A place to truly settle into island life, Eden Roc Cap Cana, a Relais & Châteaux beach resort on the Dominican Republic’s secluded coastline, is a tranquil world of its own.

A swift 15-minute drive from Punta Cana International Airport and you’ll arrive at the hotel. Amongst lush palm trees and surrounded by the Caribbean sea, check-in is accompanied by iced glasses of fresh passion fruit juice.

Settle into island time before being whisked away by buggy to your room to shake off the jet lag and slip straight into swimwear. Gourmet restaurants, beach-side massages and brilliantly blue waters await.

The Vibe

Lazy days at Eden Roc are spent lounging over plump sun beds that line pristine white-sand shores. Friendly beach butlers offer cooling face towels, platters of tropical fruits, and coconut water served in fresh fuzzy coconuts. Away from the busyness of daily life, gaze across the undisturbed beach or unwind around the hotel’s infinity pool as you tune into tropical birdsong from the palm trees above. Your new daily routine of sun, sea, snooze and swim will make your 9-5 feel a world away.

The resort sprawls around a private coastline but boasts a warmth and family-like feel. Accommodation ranges from elegant beachfront suites to boutique villas with private pools, and charming thatched ocean bungalows. 

The Rooms

There are 67 suites, bungalows and villas to choose from; we opted for a Luxury Pool Junior Suite. Recently renovated, all suites feature statement wallpaper, soft driftwood furnishing, airy vaulted ceilings and a four-poster, king-sized bed. They’re difficult to leave, complete with lush gardens, a private swimming pool and a pergola – the ideal spot to sip on a morning coffee in seclusion.

Walk-in wardrobes are spacious enough for all that overpacking and coral stone bathtubs are (almost) big enough to swim in. The outdoor shower, drenched in dappled sunlight is the spot to rinse away sand and sun cream.

The Food + Drink

It’s worth mustering the energy to leave your villa and explore one of Eden Roc’s three restaurants. An abundant breakfast buffet is laid out at Blue Grill + Bar where, alongside delicious staples, Venezuelan pancakes stuffed with fresh cheese and sweet tomatoes are a highlight, as is the traditional Dominican breakfast loaded with plantain, fried salami, rich cheese and seasoned eggs.

When lunchtime rolls around, wander from your beach lounger to the beautiful oceanfront terrace at La Palapa. This is Eden Roc’s lunch hot-spot where local dishes are served up to sounds of the sea. A must-try is the tuna crudo roll from the raw bar or the sharing pan of sticky seafood paella, doused in fresh lemon – best enjoyed alongside a frosted margarita.

Dinner is also served at Blue Grill + Bar –  we loved the plantain chips with fresh passion-fruit mayonnaise, sticky soya gyozas and a black miso cod – while at Mediterraneo, the hotel’s most exclusive restaurant, balmy nights and fine dining go hand in hand. Overlooking a lagoon-like pool and immersed in the dulcet tones of live piano, expect beautifully decorated plates of red snapper in coconut sauce and beetroot risotto with aged blue cheese. Lastly, stop off at the sleek Riva Bar next-door for a post-dinner drink: we suggest the Old Cuban mixed with Brugal 1888 Rum, fresh mint, lemon juice, syrup, angostura bitter – and finished off with champagne.

The Spa

Eden Roc takes relaxation very seriously; when your body is craving a little R&R, it’s time to visit the hotel’s Wellness Centre and Spa. It’s the only spa in the western hemisphere (and one of only a few in the world) to solely use Natura Bisse products in all treatments. We recommend the Lomi Juma massage, which uses traditional Asian pacific stretching techniques to improve microcirculation, relieve your joints and restore inner balance. Taking place in an island-style cabana with panoramic ocean views, the smell of fragrant essential oils and the sound of lapping waves will quickly wash away any stress.

For those looking to work up a sweat, the Wellness Centre also houses a state-of-the-art gym. Daily classes include HIIT, Tai Chi, Pilates, sunset yoga, aeroyoga and tennis coaching – so you can blow off steam in whichever way you choose.

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