After a year of virtual happy hours and backyard hangouts, you and your girlfriends are ready for a real vacation. If your pod is headed to Dominican Republic, you can rest assured knowing it’s one of the safest destinations in the world. Dominican Republic continues to take extensive safety measures during the pandemic, including increased safety protocols and antigen testing for tourists. Plus, this sprawling natural playground easily lends itself social distancing and small group travel.
Wondering how to make the most of your time together in Dominican Republic? We’re sharing the perfect itinerary featuring beachy Punta Cana and the picturesque coastal paradise of Miches. And with direct flights from cities across the U.S., it’s easy to get all the girls together in Dominican Republic no matter where you’re coming from.
Day 1: Relax and recharge together at the resort.
On your first full day in Dominican Republic, replenish with a breakfast of delectable fresh papaya and passionfruit and local dishes like mangú (mashed green plantains) at your resort. If your group rises early, take a morning walk to the beach to catch the sun rise over the Caribbean.
After breakfast, enjoy a full day of R&R with the girls. Head to a yoga class under a palapa to greet the day with sun salutations. Afterwards, find Zen at the spa with a treatment or massage, then kick back poolside or at the beach.
Cap off your first day in Dominican Republic with a golden hour sunset photo shoot on the beach, then enjoy dinner with the girls at the resort.
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Day 2: Pump up your adrenaline and explore Punta Cana.
After a restful night’s sleep, wake up recharged and ready for adventure at Scape Park. This Cap Cana attraction is a sprawling green space replete with outdoor adventures in a natural setting. Pack your swimsuit for an exhilarating dip in the Hoyo Azul turquoise cenote, cave swimming and ziplining over the water.
After an active morning, transition into relaxation at BlueMall Puntacana or at Puntacana Village, which are home to numerous restaurants and shops. Enjoy lunch at La Casita de Yeya where your pod can dine on the covered patio and indulge in traditional Dominican dishes like mashed plantain with garlic and pork or shrimp mofongo and savory sancocho stew.
After lunch, visit the colorful mural wall to admire exuberant street art created by local artists. It’s a can’t-miss spot for a group photo before heading back to the resort to unwind for the evening.
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Day 3: Sun, fun and wine in Miches.
Rise and shine: Today your group departs Punta Cana and heads an hour northwest to Miches. The town was once a sleepy fishing village but has recently risen on the tourism radar thanks to its unspoiled beaches and stunning views from the top of Montaña Redonda.
After checking in at your hotel, enjoy a beach day at Playa Esmeralda. This expansive oasis offers more beach space than beachgoers, leaving plenty of room for your pod to spread out and relax under the shade of the palm trees.
As the sun starts to go down, enjoy a sunset horseback ride on the beach and a wine tasting at your resort before a world-class dinner with the girls.
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Day 4: Sunrise views and stunning nature.
Today’s wakeup call arrives early, but it’s worth it. Rise before the sun to take a journey on a four-wheeler to the top of Montaña Redonda. Once you reach the top, take in the exquisite 360-degree views of the landscape below where valley meets sea. Savor the moment on a swing on the edge of the mountain—the perfect spot for a high-flying selfie—or enjoy the panoramic views from a bench while sipping a cup of local coffee from the mountaintop café.
Return to your resort in Miches and then head out on the water for a half day trip to Los Haitises National Park via speed boat or catamaran. Los Haitises is the crown jewel of Dominican Republic’s park system, with magnificent rock formations, dense mangroves, abundant wildlife and a series of caves famous for their ancient Taíno pictographs. After exploring the park, head back to the resort to wash up and enjoy a final dinner together at your resort’s upscale steakhouse.
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Day 5: Send-off in style with yoga and one last pool day.
Wake up and recenter before the trip home with sunrise yoga in a treetop canopy at the resort. Practice under a palapa and flow into your next pose while surrounded by a lush palm grove.
After checking out, take your transportation back to the Punta Cana International Airport. For one final indulgence with the girls, treat yourselves to a stay in the airport’s VIP lounge, which boasts the Caribbean’s only airport pool. Order a premium cocktail and take one last dip to put the cherry on top of a perfect girls trip.
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Which destinations are on your itinerary for a girls trip to Dominican Republic? Share your photos by posting to social media and tagging @godomrep. For more information, check out Tour de Lust’s Punta Cana to Miches travel guide here.