Endless Sun at Sanctuary Cap Cana, a Luxury Collection Resort

From the minute we arrived at Sanctuary, an instant calm washed over us. Our bags were magically whisked away and a creamy coconut limonada appeared in our hands. As we were quickly checked in and shown to our rooms, we first experienced the premium hospitality that would continue throughout our stay. The bellman transported us via golf cart to our building and chatted with us amiably during the quick and breezy ride. Our bright, ocean-front junior suite is roomy and tastefully Caribbean, with dark wood accents and bright white linens. The view from the balcony was so picturesque, and we spent a great deal of time admiring it over the duration of our stay.

The resort is designed for leisure and lounging. With six sparkling swimming pools in various positions around the property, you’re always just a few steps from cool relief from the powerful Dominican sun. The main pool features a swim-up bar that’s always flocked with swimmers and bartenders alike. Waitstaff is constantly fluttering around to bring you a refill of their tropical concoctions. There’s also a snack bar by the pool serving quick bites that really hit the spot after one too many mojitos. The resort’s private beach is steps away from the main pool area and is decorated with umbrellaed lounge chairs. It’s easy to spend an entire afternoon admiring the gentle waves from your comfortable perch on the soft sands.

When you’ve had your fill of sand and sun, you can refuel at one of the several restaurants on property. In addition to three restaurants at the resort, there are five more a few steps away at what they call Sanctuary Town. Your all-inclusive package covers all but one of these additional restaurants, and they provide even more variety in cuisine. Our favorite restaurant was the Blue Marlin, their signature seafood restaurant perched above the water on the private beach. The ambiance alone provides a memorable experience, and the food helps with a nice Caribbean flair to dishes like shrimp and grits, skirt steak, and ceviche.

If you're planning to stay for more than a few days, be sure to engage with the Concierge to book an excursion. While the resort is relaxing and rejuvenating, we found that after a few days, we had exhausted most of the on-site activities. There are various options available to suit different activity levels.

It's also important to check the restaurant schedule during check-in. The Italian restaurant requires reservations, and it tends to book up quickly. Additionally, some restaurants are closed on certain days. If you, like us, forget to plan ahead, room service is a reliable option available at any hour.

Lastly, the resort is a short walk from the top-rated Juanillo Beach. The waters here are movie-worthy, and there's a lot of activity for those looking to socialize!

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Dominican Republic. In need of further inspiration? Check out Jeff Willy's guide, Ideal Beach Break in Punta Canta.