In my 20s, I was fortunate to travel extensively, both internationally and across Canada and the US. I travelled for work to exciting destinations – Moscow, Taipei, Istanbul, Hanoi – enjoying some brief tourist moments amid my work schedule. During personal time, I loved exploring new places; researching where to stay, what to eat and what to see. Travel felt like an adventure and planning a vacation felt like a hobby to me.
Fast forward a decade and the feeling has changed. Travelling with a young family is a different thing altogether. While we are very keen to show our daughters the world, the idea of actually getting down to planning, booking, packing and going on elaborate vacations feels daunting. Another thing to add to the seemingly endless to-do list. With children aged 7 and 5, and, following the snowiest Ontario winter in recent memory, we decided to look for the perfect all-inclusive vacation. I’m here to tell you – such a thing does exist.
I spent all winter seeing ads on Instagram about Club Med vacations and I have to admit; it looked too good to be true. This past April, we spent a week at Club Med Punta Cana – and we had the best vacation that actually felt like a vacation.
Designed for a family getaway
Club Med is made for families. What surprised me most wasn’t just how easy the vacation felt, but how thoughtfully every detail had been designed for families. It managed to strike that elusive balance of keeping children completely entertained, while ensuring the adults felt like they were on vacation too.
Upon arrival, it was a special delight to realize that the resort is only 10 minutes from the airport. Things were off to a good start. Club Med Punta Cana had suffered a devastating fire on their property a few years ago and their newly renovated lobby, coffee bar, main restaurant and pool bar area are fantastic. With high-end furnishings and design, the resort looks modern and updated.
The recently renovated family accommodations were another highlight. Our kids were thrilled to have their own room and bathroom in our space and got to work putting all their clothes in closets and drawers – something I’d love for them to be excited to do at home! Instead of feeling cramped after a day or two, our room gave everyone their own space to unwind. The modern design feels bright and calming, with thoughtful layouts that recognize families need places to spread out. After long days in the sun, returning to a beautiful room where everyone could relax made an enormous difference.
Delicious dining
I admit that I worried about food when considering a vacation – would our kids eat what was offered for a week? No problem. The buffet is expansive without feeling overwhelming, offering everything from fresh seafood and beautifully prepared salads to international specialties and made-to-order dishes. At the same time, there are plenty of familiar options for picky eaters. We particularly loved the omelette bar in the mornings, the constant supply of chicken fingers and plain pasta – just in case – and the opportunity for us and the kids to try something new at each meal. On our last night, we made reservations at the only a la carte restaurant at the resort – Indigo – and it was the perfect end to our stay.
Fun & games
Of course, the biggest challenge on any family vacation is keeping everyone entertained. At Club Med, that challenge simply disappears. From morning until evening, there is an endless list of activities happening across the resort. Our kids bounced between the beach, pools, sports, games and organized activities with an enthusiasm that never seemed to run out. Some of the best memories (and photos!) of our trip are from the foam party on the beach and we couldn’t believe how brave our eldest daughter was to try the trapeze!
The highlight of the resort for us was the Water Park – with four different waterslides, the bubble pool, and an interactive play area for the youngest guests, it was our after-lunch destination all week.
While the emphasis is on the family experience at Club Med – they don’t forget about the adults. One of the resort’s greatest luxuries: the adults-only Zen Oasis pool. Tucked away from the lively family atmosphere, it offers a peaceful retreat with comfortable loungers, swaying palms and a calm that feels worlds away from the excitement elsewhere on the property. In what felt like a minor miracle for this stage of life, I settled into a chair, opened my novel and actually finished my book uninterrupted. Maybe family vacations can be a vacation for everyone after all.
To plan your fabulous family holiday, visit clubmed.ca/r/punta-cana.
