My ideal New Year’s, and I imagine our readers would love this as well, is spending it with family somewhere warm to escape from the cold winter. Our family has been accomplishing this by going to Brazil and staying with family for the past few years. However, this year we had the privilege of flying out to the Dominican Republic to stay at Iberostar’s all-inclusive resort on the beach of Punta Cana.
I remember feeling like a new chapter had started, with the sound of Spanish humming in my ear and the bright sun and vibrant blue skies as we walked off the airplane. When we arrived at the hotel, we were greeted by warm smiles from all the workers, and you could feel a shift in the atmosphere. One of the funniest parts of this experience was that, although a few members of my family speak proficient Spanish, including myself, everyone knew we were Brazilian immediately. When I asked how, they said our accents were a giveaway, but that our Spanish was great nonetheless.
The most beautiful part was the clean, soft-sand beaches with the clearest water. It was breathtaking how much I could see underwater, and as an ocean lover, it made the trip all that much more perfect! My family and I went on an excursion where we stopped by a “natural pool” in the middle of the ocean and jumped in for a swim. We found so many starfish and other sea creatures in the crystal blue waters. The pictures don’t do it justice!
Another one of my favorite parts was the wonderful New Year’s experience. Our hotel had a dance party, which was filled with people from all over the world, after a dinner that was exceptional. We decided to walk to the beach for the actual ringing in the New Year, and it was totally the right move! We saw so many fireworks, and the beach was completely empty. It was such a special moment for our family! After that, a bus took us to the golf course in the hotel, where there was yet another dance party and even more fireworks—though I have to say the second ones were even better.
Between the kind community, pristine beaches, and endless dance parties, my trip was amazing! Overall, my experience in Punta Cana was unforgettable, and I am so grateful to have experienced it alongside my favorite people in the world.
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