We recently celebrated my birthday in the Dominican Republic, and it was terrific. We were hesitant at first due to the continued rise of COVID cases; however, with precaution, I am happy we took the leap of faith and allowed our passion for travel and exploration to exceed fear.
Flight
We traveled via JetBlue, one of our preferred carriers. Flight attendants were very clear and firm about masks being worn and in the proper way. As always, I walked with alcohol wipes and wiped everything down.
Hotel Accommodations
Hyatt Ziva is one of our favorite places to stay when we travel. So, it was a no brainer when my husband booked our trip. It is an all-inclusive resort. The food was delicious with various options, the property was beautiful, their locations are very unique The staff is top-notch, and they are serious about COVID safety and prevention measures. Masks must be worn on the premises except when eating, drinking, and at the pool/beach. Social distancing is enforced, and temperature checks were performed when entering the hotel and dining areas. There were sanitizing wipes, sanitizers, and face masks in each room. Face masks were also provided by staff in common areas, if necessary. From the moment we stepped foot on the property, we were greeted with the beauty and luxury of the property and treated with excellence by the staff. Our Butler, Junior, was friendly and extremely hospitable. He was like our Genie in a bottle; he accommodated our every need. The manager, Darling, made sure our hotel experience was exceptional and ensured our standards were being met. Both parties helped my husband execute his vision for my birthday, and boy, was it a beautiful and memorable experience. It’s a birthday I will never forget. The spa treatments were relaxing and much needed. Our suite was clean and spacious, with a fantastic view (just the way I like it). Our private dinner on the beach was delicious, and our server, David, was excellent.
Kids Shows
Remy (my daughter) almost lost her mind when she saw the water park. There were rides for children of all ages. It was a fun time. That’s not all! Each night, there was a new form of entertainment. There were movies, a princess show, a circus show (with popcorn, cotton candy, and beverages served), and a Michael Jackson tribute show performed by a talented group of dancers and one of the best Michael Jackson impersonators we have ever seen.
COVID
There were sanitizing stations at every turn. Social distance was strictly enforced, and frequent temperature checks were taken upon entering restaurants. During shows (all shows were outdoors), seating was positioned to give more than 6 feet of distance, and guests willfully complied. There were frequent reminders for everyone to keep their masks on with their nose and mouth covered.
COVID testing is offered at the hotel for travelers in need of testing.
Excursions
Please note: D.R. has a mandatory curfew of 5 pm on weekdays and 12noon on weekends.
Due to curfew restrictions and age requirements, our excursion options were limited. We opted for the Monkey Land tour, where we commuted by bus to a plantation about 45 minutes away from the hotel. While there, we learned how chocolate and coffee was made, the organic way. We also learned about how coconut oil and cocoa butter was made as well. A short distance away, we visited a monkey sanctuary where spider monkeys came up close and personal with us to share a friendly meal. Remy was fearful at first but quickly warmed up once she saw how adorable and pleasant the monkeys were.
I hope this information was enjoyable and helpful to you.
