I had the pleasure of visiting the Paradisus Grand Cana in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic with 40 other Macaroni Kid publishers from across the country. We were there to check out the family friendly features of this beautiful, relaxing, but extremely kid-friendly resort.
The author was hosted by Paradisus Grand Cana. All thoughts and opinions expressed are their own.
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The resort organizes pool activities, games, exercise classes, inflatable time, and more within the main pool and the beach. I loved seeing so many kids and families enjoying the pool together. In addition to the main pool area adjacent to the poolside lunch restaurant, main building and swim up bar, each building had a dedicated pool that runs the width of the building, primarily used for the swim up suites. But most appealing for families is the on-site water park. Blast! Aquafun Park is open for all ages, with shaded wading pools for the really little ones, exciting play structures with splash features, and thrilling water slides of all sizes! And just a short 2 minute shuttle ride away is the private beach and Alula beachfront restaurant and bar, making it the easiest way to get the both of best worlds, a beach vacation AND convenient sand-free pool time.
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With 4 bars and 9 restaurants on site (including room service) included in your all-inclusive, there will never be a dull food experience (and bonus, NO cooking or dishes to clean). All of the dining spots are a good fit for families -- each restaurant, from the Peruvian restaurant and the upscale Steakhouse, had separate children's menus that included both the basics like chicken fingers, fries, and buttered noodles, and something a little outside of the norm, for children who may be adventurous eaters. Being all-inclusive makes it a low-risk and approachable way to introduce children to new foods and new cultures. And the incredible selection of unique preparation styles and truly special dishes, paired with hand-crafted cocktails of fresh ingredients and top shelf spirits, make it a very appealing way for couples to experience a fantastic date night experience, even if their kids are in tow. Which is what I’m looking for when I’m on vacation.
The biggest takeaway with the vibe and atmosphere was that I wouldn't feel out of place with my kids there. There were lots of families with kids of varying ages, young couples enjoying alone time, groups of friends, and retirees, but even so, everyone was nice, friendly, and patient. Sometimes when you go out to dinner, or get on a plane, you can tell that the strangers around you will find your children to be a nuisance, even if they are acting well-behaved, but that absolutely wasn't the case here. It was so refreshing to see people from so many generations coexisting in such a beautiful place.
We were impressed with all the thought that went into the details of the swim-up family suites. In addition to the convenience factor of being able to step outside your room and get into the pool (no schlepping GIANT pool bags down flights of stairs or through 8 buildings), each room was equipped with safety gadgets and items that make it that much easier to travel with little ones. Check them all out here:
With direct flights from Chicago, and quick transportation from the Punta Cana airport, this would not only be a convenient place to take the family for an all inclusive vacation, it would fulfill the dreams of everyone in your family -- stress-free planning and relaxation for you, and variety and fun for the kids. And if you're looking for a little adventure, their excursions were safe and well-planned - which can be a concern for families traveling out of the country for the first time with little ones. The staff was amazing, the resort was clean, and everyone I encountered was accommodating, warm, and treated us like family. I would absolutely bring my family back to Paradisus Grand Cana, and I highly recommend everyone put this on their bucket list for future family vacations!
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