February 8th- February 11th, 2026
We spent two and a half days at an all-inclusive resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. It was a reward for Dave’s hard work in 2025! This was our first experience with an all-inclusive resort. We left on a 6:00 AM flight for Charlotte, NC and then a quick transfer for our flight to Punta Cana. We landed around noon. It was sunny and in the 70s!
As we deplaned and headed toward customs, the halls had displays of the costumes worn during the annual Punta Cana Carnival. It featured over 1500 national and international performers. More than 20,000 people attend each year.
We met our ride to the resort after going through Customs.
Our rooms weren’t ready yet so we left our luggage and went to the buffet for lunch. After lunch we checked in at the lobby to receive our room keys.
The Riu Palace Punta Cana was a 24-hour all inclusive resort located on the Arena Gorda beach. It had over 600 rooms, multiple pools, entertainment, a spa, gym and a Splash Water World Water Park.
Our room was very nice and large with a nice balcony and big bathroom!
The weather was perfect for enjoying the balcony after spending a day at the pool/beach!
We had a nice view outside our room balcony.
The beach and ocean were inviting. The red flag was flying each of the days that we were here.
We spent a lot of time at the adult only pool.
The night we arrived was the Super Bowl. The resort set up a big screen at one of the outdoor bars for people to enjoy the game!
On Wednesday we left the resort for our flight home. In the airport was a Caribbean Canvas and Coffee Art Exhibition. It gave us something to enjoy as we walked through the Punta Cana airport.
We left the Dominican Republic on time.
Goodbye Punta Cana, Dominican Republic! We enjoyed a relaxing few days!
