[slogan]There’s always an anxious moment just before you swing open the door to a hotel room.[/slogan]

Will it measure up to the pictures? Will it be quiet? And most importantly, will it be clean? Very rarely do I wonder if it will be big enough (I live in an Airstream trailer, ya’ll).

[slogan]I was elated when I checked into my hotel room at Barceló Bávaro Palace.[/slogan]

A whopping 500 square-feet, the suite felt more like an apartment than a hotel room. With two bathrooms, two balconies, and two oversized, jetted tubs, I was impressed with the ocean front premium suite. I had access to the “premium level” services, including a gorgeous lounge stocked with hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and coffee virtually any time of the day.

Because I was filming for a campaign at the hotel called Barcelo Stories, my large room was the perfect space to work, sleep, and relax after pounding the pavement all day with my cinematographer, Vanessa. My suite also became our set, as you can see in my travel film, Dominican Dream.

Did I mention the view? With two balconies — one stretching the entire length of my suite — I could see the turquoise Caribbean Sea and hear the giant palms rustling in the breeze. It was pretty magical.

With 18 bars, five pools, and 2,000 rooms, I was surprised how friendly and helpful the staff was.

I wasted no time exploring the grounds and most of the restaurants. There are 11 restaurants and because this is an all-inclusive resort, all-day dining is part of the package (and you don’t have to worry about tips or taxes). You can choose from Japanese, French, Dominican, Spanish, Italian, or Mexican cuisine plus steakhouse and seafood restaurants.

Thankfully, there are beach and water sports galore so I jumped in to a Zumba session on the beach one day and several of the pools another.

We filmed in the dreamy spa and I didn’t mind the retakes a bit. 🙂 I moved from the hot pools to the steam room and sauna and outside to the pool that is for spa guests only.

The resort feels like being on a cruise ship, but much larger. Even after a week, I didn’t see everything. There are nightly cultural and dance performances full of color and energy. I didn’t expect to love the Michael Jackson show so much, but the dancers were top-notch.

It’s likely you ventured to Punta Cana for the beaches and Barceló Bávaro Palace has 1.2 miles of white sand beach with tons of chairs and beachside bars. Watch my film, A Day at the Beach to see!

Now, I’m not usually a fan of all-inclusive resorts. In fact, I never stay in them, but I thoroughly enjoyed my week at Barceló Bávaro Palace and can’t wait to take the Hubs there when I’m not working!

Barceló Bávaro Palace sponsored my stay so I could participate in BarceloStories.com. Needless to say, all opinions are my own. 

#BarceloStories + #BarceloBavaro