A Week of Excellent Service and Memorable Experiences at Dreams Cap Cana
We just returned from our weeklong stay at Dreams Cap Cana (June 27th - July 3rd), where we had booked three Preferred Club Oceanfront rooms for six family members. From the moment we were greeted with cool towels upon arrival to the time we left after checkout, any minor issues were promptly resolved—though there were very few to begin with. The "Welcome Home" greeting truly reflected the welcoming atmosphere.
The reviews about the beach are accurate; it is very rocky directly in front of the resort, and we visited during an intense seaweed season. Although the staff worked hard to clean the beach, the sheer volume of seaweed was overwhelming. However, there is a usable beach north of the resort within a 5-10 minute walk, available when the seaweed is less of a problem. Despite this issue, the beach view and ambiance remained enjoyable.
The resort itself is stunning, and the pools are incredible. We spent most of our time at the Preferred Club member pool and the Kaiman swim-up bar. The cabanas and pool chairs—available on a first-come, first-served basis—were plentiful, and Preferred Club guests could use the cabanas free of charge with room number confirmation. The staff were consistently attentive to guest needs, and the resort was impeccably clean with no signs of trash or neglected areas.
The dining experience was generally good, offering a variety of options. During our six-night stay, we sampled different cuisines each night. The steakhouse and Italian restaurant stood out as particularly enjoyable. Additionally, my wife and I booked a romantic beach dinner one evening, which proved to be an unforgettable experience featuring outstanding food and exceptional service—well worth the extra $200.
We also booked two excursions through Amstar at the resort: Bavaro Adventure Park and Bavaro Runners Safari Culture tour. Both full-day excursions included convenient transportation to and from the resort. At the Adventure Park, we enjoyed zip-lining, horseback riding, a buggy course, the lazy river, a waterfall pool, a blue lagoon cenote, and a delicious Dominican lunch, with alternative foods available for purchase. Be prepared to get quite dirty during the buggy ride—it was likely the highlight of the experience. The staff were excellent, with Carlos standing out for his exceptional hospitality. He personalized our horseback ride by leading my wife and me on a separate trail, where we enjoyed trotting, cantering, and galloping—an extraordinary memory!
The Safari Culture tour provided a deep dive into the Dominican countryside in La Altagracia, with stops in Higuey City to visit the beautiful Basilica cathedral. This excursion offered a fascinating contrast between bustling city life and quaint small towns. Highlights included a horseback ride, an educational sugar cane processing presentation, a cigar rolling demonstration, and visits to cacao bean and coffee plantations—complete with tastings of freshly roasted cocoa and coffee. A Dominican-style lunch and a brief visit to Macao Beach rounded out the trip. Our guide Ruddy and driver Ramon were remarkable, ensuring a memorable experience for everyone.
The staff at Dreams Cap Cana consistently exceeded expectations, and a few individuals stood out for their top-notch service:
· **Seneida (our butler)**: She was attentive, arranging laundry pickup and drop-off, checking on us before and after excursions, and addressing any concerns immediately. One day, she surprised us by preparing a bubble bath complete with rose petals, wine, and a beautifully decorated room—a delightful and unexpected gesture.
· **Elian (Activity Director)**: His energy and engaging personality made our poolside moments fun. He warmly addressed our group by name and bestowed playful nicknames, ensuring everyone felt welcomed.
· **Santos (romantic dinner waiter)**: He delivered extraordinary service during our beach dinner, akin to dining at a high-end restaurant, ensuring every detail was perfect.
· **Hector (Palm Bar evening bartender)**: Outgoing and personable, Hector created standout drinks for my wife and provided an enjoyable end to each day with his great energy.
· **Housekeeping and minibar staff (Building 1)**: They worked tirelessly to clean and stock our rooms every day, deserving recognition for their unseen but outstanding efforts.
One crucial tip for anyone visiting the resort: **Tip generously**! Although the staff's attitude doesn't shift based on gratuity, their gratitude for even small gestures like a dollar or kind words is evident. A little appreciation can go a long way in making someone’s day.