Dominican Republic — Eco Akamai

My “World Tour” officially kicked off with an adventure to the Dominican Republic! When our dear friends, who we met in Japan, invited us to join them in the DR for New Years, we said YES! It was our first time to an all-inclusive property and now we can check that off the list too. The days were full of sunshine, good times, and many beautiful memories!

Day 1 = Arrive in late afternoon to the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino and tour the massive property. Our rooms are awesome and newly renovated. We meet up with our friends at Toro Beach for the delicious Caribbean Buffet Dinner with a live Latin Band.

Day #2 = Everyone is up early and we go to the main building for a beyond delicious mesas breakfast at the Lebanese restaurant. After touring the main building to get our bearings there, we head over to meet everyone at the volleyball pool. We drink Miami Vice’s with rum and creamy Coco Loco’s. Mak enjoyed some beach time and Bo checked the surf. Joanne and Roxane and I talked about life’s challenges and books that have helped us heal … and I discovered they are both published authors!!! Dinner was at Ipanema and then to the casino with Mak to play his first round of slots.

Day #3 = Surf check with Bo and too windy for him to go out. So a beach walk for us, then Lebanese breakfast again. We adventured to the Water Park with everyone all afternoon, which was so much fun for kids of all ages! Then Pickleball for Bo and I, the gym for Mak and Sam, and some adulting for Ryder as he searched for more bottled water to ensure safe teeth brushing. Dinner for us was at Zen, for a sushi and hibachi feast. Then Bo and Mak went off to the Casino and I opted to be back at Tower 8A with the happily exhausted little guys. Mak opted to hit the Black Jack tables and did fairly well for his first time. Such an unexpectedly fun few days indeed! The food is delicious, our traveler companions are awesome, and it’s beautiful here! We are thankful we branched out to see new parts of the world and we are going to explore at a local beach tomorrow.

Day #4 = Everyone was up early for the boys surf lessons at Punta Cana Surf Adventure at Macao Beach. After grabbing towels (which proved to be an adventure at 9am) and all filed up on coffee and a quick breakfast, we were off. We hike down the beach to the end of the cove. The boys get their bright yellow rash guards and start their on land training. Then it’s out to the water. Mak catches on quickly and Ryder starts to get his grove. He breaks a leash and they get him a new board. And he catches two great waves! Then he is officially done. I get haggles by a beach vendor and he keeps badgering me to buy something. After trying to extort me, the boys express they cannot live without two wooden statutes and a few trinket bracelets. Somehow this costs me more than I wanted to spend plus a commission ??? Definitely a lesson learned and no further interest in cheesy mementoes, I only need photos from here onwards. We grab burgers at Stacked on our way back and I go to the pool with our friend for an afternoon refreshment. Dinner was at Awaken Your Senses and it was a culinary tour around the world with cocktails to match. A truest unique experience and everyone enjoyed themselves.

Day #5 = Our last official day started with a walk in the beach for Bo and me. Then breakfast at the Lebanese restaurant for Bo. I am fasting today as I’ve eaten more meat on this trip then I’ve consumed in the past six months, so need to slow my roll. With the goal of visiting as many of the 13 pools as possible, we posted up at a new infinity pools off the beach and above the canal, which was lovely. Then it was to the Escape Room and Laser Tag for the boys and afternoon cocktails for the adults. Our New Year’s Party started at 7pm in a big ballroom and then we hit the after party at the beach. I did not make it to midnight, but felt we did a good job celebrating! Happy 2023, we are excited for more adventures!