Call me a Parrothead, I’ve been following Jimmy Buffett since I was a teenager, and have the best memories from his sold-out shows. Those concerts were, for me, the pinnacle of summertime fun.
Fast-forward a few (ahem) years and I was thrilled to find the same easy, breezy, carefree vibe on my recent trip to Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana by Karisma in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
Margaritaville Island Reserve Resort Cap Cana by Karisma hosted our publishers for the purposes of this review. All thoughts and opinions are their own.
Parrothead or not, here are 12 reasons why you should plan a getaway to this all-inclusive, family-friendly resort:
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Take a Dip Straight from your Hotel Room!
Choose one of Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana’s 11 Paradise Swim Up Jr Suites (accommodates up to 2 adults + 2 kids) in the family-friendly Waves section of the resort and enjoy a swim right from your private terrace. Each suite has a separate bedroom area and is equipped with a child safety barrier that prevents your child from entering the pool without you. Like all of the 519 suites at Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana, the accommodations are bright and airy, the beds plush, and the fixtures Jimmy Buffett-themed.
There is Live Entertainment EVERY DAY and EVERY NIGHT!
From pool parties to live music and dancing, to contests, culinary experiences, and more, the talented staff at Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana bring the party to you.
Themed Entertainment is their Specialty
My favorite was Dominican night where we sampled delicious Dominican fare and burned off those calories dancing to Dominican beats. Prefer to head to bed early? Poolside activities wrap up by dinnertime and nighttime fun is tucked away in Entertainment Village, while late night events move indoors.
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The Parakeet Kids Club!
Make it a true Caribbean vacay by taking a break from the kids. Run by a group of dedicated team members with safety and sanitation at the forefront, you’ll find activities galore (arts & crafts, pj parties, cooking classes, and more) for kids age 4-12.
Kids under 4 can also attend the kids club, but must have a caregiver with them at all times. The resort offers a list of certified babysitters who can look after little ones for an additional fee.
Don’t skip Breakfast (or lunch or dinner for that matter)
At first glance, “The Eatery” looks like buffet-style dining. But sister restaurants, The Boathouse and The Beach House, are really an all-in-one dining journey to please every palate.
Pace yourself to enjoy their curated menu options (just look for the sample meal layouts at each station). Sip on freshly made juices and smoothies and select your very own ingredients at the omelet and french toast/pancake stations. They have a designated area just for the kids, complete with cut-up fruits, cereals, pastries and Nutella sandwiches.
Joe Merchant's
Looking for more of a grab-and-go? Then head over to Joe Merchant’s for a quick coffee or yogurt parfait — the chocolate-banana was delish!
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And while at Joe Merchant’s, be sure to use their unique point system (2000 points per day, per room) to pick up some goodies for in-room enjoyment (or in my case, select souvenirs to take home.) You’ll find local chocolates and honey, bottles of rum and loads of snacks, many unique to the area.
In-room dining is a must!
Yes, food played a huge role in my visit and with 10 on-site restaurants of varying cuisines, Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana truly delivered. But what could be more indulgent than room service that’s included in your all-inclusive stay! Order it anytime of the day - avocado toast, fried cauliflower tacos, quesadillas and so much more. Everything I tried was fresh and delicious and delivered with a smile. Note: there is an additional fee for fancy foods like steak and certain wines but these are clearly marked when you order.
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The Drinks!
Not surprisingly, this resort has five swim up bars and loads of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks to indulge in. From rum drinks to tequila, there’s something for every mixed drink lover. Beer drinkers should head over to the onsite LandShark Brewery, the only one of its kind outside the U.S. Or grab a gin-inspired concoction from the Compass Bar, located in the Waves lobby. This is where I drank the BEST gin and tonic I’ve ever had.
Sports Hub Activity Center
Work off those delicious drinks and mouth-watering meals with a trip to the onsite Sports Hub Activity Center. Meet Jose, who is always at the ready with a smile and a suggestion of the next thing to do. Reserve a time to play tennis or try pickleball on one of the two designated courts. Early morning or early evening are best to beat the heat. Teens will love the hangout space indoors.
Enjoy the Views from the Beach!
Wake early to catch an awe-inspiring sunrise over Juanillo Beach. Nothing beats starting the day relaxing on a cabana chair with soft white sand between the toes while looking out over calm turquoise waters.
Splurge on the St. Somewhere Spa
I chose the Mama Juana Therapy Elixir of Life treatment and while the massage was relaxing and the Mama Juana shot a treat, it’s the complimentary hydrothermal experience that was the true highlight. Arrive at least an hour before your scheduled appointment. You’ll be guided to the steam room, sensory shower, plunge pool and thermal bed, where each stop will relax the muscles and rejuvenate the senses.
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And finally, eat the Cheeseburgers!
Stop by the Cheeseburger in Paradise shack for one of the best burgers you will ever taste. Every bite I took, I kept thinking, "THIS has to be what Jimmy Buffet was singing about, right?!"
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So, dust off those flip flops and grab the whole family for a change in latitude at Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana by Karisma!
