Bachelorette Preview: Paradisus Punta Cana

by Tom Bastek
Last updated: 10:28 AM ET, Mon July 14, 2014

Photo courtesy of ABC

This week, and again at the end of the month, the Bachelorette will be wrapping up its season with a two-part trip to the Dominican Republic. This week they are headed to Punta Cana in the easternmost province of the Dominican. If you want to stay along with them, here is a peek at the place where they are crashing:

The ABC crew faired very well with their choice of Paradisus Punta Cana, the all-inclusive resort run by Melia Hotels. Paradisus has everything you could ever want on a vacation including 12 restaurants, 10 bars, casino, golf course, fully equipped spa, cutting-edge gym, five swimming pools, convention center, as well as an adventure park with a batting area, archery, bikes and a climbing wall.

PHOTO: The pool at Paradisus Punta Cana. (All photos below courtesy of Paradisus)

Keep in mind that all of this is nestled into lush gardens and tropical mangroves while sitting along one of the most pristine beaches on the island. They run a year-round, full-activities program including workshops, parties, musicals, evening shows for kids and adults and live music. Guests of the resort enjoy unlimited greens fees on the Cocotal Golf Course & Country Club as well as access to other services.

Paradisus also offers a level of service they refer to as the Royal Service Experience. This service (which is not much more money than basic service) comes with full butler service (and a personal cell phone to reach him), a pre-arrival form to allow them to customize the experience, preferential reservations for restaurants and the spa, access to a private beach, pool and restaurant, and VIP check-in/out. The butler service includes all the basics plus in room coffee-service each morning and my favorite: personalized mini bar in the room.

PHOTO: The Yhi Spa at Paradisus Punta Cana.

If you are headed on vacation to unwind and relax, the Yhi Spa is a great way to do it. They have all the normal amenities of a traditional high-end spa with cold water and hot water pools, a Turkish bath, sauna, and whirlpools. The treatments and massages are extensive with everything from your basic mani-pedi all the way up to a full body treatment menu. Keep in mind this is all at extra cost. There is also a full gym and personal trainers offering classes in everything from stretching and Yoga to kickboxing and body building.

Getting to the Resort

Any of the main airports on the island (Punta Cana, La Romana and Santo Domingo) are a quick flight from the states, and personal transfers from them is available from the resort for an extra charge. The hotel can also help arrange transport with a private company and cars are available to rent as well. Renting a car might not be a bad idea because there are some off property things-to-do. There is an Day Trips desk on property to help plan out what to see.

Out on the Town

The place you really need to get to no matter where you stay in the Dominican Republic is the Ciudad Colonial of Santo Domingo. This area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the oldest permanent European settlement in the New World. There are numerous military landmarks, government facilities, churches, religious buildings, notable houses and museums to explore. Specifically, the Cathedral of Santa María la Menor is the oldest cathedral in the Americas and stunningly beautiful.

PHOTO: The sun rises over Paradisus Punta Cana.

The amazing Altos de Chavon, a modern day artist's recreation of a 16^th century Mediterranean town. It has Cliffside views of the Chavon River, an amphitheater, archeological museum, craft workshops, artist's studios, galleries and restaurants. Manati Park is also close by with opportunities to swim with the dolphins and get up close with wild sea lions, crocodiles, iguanas, parrots, birds of prey, and horses.

I know you are thinking, "there is no way that I can afford this on a non-reality show budget!" Well, you can. A week's stay with the Royal Service starts at only $2,189. That is for two people with all food and beverage included (some restrictions apply).

So get up the guts to ask that girl at the office that you have had a crush on if she would like to do a Bachelorette week away with you (it might be a good idea to hit that butler up for a rose for her to give on the last night). Not only will you get points for knowing what the show is, she won't be able to help stealing a kiss from you in one of the most beautiful places in the Caribbean.

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