Hello & Happy Friday friends!
Sharing a HUGE roundup from Punta Cana today! Can we just go back?! At least the temps in Minnie are nearing 50, and I’m flying out to ATX in the morning so, can’t complain 😉
I’ve had several common DMs over the last two weeks. Like I mentioned in Wednesday’s post, our WiFi at the resort was not meant for a busy blogger bee like me and, combined with Instagram/Facebook’s blackout on Wednesday, I am just now making a dent in the DMs about Punta Cana! Lots of questions about our resort, our excursion and what I did to prep! Hoping to answer lots of those today!
We stayed at the Luxury Bahia Principe Ambar and booked through Apple Vacations. Ambar is a small resort within a huge complex of maybe 5-6 other Bahia Principe resorts. Ambar is the most updated (renovations finished Nov 2018) and is adults only! We explored the other resorts pretty extensively, and I’m happy we stayed in Ambar. Overall better vibes, food, and drinks! The staff was extremely accommodating and friendly. We loved all of the food especially the steakhouse – M.E.A.T. I heard the Italian is good too! We also loved the all inclusive coffee shop on site. They did offer nightly shows at the main resort (Bavaro), but we typically hung out at the Sports Bar in Ambar and chatted with a few other couples we met!
If you’ve stayed at an all-inclusive or done a beach vacay before, you know they’re pretty low key. We basically got coffee every morning, were on the beach by mid-morning and then ate at the beach-side lunch buffet. So good! I think we had guacamole with every meal lol! Then spent the later afternoons at the pool bar before heading back to the room to shower and head to dinner. One thing I will say is that the a la carte restaurants at the resort fill up FAST. I suggest booking ahead – we only got two reservations the entire week!
We also did an excursion day – Janillo VIP – with Scape Park tours! We booked this through our Apple Vacations representative at the resort. Side note – I can’t speak for everyone, but we have had great experiences booking through Apple. They arrange airport transports to the resorts and have representatives on site to help you while you’re there with things like excursions and airport pick ups.
In terms of the excursion with Scape Park, we snorkled, drank on a sandbar, ate lunch on Janillo beach and then jumped in el Hoyo Azul – a giant cenote! In case you missed it, I did save the video of me jumping into the 50 ft deep hole of ice cold water to my Punta Cana highlights on Instagram. It was so scary, but so fun! Definitely a bucket list moment!
In terms of prep for the trip, I started it off with getting a wax at Waxing the City. I love that place and have been several times! If you haven’t gotten a wax before a beach vacation, you have not lived! I started a few years back, and it is life changing. Last year I added on a leg wax in addition to my standard bikini in prep for our trip to Sanibel. I didn’t have to shave my legs for 3 weeks let alone the time we were actually in warm weather! Life Changing. This time I added on underarms in addition to legs and bikini. My skin stayed smooth the entire vacation! Waxing the City locations are independently owned but are nationwide. Highly recommend checking them out if you have a vacay coming up!
I wrapped up my prep by getting a spray tan at The Glow Lounge, which is a local chain in the Cities. The gals there are SO nice! I have friends who get their spray tans done there regularly so I knew they did a good job. But, I am so impressed at how mine turned out! It’s the perfect golden brown color and looks very natural, even on my hands (you’ll know that’s not always the case if you watch my Instagram stories, haha!).
I used to go to a tanning bed to get a “base tan” before going to a tropical location and, I’ll be honest, I don’t think a base tan does ANYTHING. I still burned! Now I just get my spray tan, bring along these tanning drops to mix in with lotion once the tan starts wearing away (around day 7-8 if going in water) and apply SPF 50 like it’s my job. Skin cancer and early aging are not cute ladies!
Now on to the outfits! As always, I’m rounding up the links + sizes to every outfit from Punta Cana shared on Instagram! Most of the items below are from American Eagle, Amazon, Shopbop and, of course, Loft! Also sharing a few sales at the end for the holiday weekend and February/Punta Cana top sellers (since we didn’t get to that yet!).
FEBRUARY TOP SELLERS
1. This sweater from Amazon was the top seller for February! I love this one! It comes in 2 other colors and works for sizes XS-XL and petite – tall gals!
2. These AE jeans were the top 2 seller for February. I basically live in these jeans. They are SO comfy and flattering! I did get the regular length because they’re cropped & they fit TTS. They’re also on sale right now!
3. These sneakers from DSW were the 3rd bestseller. Another item I essentially live in. They feel like you’re walking on clouds and are under $50, need I say more? I also picked up this leopard pair (wore them on both travel days) from the same brand last week. Size down .5 in both!
PUNTA CANA BEST SELLERS
- This coverup from Amazon was the top seller from Punta Cana! I mean, it’s no surprised, I basically wore it to death while I was there. LOL. It’s such a good find and easily transitions from the beach to lunch like I did with this look.
- Another Amazon find – this swimsuit was the second top seller. This suit looks good on so many body types! The reviews show several women who are more busty looking fabulous in it and a few of you who are different sizes sent me photos in it looking amazing too! And, it’s under $30! I’m wearing the S.
- These shoes from Target came in third. Definitely my most worn pair down in PC. I wore them to the beach and pool. Even got them wet with no damage! And, they’re a great designer dupe!
Outfits:
All outfits are below with links and sizing details under the photos! Everything fits TTS unless noted otherwise. Lots of items on sale!!
Jumpsuit (XS) | Denim Jacket (sold out – similar) | Luggage (last year’s on SALE HERE) | Shoes (size down .5)
Denim Jacket (sold out – similar) | Cami (XS) | Shorts (XS) | Shoes (TTS)
Button Down (XS – could size down two if petite!) | Bralette (S) | Tank (XS) | Shorts (Old – similar)
Swim Top (S) | Swim Bottoms (S) | Coverup (works for petites!)
Bralette (S) | Tank (XS) | Shorts (0) | Shoes (size up .5)
Coverup (works for petites!) | Hat | Swimsuit (S) | Sandals (TTS)
Swimsuit (S) | Necklace | BB Cream (shade medium)
Romper (SP, could size down one; Comes in short, reg & tall!) | Sandals (TTS)
Top (XSP – size down one) | Shorts (Old – similar) | Earrings
Top (S/M – size up one) | Shorts (0) | Wedges (TTS)
Swim Top (M) | Swim Bottom (S) | Sandals (TTS)
WEEKEND SALES
AMERICAN EAGLE // 25% off AE, Aerie & Tailgate (pretty much everything!)
BANANA REPUBLIC // up to 40% off!
BAUBLE BAR // 20% off 2+ rings! (my faves on this page!)
EXPRESS // 40% off EVERYTHING (my faves are on this page!)
GOODNIGHT MACAROON // 40% off EVERYTHING with code FRESH40
LOFT // 40% off EVERYTHING with code LUCKY! (my top picks are on this page!)
OLD NAVY // 40% off EVERYTHING at checkout! (my faves are on this page!)
TARGET // 25% off home
Be sure to follow along on my ATX adventures over the next few days! I’ll be keeping you updated on the ‘gram!
Have a great weekend everyone!
xoxo
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