Getaway to The Excellence Resort, Punta Cana

Back in February, Bradley and I went on a much-needed vacation to Punta Cana. This trip was a spur of the moment decision and it turned out to be nothing short of amazing. The highlight of our vacation was undoubtedly our stay at the luxurious Excellence El Carmen resort, which had been on our list for quite some time.

Our journey to Punta Cana was relatively smooth. We flew from BHM to ATL and then ATL to Punta Cana. Upon arrival, we opted for a private transfer to and from the airport to the resort. This was a great decision as it provided convenience and a hassle-free experience. I highly recommend discussing the resort's private transfers with your travel agent when booking your stay.

One of the most appealing aspects of the Excellence El Carmen resort was its all-inclusive package. This meant that all beverages and meals at their restaurants were included in the cost of our stay. For food lovers like us, this was a treat! We stayed in a Terrace Suite with a plunge pool, which was an open-concept room equipped with all the necessary amenities. The Nespresso machine was a nice touch, and the sitting area was comfortable. However, the deck stole the show, having a Jacuzzi tub located in the room overlooking the deck through glass, a small pool, and a luxurious lounge bed. The view of the palm trees and the ocean from the deck was simply breathtaking.

Every morning, we enjoyed a delicious buffet-style breakfast at the Kitchen Table. The spread was fantastic, and we particularly loved the fresh fruit juices and smoothies.

Throughout our stay, we had the opportunity to dine at several fantastic restaurants within the resort.

Favorite Places to Dine:

Basmati Indian Food: This restaurant offered some of the best Indian cuisine we've ever had. The flavors and spices were exceptional.

Oregano: The Italian food at Oregano was good, but it didn't quite match up to the outstanding Indian food we had at Basmati.

Spice: For a taste of Asian-influenced cuisine, Spice was the place to be. The dumplings were a great appetizer, and the Pad Thai was a highlight.

The Lobster House: We visited this restaurant for lunch, and the seafood dishes were fresh.

If we ever wanted a late-night snack in our room, the room service food was decent enough to satisfy our cravings.

As cocktail enthusiasts, Bradley and I were slightly underwhelmed by the drinks offered at the resort. However, we did find a few favorites which were classics, such as Tom Collins, Mojito, and Pina Colada. Bradley often opted for an Old Fashioned, Pina Colada, or a glass of wine.

One piece of advice: if you have your heart set on a private beach cabana, be sure to book it along with your trip reservation. We learned this the hard way as they were already fully booked when we tried to reserve one.

Our overall experience at Excellence El Carmen was nothing short of exceptional. If you're looking for a few days of escape to a tropical paradise, this resort is a fantastic option.

Special thanks to our wonderful friend, Madison Sullivan, who booked this incredible trip for us. You can find her on Instagram at @madisonsullivantravel for all your travel planning needs.

So, if you're thinking about a resort vacation and a relaxing ambiance, make sure to put Punta Cana and Excellence El Carmen at the top of your travel bucket list. You won't be disappointed!

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We also made a video of our time at The Excellence Resort - TikTok Video