By Susie Reese
Sun-soaked beaches, turquoise water, vibrant palm trees, bustling city centers, outdoor bistros—this is what you imagine no matter where you go on vacation. No one pictures sitting inside his/her hotel room and watching thick, miserable raindrops pound the pavement, but it undoubtedly happens, even in the most unexpected destinations (save, maybe, the Sahara Desert). So how do you combat the terrible tears that threaten your trip? Take your rainy day and make it extraordinary with these awesome activities.
Rock in the Rain
Rainy days are still rocking at Hard Rock Hotels with their guitar rental program.
When Eric Clapton gave his red Fender Lead II to the original Hard Rock Café in London, he began a tradition that has encompassed more than 55 countries and 175 properties, and now Hard Rock wants you to feel the rock star rush. For the ultimate rainy day experience, order guitar service. Yeah, you read that right. At Hard Rock Hotels, you can choose a rental guitar with which to jam in the comfort of your room. At the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Punta Cana, you’ll also receive a Fender Mustang Floor™ Guitar Multi-Effects Pedal and Amplifier, and a pair of SOUL by Ludacris headphones. Can’t play? No worries. there’re in-room video lessons and a “set list” with websites and apps to help you get your rock on. (Experiences vary by hotel.)
Caribbean Casinos
Roll with the rainy days at casinos in the Caribbean!
Rainy days have a tendency to make people curl up and sleep, but fight the urge! Get that adrenaline pumping at one of the many casinos in the Caribbean. Offering incredible thrills right in your hotel, Atlantis’s casinos hop, rain or shine, and use Vegas gambling rules. You’ll enjoy the familiar deals of chance with blackjack, baccarat, mini-baccarat, craps, roulette, Let It Ride Poker, and Caribbean Stud Poker. The main casino also offers more than 750 slot machines, but if you want a truly ultimate experience, play at the Cain at the Cove, a poolside casino with live DJs, free-standing day beds, and private beachside cabanas. Don’t miss other Caribbean gaming experiences at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Punta Cana and the Stellaris Casino at the Aruba Marriott Resort.
Sprinkle Specials
Relax in the rain with spa specials at Excellence Resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico
If pampering is what you desire on a rainy, lazy day, then seek refuge in your resort’s world-class spa. Specialized body treatments help to rejuvenate and revitalize your body, mind, and spirit. You’ll leave feeling refreshed and ready to conquer the waves or nearby attractions once the sun makes another appearance. If you’re getting married on your getaway, Miilé Spa at Excellence Resorts offers great services for bridal parties and couples, and with beauty parlor services, the spa is a great place to indulge yourself after tireless planning. Sparkling wine and chocolate-covered strawberries accentuate shiatsu, aromatherapy, deep tissues, warm back pillows, hydrating facials and other treatments designed especially for couples. Secrets Spa by Pevonia offers similar but distinctly different treatments with seaweed wraps, Swedish massages, hot stone massages, and more.
Don’t forget the traditional stand-by methods of enjoyment, like theatre productions or in-room movies, which go perfectly with room service at an all-inclusive resort. And if nothing else fails, hit one of the many bars on property. Hey, it’s a rainy day. Might as well make the best of it—with a drink in your hand.
