When I think of all-inclusive resorts, families, honeymooning couples and hen dos instantly come to mind — but I was pleasantly surprised to find it was the perfect getaway as a solo female traveller, too.
While you wait for that Hinge romance to blossom into something half-decent to test out the waters of travel, the stars and your friends’ schedules never seem to align for that dream vacation.
Despite Instagram telling us to chase #wanderlust, travelling alone can be intimidating for a lot of women. So, what better way to dip my toes into the waters of solo travel than from the cocoon of a luxury resort surrounded by lush palm groves and tropical forests?
In the midst of the seemingly never-ending gloom of England, the Dominican Republic with its reliable year-round sunshine and tropical climate, is nothing short of paradise.
The Caribbean destination, occupying the eastern part of the island of Hispaniola, is popular among American and European tourists chasing the sun.
The chlorine-free pool has a swim-up bar serving up a selection of smoothies and cocktails (Picture: Anugraha Sundaravelu)
Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda is located in the town of Miches, a hidden gem on the northeast coast of the Dominican Republic with stunning beaches, lush forests, and friendly faces.
From the moment you land in Punta Cana airport, the excitement and nerves of travelling alone hits you. So, it was convenient that I could safely get picked up from the airport which is a little over an hour’s drive to the resort.
There’s something about being greeted with both champagne and coconut water that signals the kind of week you’re about to have and Club Med does not disappoint.
Slapping on the resort’s wristband that would also serve as my room key, the child in me was jumping at the feeling of being in an amusement park while my absent-minded adult self, sighed in relief at not having to worry about forgetting my keys each time I left the room.
Starfishing on my massive bed in one of their Deluxe Rooms meant for a small family, I can confirm that not sharing a bed never felt so good.
You’ll want to book yourself in for a spa day where you can take advantage of the three plunge pools and sauna (Picture: Anugraha Sundaravelu)
If a week of lazing on a sunbed with an unlimited supply of cocktails and a book sounds ideal, you have plenty of locations in the resort to do just that.
My favourite space to chill was the Zen Oasis pool nestled in the midst of tropical vegetation, surrounded by a fish pond. Exclusively reserved for adults, the chlorine-free pool has a swim-up bar serving up a selection of healthy smoothies and boozy cocktails depending on your mood.
Plus, it’s just a few steps away from the fitness and spa facilities. The Club Med Spa by Cinq Mondes offers a range of treatments from invigorating body scrubs to relaxing massages.
You’ll want to book yourself in for a spa day where you can take advantage of the three plunge pools and sauna rooms for as long as you want after your treatment. The complimentary refreshments and snacks by the pool made sure I was living my best life.
Club Med Miches Playa Esmeralda also offers some of the best meals, cocktails and snacks all included in the price. The top-notch locally-sourced food means you get more than your money’s worth.
Complimentary breakfast on my patio for those early mornings (Picture: Anugraha Sundaravelu)
Despite the massive buffet at Cayuco, the Coco Plum Beach Lounge with its a la carte options and picturesque beach view was my favourite for brunch and dinner. There’s something about enjoying some spectacular fish tacos and an Apèrol Spritz accompanied by the sound of the waves that will drown any apprehensions about eating by yourself.
There was also a coffee shop for my iced coffee fix with a selection of pastries, ice creams and snacks to choose from in between swim breaks.
Travelling by yourself always comes with the endless alone time which can be great if you’re an introvert but if you’re someone who craves a bit more activity, you have plenty to choose from.
The handy tablet in your room or the Club Med app you can download on your phone will tell you the schedule of activities that’s on for the day. You can choose to start your day with an 8am yoga class at the Palapa treehouse and end with a variety of entertainment and music that goes on until the wee hours of the morning.
There’s never a dull day at the resort with the option to drop into an afternoon salsa class by the bar or try out aerial yoga. I even walked into a poolside barbeque party one afternoon.
If you’re looking for adventure, the resort offers a range of watersports. You might be empowered to try your hand at kitesurfing, wingfoil, stand up paddle boarding or kayaking. There’s also a horse ranch if you’re inclined for a sunset ride.
Once you’re ready to step out of the comfort of the resort, you can sign up for group excursions to explore the island. You’ll be joined by other guests at the resort so there’s plenty of opportunities to make friends. We went to Los Haitises National Park on speedboat navigating through some impressive rock formations, caves and mangroves along the bay. Bonus, there are a lot of exotic birds to be spotted.
Since that was too much work on a holiday, we stopped for a (delicious!) local lunch served at an eco-lodge surrounded by lush nature and a natural pool for an afternoon dip to cool off.
A Dominican ‘Coco Loco’ (Picture: Anugraha Sundaravelu)
Another excursion took me on a fun (but bumpy) safari truck ride along an unreal path with the coast on one side and coconut groves on the other. This is where I discovered my new favourite drink: a local Dominican concoction where they spike a freshly-sliced coconut with rum to make a refreshing ‘Coco Loco’.
An added bonus on these excursion days was the free room service for early breakfast served on the patio in my room.
While I had by doubts about an all-inclusive for a trip alone, in hindsight these were a waste of energy.
I came away with some much-needed alone time, a renewed sense of independence, friends I’d met on the resort, and a great relationship with my tripod.
So, if you wanted to treat yourself and have a main character moment, this is a great option.
There’s lots of exotic birds to be spotted at Los Haitises National Park (Picture: Anugraha Sundaravelu)
We got some great pictures and I never felt the absence of an ‘Instagram boyfriend’ who would get tired of taking thirty identical pictures for me to choose the perfect one.
For the more difficult angles there’s always another woman who you’ve met for the first time but will choreograph a 10-minute photoshoot because it’s golden hour and she knows it’s important to the girl walking on the beach with her tripod at sunrise.
Safe to say, I got one of those Insta-famous swing pictures of myself at Montaña Redonda, with 360-degree views of the island.
It was the perfect trip to ease me into visiting those those dream destinations with or without a partner by my side.
Getting There:
Anugraha stayed at Club Med Miches Playa Esmeralda, Dominican Republic, where all-inclusive stays start at £1,294 for seven nights (single occupancy). Stays with flights and transfers from London Gatwick to Punta Cana start at £2,322. Book online or call 03454676767.
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‘I came away with a renewed sense of independence and a great relationship with my tripod.’