Lying back on my sunbed on a tiny island, 12 miles off the coast of the Dominican Republic, I’m not sure I’ve ever felt more relaxed.
Saona Island, a gem off the southeastern tip of the Dominican Republic, is a protected part of the Cotubanama National Park. The Dominican government safeguards this area due to its rich, untamed natural beauty – and though I expected to see incredible landscapes, I was still blown away by the lush mangroves, colourful coral reefs and palm-fringed beaches. Despite its modest size of only 42 square miles, Saona draws more visitors than all the country’s national parks combined – and I’m not surprised.
How did I end up on a secluded island in the Caribbean, you might ask? In fact, Saona is pretty easily accessible from nearby Punta Cana, my base for my Dominican Republic trip. A quick Catamaran trip organised by a fun local crew (who kept spirits high with plenty of music and Dominican dance lessons during the journey) took us across the ocean to Soana, where I spent the day lunching, lounging and dipping in and out of the ultra-clear waters. Heaven.
Back in Punta Cana, I stayed at the Grand Palladium Palace Resort Spa and Casino in Bavaro – found on the northern coast of the Dominican Republic – where I was spoiled for choice on ways to explore the island. A mere 30 minutes from the airport, the resort is conveniently close to natural reserves and tourist attractions. But for those that prefer to fly and flop (hey, no judgement here) there’s a mammoth 14 restaurants and – wait for it – 25 bars that could quite happily see you never leaving the resort.
Guests of the Grand Palladium are also granted access to sister properties the Grand Palladium Bavaro Suites Resort and Spa and the Grand Palladium Punta Cana Resort and Spa, which you can leisurely travel between using the on-demand golf carts which are found across the grounds.