We arrived to the DR around 9pm. We took a shuttle to our hotel and shared it with another couple from SLC. We were talking about how excited we were to get out of the cold and to be on the beach!
We got to the Hard Rock Hotel. How more American can you get when being in the DR? We were welcomed by rock music of course and an entourage. We checked in and walked to our room. I wasn't expecting how big our hotel room was. We had two bathrooms a kitchen living room area, king size bed, a huge hot tub in the room, and a huge balcony with tables and chairs outside. We couldn't wait to go to the beach so we walked down there at 12am and put our toes in the sand.
Day2: I got up early to get a couple of spots on the beach and pool area. It got hot fast and we wanted to run outside. We ran around the hotel's jogging path a couple of times and then went to the "Rock Gym" they had a yoga class starting and we stayed for that as well. After feeling nice and relaxed we went to breakfast. The resort was all inclusive so pretty much a breakfast buffet everyday. It was also my favorite meal because they had an assortment of fruit, oatmeal, smoothies, pancakes, waffles, and french toast. The resort is huge and you had to wait in line for a little bit to get a spot but so worth it. We headed to the pool to relax and read. That didn't last long with the loud DJ. The "Entertainers" I am not sure who they are but they are in charge of activities for the guests pulled Chris and I to play waterpolo. I have to say I think Chris would have been an amazing water polo player. He was basically representing our team all by himself. Even with the little boys jumping on him and getting scraped up. We got some virgin margaritas, piña coladas, and a dirty monkey but without the dirty...we then played sand soccer with a few people which basically made us sore the rest of the week to barely move.
That night we went to a restaurant called Zen which had a habachi grill, good thing we got there early because after we got there it was an hour wait. We ended the night with a nice walk on the beach and some ice-cream.
Day 3: Waking up early again, we claimed our spot and actually had the tenacity to work out. We are training for a triathlon in May so we decided to ride bikes this time. That didn't last long and we decided to give up and go to breakfast. We made appointments for massages and pedicures, yes both of us. They have a huge casino with Madonnas limousine right when you walk in. We checked out the big rollers and I just kept thinking how do people like this? Especially playing the slot machines I just don't get it. We went to the beach this time to read a little more quiet down there. We made a big guitar out of the sand with seaweed. The beach was beautiful and I have never felt sand like the one at the DR. It was so smooth and great for packing and making sand castles, and it always stayed nice and cool. After hearing you can rent electric guitars at the Hard Rock we had to rent one. We jammed out and I can only play one song so our rock fun didn't last too long.
Day 4: Slept in until 9 thank goodness. I was exhausted from the sun! We got our 80 min couples massage after breakfast. The spa was huge and had different baths and a huge pool with jet massagers and waterfalls. We relaxed until the masseuse came and got us and I basically fell asleep for the majority of the time. I'm not just saying this but probably the best massage I have ever had. After we went to the beach I noticed the lifeguard collecting something in his ATV. Coconuts. I have always wanted to try a coconut drink. After I saw another couple getting a coconut drink I had to have one. Chris describes the taste like tepid water that's been sitting in coconut. Isn't that basically what it is? We played miniature golf and baked under the sun.. we were about to go golfing when we found out the golf course wasn't near the hotel and you had to pay a few hundred. I don't think I could last 18 holes in the sun but we did in mini golf! We got ready and went to Toro a steak restaurant by the beach. Ending our night with a nice relaxing walk and seeing the sunset.
Day 5: We woke up early and watched the pretty sunrise over the beach. I don't think there is anything more peaceful than the sounds of the ocean's waves. We enjoyed the moment and I wish it could take that memory and just put it in my pocket for when I need it most. We got a little cardio in before breakfast and then got our pedicures. The music didn't fit the scene of the spa area with the rock music in the background while sitting relaxed in the chair. I found this to be the case in a lot of situations but we did go to the Hard Rock Hotel. Later that night we went to Isla a seafood restaurant where we ordered fried octopus, lobster, and shrimp. They served it tentacles and all and of course I wasn't very hungry shortly after. We settled with cookie dough ice cream just to get the nasty taste out of mouths.
There may have been another missing day in this great and relaxing trip that I didn't record! Here are some pics for fun!
