Back to Paradise: My Family’s Return to Puerto Plata in the Dominican Republic

 

After what feels like a lifetime—ten years, to be exact—our family finally made our way back to our beloved multi-bedroom villa at Lifestyles Vacation Club in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. The last time we were here was in 2015, and let me tell you, the wait was well worth it. This five-day trip was more than just a vacation; it was a long-awaited reunion with a place that holds so many cherished memories, a true escape from our everyday in Smyrna, Delaware.

The journey from Philly to Puerto Plata had a not-so-glamorous layover in Miami, which tested our patience with its long hours. But the moment we stepped off the plane and were greeted by a live merengue band right there in the airport terminal, all thoughts of travel woes evaporated. We were back in paradise.

 

 

Since we hadn’t visited in over a decade, we were thrilled to discover so many new accommodations were available. After spending just one night in the Presidential Suites, our family made the easy decision to upgrade. We invested in a VIP Villa, and it was the best decision we could have made! This two-story villa was pure luxury, complete with daily maid service, a private pool that was cleaned every morning, and a large living area perfect for family gatherings. Our villa also had its own pool table and dedicated outdoor dining and lounging spaces. A huge perk was our private concierge who provided us with snacks and beverages throughout the day as well as a tour to see the other villas.

 

 

 

 

And the food? Oh, the food was a highlight of its own! We were spoiled with a private chef who started each day with a delicious, freshly prepared breakfast. From omelets to pancakes to fresh fruit, every morning felt like a special occasion. We also made great use of our private BBQ, grilling up feasts of steak, juicy lobster, chicken, and fresh vegetables. The resort’s all-you-can-eat dining was a true indulgence, and our son, Malik, made sure to take full advantage, often ordering and eating two entrees and all the desserts on the menu. We also had the option of dining at the exclusive VIP restaurants, which offered a gourmet experience that was simply divine. There’s something special about eating together, (even octopus) and doing it in such a beautiful setting made every meal a true celebration.

 

 

The weather was absolutely perfect—gorgeous and sunny every single day. We spent countless hours lounging by our private pool. It quickly became the heart of our vacation, a place where we could splash around and unwind without a care in the world. I spent hours in the water, just floating and relaxing. After a long day of adventure, the pool was the perfect place to cool off and reconnect. We also took full advantage of our outdoor balcony, where we would enjoy our morning coffee, soak in the beautiful views, and just relax in the peace and quiet. This unhurried time together was so precious.

 

We also ventured out for some incredible adventures, thanks to our personal VIP Golf Cart! Having that golf cart was a game-changer; it allowed us to zip around the resort and local area with ease, discovering various eating spots, relaxing on different parts of the beach, and, of course, making essential stops at the ice cream parlor!

 

One of the big highlights was our trip to Ocean World. What an incredible experience! We spent hours mesmerized by the sea lion show, watching the dolphins leap and play, and admiring the vibrant tropical fish and majestic sharks. While we didn’t take the plunge to swim with the dolphins or sharks this time, just being so close to these magnificent creatures was thrilling. We also caught a fantastic Magic Show that left us all wondering “how did they do that?!” Later, we were thoroughly entertained by a lively dance contest, made even more fun by watching a newlywed couple from Pittsburgh bravely participate, despite not speaking a word of Spanish, the language of the land. Their energy was infectious!

 

This was, without a doubt, the best vacation yet. After ten years, the reunion with this beautiful island and with each other felt so sweet. It was a wonderful opportunity to reconnect, share stories, and create new memories that we’ll cherish for the next decade.

Leaving was tough, but even that was made a little easier by the private VIP limo that took us back to the airport. We will not let another 10 years pass before returning again. This trip reminded us that while life gets busy back home in Smyrna, some traditions, especially those in paradise, are worth the wait.

 

What about you? Do you have a favorite family vacation spot you love to return to? Share your stories in the comments below!