la carte (European Plan) stays.

Visit: www.alsoldelmar.com