Some great clients just returned from a romantic “escape” to the Majestic Elegance resort in Punta Cana and were kind enough to share their candid feedback, photos, and some tips/advice for other couples considering a similar vacation. 

Hi Ann!

We had such a great time.  Even though we came home to a bunch of snow, we really enjoyed every minute of our vacation. 

The advance planning was great, and we have nothing but positive things to say.  We were provided all the information we needed to make our trip a success! It was very helpful that you told us about the $10 per person fee that they charge when you get there.  It helped us to be more prepared so we knew what to expect.

Our flights were great. Since we only took carry-ons, I thought it may be valuable to know that… I took a curling iron with me in my carry-on.  When we checked in to leave at the Punta Cana airport, the Dominican Republic security does not allow you to carry on hairdryers, curling irons, flat irons, etc.  So I had the option of checking my bag for $29 or relinquishing my curling iron.  I gave them the curling iron since it cost less than $29.  But, it was kind of disappointing that I had to throw it away.  This was surprising, and I thought it would be helpful information that you could pass along to other clients of yours.

We took a cab upon arrival as we didn’t see the shuttle right away and found it difficult to locate the correct person.  We took a taxi to the resort for US $45.   We also did that because we didn’t want to get put in a shuttle that was going to multiple resorts and it would take even longer to get to our resort.  Which turned out to be true –when we met another couple who was also with FunJet and said it took them an hour and half to get to the resort, when our cab ride was only 30 minutes. 

Going home, our concierge told us that the FunJet representative would be there between 3 and 5pm and when I arrived around 3:45, they still had not arrived to help me arrange to shuttle to the airport.  I called the phone number you put on the itinerary for the FunJet service line (thank you so much for providing that!) and was able to confirm our shuttle to go home.  The shuttle was there early and we had no trouble getting to the airport at a time convenient for us.

The Majestic Elegance was wonderful.  It was very clean and well kept, from the rooms to the lobby and all restaurants, bathrooms, etc.  The staff was very nice, friendly and accommodating.  We were very happy with the resort staff who did the games, and events each day (called the “animation team”) The shows each night and the activities during the day were great.  We were very happy with the resort overall and would recommend it to other people.

There was some confusion about the Elegance Club Junior Suite, in the adults-only section of the resort.  At first, we were brought to the wrong room, a room with two small double beds (they looked almost like twin beds).  I told them we were in the wrong room and they said they would push the beds together and make it just like a king.  But then they took us to a different room with a king bed.  The room did not have all the things listed on the website.  We didn’t have robes in our room and had to ask 3 times before they were delivered to us.  There was no “selection of pillows” or aromatherapy stuff or slippers as they stated.  However, the room was always cleaned when we requested and the bed was turned down every night for us.

The food was very good.  The buffet style restaurant was typical, but the steakhouse, Italian, Japanese and French restaurants were excellent.  The food was delicious and we were very happy with those restaurants.  The breakfast buffet was very good and there was basically only one restaurant with a buffet option for lunch if you were in your bathingsuit/cover-ups.

We decided not to do any excursions.  We went parasailing and used the company that had a hut on the beach right at our resort.  We were very happy with that experience and it worked out just as they told us.

Here are some tips/advice for other clients considering a similar “escape”: 

I have stayed at other all-inclusive resorts and it seemed that tipping the staff was a lot more visible and accepted at this resort than others I have stayed at.  I would also recommend that you get more familiar with Spanish phrases/words for the trip.  The staff spoke some English, but many spoke little to no English.  Taxi drivers also spoke little to no English, so if you were familiar with the language, your trip would be smoother – and it’s fun to try and speak a new language.  They also appreciate that you are trying to speak their language, even if it’s not that good.

Thanks again, Ann!

–          Holly