The way I travel has changed a lot since my early 20s. Back then I thrived on sharing a room with friends, sleeping on couches and barely getting any sleep after a night of taking shots. Now, I crave a softer approach to travel — days getting spa treatments, doing yoga, and leisurely spending time in a new country and environment. On a recent trip to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, I was able to experience all of that and more.
This was my second time in Punta Cana and it really made me aware of how much I had changed as a traveler. Known for its all-inclusive resorts, my first time in Punta Cana was filled with cocktails, minimal movement, and nightly fêtes. My second time, however, was spent at the resort town’s first wellness all-inclusive: Meliá Punta Cana Beach Resort.
A Well-Balanced Soft Life
I had never stayed at a wellness all-inclusive but had dreamt of it for the past year. What I liked about Meliá Punta Cana is that they believe wellness is all about balance. Among the stunning neutral color palette with pops of lush greenery, you’ll find intentionally crafted cocktails. This is the type of wellness all-inclusive that encourages laying out by the pool or beach with a drink in hand or spending the day at the gym or at yoga with green juice in arm’s reach. You can choose to explore the 5-star resort while riding on a golf cart or borrow one of the property’s bicycles for a sightseeing workout.
The property has 6 restaurants to appeal to every taste palette and dietary needs. You can choose to eat clean at Quimera Restaurant or indulge at Serendipia Buffet.
Wellness Offerings
My stay at this wellness resort took place on the week of the International Day of Yoga (June 21st). To celebrate, the property partnered with The Isha Foundation to curate a program spanning four days, guiding guests through yoga, meditation, and other practices that promote inner peace and clarity. The Isha Foundation, founded by famed yogi Sadhguru, is an organization dedicated to the well-being of humans.
Each morning I woke up and started my day with yoga led by Chris Lukose, a certified Hatha Yoga trainer, Doctor of Pharmacy, and volunteer with The Isha Foundation. In the afternoon, I would go for a second session of yoga led by Lukose, followed by a guided meditation by Sadhguru himself. Each day had a different theme which included building physical strength to improve your mindset around love, success, and wellness.
It’s safe to say that I left the resort with a new love for yoga, stretching, and meditation. It also showed me the power of meditating and manifesting all that you desire from within.
Staying At The LEVEL
When staying at this adults-only wellness all-inclusive, I highly recommend upgrading to The LEVEL. This VIP experience includes a personal concierge, private areas, an exclusive pool, access to the rooftop at Quimera restaurant, and a health bar with snacks and detox drinks throughout the day. The rooms are spacious, beautiful, and near the beach and pools. They come stocked with drinks and snacks that are complimentary throughout your stay.
You can also get a spa treatment every day at the property’s YHI Spa.
Speaking of the YHI Spa, it’s probably one of the most beautiful spas I have ever experienced. Entering the spa is a breath of fresh air as you’ll be surrounded by lush plants and water. Spend hours living your best soft girl-era life in the sauna, steam bath, whirlpool, and pool. I enjoyed a 50-minute full body massage and it was pure bliss.
The Start Of A New Era
After five days at this property, I left feeling relaxed, grateful, and with a new appreciation for yoga. This stay was just what I needed to embark on a new era of my life — healing burnout and embracing the soft life.