BRENDAN O’CONNOR, travel professional for travelmax.co.uk embarked on a familiarisation trip to the Dominican Republic with luxury hotel group, Palladium…
As an employee of travelmax.co.uk, it was an honour and a privilege to be invited on the Punta Cana Travel Agent Familiarisation trip with the Palladium Hotel Group (PHG). Having lived and worked in the Caribbean (Eastern, Western and Southern Regions) the Dominican Republic is one of the few islands I have never been too.
Our bubbly hostess, Joanne Peters (Senior Business Development Manager for PHG) only had the following stipulations for our trip: Palladium Connect nine Training Modules to be completed, Smart Casual Dress Code, Suitable clothing, sunscreen and a hat (for the hot weather) plus $1.00 U.S. notes for tipping, all we had to do was get ourselves to Gatwick Airport, all other expenses were pre-paid (All-Inclusive Basis*) and we were treated like true V.I.P.s.
As my flight from Belfast did not connect on the same day I flew over the night before and stayed at the Gatwick Hilton Hotel where I met with the “Lovely” Lena Pedrotta (UK, France and Scandinavian Sales Executive for PHG, based in Ibiza) for a drink and bite to eat.
DAY ONE…
Our group of 21 (20 travel professional’s and Lena) met at Gatwick Airport South Terminal at 11 am for our British Airways check-in, Joanne (Jo) flew out a few days before. For such a large group we bonded very quickly and before we knew it, we were up, up and away. The BA Crew provided an excellent food and beverage service and a super in-flight entertainment selection.
Once in Punta Cana (7.30 pm local time) we felt the heat and Jo met us in the arrival’s hall along with Nacho Gozalbo (Commercial Director for PHG) and they swiftly had us transferred to our first hotel TRS Cap Cana (approx. 20 minutes from the airport, two Nights here). This property is an Exclusive Adult Only Gated Community. As our flight (and luggage collection) were slightly delayed, Jo had arranged food & beverage for us in our suites and those of us that were not tired would meet in the Bar for a few drinks before retiring for the evening.
I was allocated a gorgeous Suite, Suite Number 3203, it was of a very high standard, extremely spacious, all mod cons and facilities (Coffee Machine, steam iron, fully stocked minibar and snacks). I delved straight into the goody bag, read my lovely welcome letter from Hotel Director Gerardo De Groot, ate some of my fruit platter, fresh sandwiches and a drink, I then got showered, changed, and made my way to the hotel bar for a few drinks before retiring for the evening.
DAY TWO…
I slept really well in the huge comfortable bed in my suite then made my way to the exquisite Capricho Restaurant for breakfast with our group. Your choice for breakfast is immense, either order from the breakfast menu, partake in the extensive buffet stations or both. A lovely touch here is you have a live performance by a lady on a violin in the background playing all the up-to-date tunes on it (Ed Sheerin etc..) at first I thought it was a sound system until I seen her walking around (not intrusive to guests) brilliant!
At 10 am we had a detailed Hotel and Site inspection with Gerardo and Napoleon Luzardo (Rooms Division Manager). Just to say this is not a party resort, more of a chilled-out resort. We viewed various (beautiful) suite types, all the public areas and then taken to Juanillo Beach. Now this wasn’t my thing, however, if TRS Guests want a large beach for the day they are transferred free of charge and pay a nominal fee for food and drinks. Also, to note guests are transferred free to the local shopping area.
I have a few highlights at this resort, but I think my favourite was the Italian Fish Lunch, five courses with fine wines and Al Fresco Dining at their trattoria, Tentazione, with its spectacular Sea Views and we were also served by the head chef. Just to note, if you don’t like fish, they will offer meat and vegetarian alternatives. We had free time then by the pool with a complimentary head, neck and back massage (thank-you Jo) and dinner tonight was in the El Gaucho Restaurant, some people had Lobster, I had a terrific Ribeye Steak (huge portions) and the evening was topped off with a few drinks and laughter at the hotel bar and a late night snack at the Xtra Time Sports Bar. Just to note there is a lovely separate Coffee Bar near the lobby where you can indulge in complimentary Latte’s, Cappuccino’s and all sorts of speciality coffees.
DAY THREE…
I woke early after another lovely night’s sleep and ordered coffee to my suite (I didn’t know how to use the coffee machine – I felt I needed a degree in how to use it!) and sat on my private balcony (overlooking the extensive lush green grounds and pools), packed my case, had breakfast in Capricho and we were then on our way to the Islands Capital, Santo Domingo. The road/bus journey took a little over three hours (with comfort stops along the way) the sun was beating down and it was only when we arrived on the outskirts of Santo Domingo that the city traffic was slow.
On arrival at the Dominican Fiesta Hotel and Casino (one Night) we were met by The General Manager Leandro Tajes and Sales Manager Patricia Perez and escorted to the main restaurant for lunch, another huge extensive buffet here. This hotel was on B&B Basis however, Lunch, Dinner, Wine and soft drinks were hosted by the team. I was assigned room number 752, again with all mod cons, huge bed, lots of space and my room overlooked the pool. After lunch we completed a hotel and site visit (split into three groups), however, the big highlight here (for me) was the wonderful City Tour of the Beautiful Colonial Centre and Dinner (excursion) with our extremely knowledgeable tour guide Carlos Romero Ortiz. We had some comfort breaks along the way and a treat of homemade ice cream at a local parlour followed by Dinner at Jalao Restaurant. Oh my, this place was huge inside and the portions were ginormous! I had the Avocado Salad (I finished it all) and Red Snapper Fish for my main course (I finished the fish but not the trimmings), Carlos was ticked off for not telling us about the portion sizes as we all felt guilty about leaving all the food that we could not finish.
We were all exhausted after a combination of the coach ride, all the walking, the heat and all the lovely food at Jalao, so an early night was had for most because tomorrow morning we were doing that same coach trip back to Punta Cana.
DAY FOUR…
The next morning, I had a lovely long soak in the bath, brought to me by L’Occitane Beauty Products, had breakfast and we then said our goodbyes to Leandro and his team and took the coach journey back to Punta Cana. We stayed at the gorgeous Grand Palladium Punta Cana Resort and Spa (four Nights) which is located on the banks of the beautiful Bavaro Beach. We were greeted by what can only be described as a Carnival. Singers and Dancers dressed in bright, colourful costumes, chilled cocktails and cooling towels were offered, and we registered for our suites and attended lunch (Suites would be ready later as we arrived slightly earlier than anticipated). After a delicious buffet lunch, I went to my Suite, Suite Number 8102. Another goody bag and 2 welcome letters, one from Hotel Manager, Margaret Rejuez and Accommodations Manager, Jazmin Rojas M. There was a Booklet on the whole resort, a map of the resort, a 50% Discount Voucher for Zentropia Spa plus a $20.00 voucher for the Kviar Casino, if you wanted to try your luck!
The décor was mainly neutral (cream & white) with the odd splash of colour, a very clean and spacious suite with state-of-the-art finishes. I also had a small terrace with table and chairs so that I could sit and take in the Caribbean Breeze. Now, I will admit, I was overwhelmed at the size of this resort for the fear of getting lost. I dread bad time keeping and was worried I would be late for meetings and hosted dinners & drinks receptions. After unpacking and splashing on factor 50, it was time to explore some of the resort and the white sandy beach with its turquoise sea. This resort has four different properties here: Grand Palladium Bavaro Suites, Grand Palladium Palace Resort Spa & Casino, Grand Palladium Punta Cana Resort and Spa, and finally the Adult Only TRS Turquesa Hotel. The resident Spa is by Zentropia Palladium Spa and Wellness. There is truly something for everyone here, Couples, Families, Singles and Groups. Water sports that are included are: Catamaran, Kayaks, Diving Test Pool, Body Boards and Snorkelling. Fishing, Diving, Catalina Island Trip, Speed Boat Ride, Banana Boat Ride and Parasailing are all extra and paid locally.
Pre-Dinner Cocktails and Drinks were at the wonderful Hemmingway Bar, followed by Dinner at the equally wonderful Sumptuori Restaurant (Teppanyaki) with a very entertaining Chef cooking in front of us, the food was delicious. After dinner drinks followed and then bed.
DAY FIVE…
Breakfast today was at Helios Restaurant (order off menu or mix with the extensive buffet). We were very fortunate to have complimentary access to all restaurants, bars and Spa (spa treatments are extra) and this would be the same for guests staying at the TRS Turquesa Hotel, our first, of all the hotel inspections today. We viewed a Junior Suite, Premium Junior Suite and Villa Suite Swim Up, all gorgeous.
The resort has various shuttles to take you from A-B, plus a wee train that goes over to the Bavaro section. We view various suite types at the Grand Palladium Bavaro Suites and after lunch we had free time to relax by the pool. Tonight was Chic Cabaret and Restaurant Night at TRS Turquesa Hotel (from 7:30 pm until 1:00 am), Cocktails at 7:30 pm, dinner at 8:15 pm and a premium bar open until 1:00 am, there is only a $20.00 Per Person charge for this, we all agreed that we would have paid $100.00 Per Person!
We travelled through history and experienced the shows of yester year where feathers, glitter and sensual choreographies transported us from the Moulin Rouge in Paris to the old Cabarets in Berlin. We all loved this evening plus the wonderful food and the service was second to none. I don’t think I have ever had a more wonderful evening, definitely well worth a visit – audience participation at the end of the evening was requested, photos and videos proved we all loved it.
DAY SIX…
After a very late night we had an early start today with early breakfast and a half-day boat trip to Isla Catalina (Catalina Island – Excursion). This Tropical Island is located one and a half miles from the mainland, we took a one hour 30-minute coach trip to the pier and then a 30-minute boat ride over to the island. We had our own private part of the beach with Rum Punch Cocktails, wine, beer and soft drinks on tap and then a delicious lunch of BBQ lobster and/or steaks and other fish and meat dishes along with salad options. We were truly spoilt today, the sun was shining, there was a lovely sea breeze, the sand was white and unspoilt, and the water was crystal clear.
It was time to go back and tonight dinner was at the lovely Indian Restaurant, Bhogali. It wasn’t your traditional spicy Indian fare, it was their chef’s own recipe and I found some of the dishes sweeter than I would’ve liked, nonetheless, it was very tasty and delicious and the best naan bread I have every had – not too doughy. We had a very long day with lots of food, so it was time for a nightcap at Hemmingway’s Bar and an early night.
DAY SEVEN…
Today Jo spoiled us with a full body massage at the gorgeous Zentropia Palladium Spa and Wellness Centre so after a short lie in and a coffee (I didn’t want a spa treatment on a full stomach) four of us headed to the Spa. We completed our forms and I had the pleasure of a lovely lady called Joanna who worked her magic hands on tired old (ish) body. The treatment took about one hour, and I felt great afterwards (truth being known I just wanted to sleep!!) We all decided to explore the full spa area and completed the Spa Circuit! This was a lovely treat where you put your body through a mixture of hot and cold treatments and end it with a mud bath (all over). The Spa also has a wellness café where you can have all sorts of healthy smoothies, fruit teas, flavoured waters and snacks throughout the day. There is a daily entry fee for guests who are not staying in the TRS Turquesa Hotel or pay for a spa treatment and have access into it!
Afterwards we had brunch at Helios Restaurant, then a few hours by the pool before some packing and our farewell dinner and show. We took the train over to First Wine (Tapas and Wine Bar) over at Bavaro. We loved this little gem of a place and were so sorry we did not spy it earlier (fees apply), Raquel and her team looked after us really well with fabulous tapas and wine pairing. We had cold tapas, hot tapas, ribeye steak tapas and for those who did not like tapas she even ordered a burger a chips! Super Service, super team, delicious food and wines. After dinner it was Coco Bongo Night. This is a late-night show and disco venue, the hottest nightlife spot in Dominican Republic, (we didn’t arrive back until 3.30 am the following morning). It’s fairly difficult to describe the show’s so I think you are best checking out for yourself: got to bed at 4 am!
DAY EIGHT…
After the very late night I even managed to surprise myself by being up at 8 am, went and had breakfast, came back and packed and then lay by the pool for most of the day until our 5.15 pm transfer to Punta Cana Airport. Jo managed to secure a late check-out for all our rooms so we could go back and shower before our transfer, this would usually cost $10.00 per hour per room. We said our goodbyes to Nacho and checked in for our BA (overnight) flight to London Gatwick (South Terminal), this took eight and a half hours.
Thankfully there were no delays as I was on a separate ticket with easyJet to Belfast Aldergrove (departing from Gatwick North Terminal).
In summary:
This fantastic trip has given me a great insight into the Palladium Hotel Group of Hotel’s, their service, their high standards and the wonderful friendly team at all hotels we visited in the Dominican Republic.
