World-Class Luxury Meets Caribbean Tropical Ambiance

By Susie Reese

The Dominican Republic claims to have it all, and it really does. More than a 1,000 miles of coastline, 250 miles of the world’s favorite beaches, and some of the Caribbean’s most exquisite resorts are just the start of this island’s enchanting features. Oh, and we can’t forget to mention the Mama Juana, the favorite drink of the DR with rum, red wine, and honey. (Make sure to try it on your next DR escape!)

It’s no surprise that just under 6 million people visited the DR in 2015, and 41% of those visitors were from the U.S. While there is great value in airfare and accommodations, the DR is a world-class luxury destination. With elegant beachfront resorts, many all-inclusive, the DR has quickly become one of the hottest luxury islands in the Caribbean for good reason.

Excellence El Carmen

The tropical paradise continues to grow its shimmering resorts, and this September, Excellence Group’s newest luxury retreat, Excellence El Carmen, will join the all-inclusive gems on Playa Uvero Alto.

“We had big demand after Excellence Punta Cana was a complete success,” says David Torres, sales director for Excellence Group, “so we saw the opportunity to having another property of our brand Excellence Resorts but with newer features, with newer equipment, and unique architecture features.”

 

Romance Upon the Golden Sands

Excellence El Carmen Lobster

Whether you’re visiting the Dominican Republic for your idyllic getaway, honeymoon, or anniversary, Excellence Group mesmerizes with romantic amenities and enchanting experiences for you and your partner to discover. Consider the beachfront honeymoon suites, which are especially intimate with their location just steps from the water.

Raves Torres, “The views are just palm trees, the beautiful Caribbean Sea, and the stars, especially when you stay in a suite with a rooftop terrace. We don’t have a lot of light pollution in Punta Cana, so the hundreds and thousands of stars you can see at night are amazing.”

These suites also have a private terrace with a private pool, and 24-hour room service.

“Can you imagine anything more romantic than that?” asks Torres. “That’s the kind of concept we really wanted to perfect at Excellence El Carmen.”

Excellence El CarmenBut what sets Excellence El Carmen apart from any other luxury resort in the DR — and perhaps the world — is its ambitious waterscape of 23 pools. Each building has a pool in front of it, plus each first-floor suite comes with either a swim-up suite concept or a terrace with a private pool, and an in-room Jacuzzi. The private pools and swim-up pools are above and beyond the 23-pool total.

Laughs Torres, “Of course, you can understand how complicated it will be to maintain 23 pools from the operational point of view, but we’re ready for it.”

If you’re celebrating a special occasion or just enjoying the comfort of your partner’s company, then ask your travel agent about a private dinner on the beach. These dinners are complimentary for couples celebrating their honeymoon or anniversary, when staying in an Excellence Club category for seven nights or longer.

Related: Unforgettable Honeymoons and Anniversaries with Excellence Group

Of course, you can’t miss out on one of the only Indian restaurants in the Caribbean—Basmati, coming to Excellence El Carmen.

“It’s authentic Indian cuisine with an authentic Indian chef,” explains Torres. “A lot of guests are looking forward to that restaurant.”

Basmati

Basmati

If you’re planning a destination wedding, Excellence El Carmen should be on your shortlist of properties in the Dominican Republic. With its convenient location in Uvero Alto, the resort is only 25 minutes from Punta Cana International Airport, and the resort has modern and traditional settings for every type of bride.

Modern and beautiful, the Stone Gazebo is one of the most picturesque settings on the property, perfect for brides who want to wear high heels and couples who want elegant photos. For the more traditional Caribbean wedding, choose a beach ceremony or the special Sands Gazebo, just steps from the water.

Already, Excellence El Carmen has begun confirming weddings from October through December 2016, and Torres estimates the property will host between 200 and 250 weddings in 2017.

Says Torres, “We’re expecting Excellence El Carmen to be a tremendous success with the wedding business.”

 

The Ultimate Luxury Itinerary in Punta Cana

For the ultimate romantic escape to the DR, don’t choose which Excellence property to enjoy. Instead, experience all the luxury Excellence Resorts offers in Punta Cana with both Excellence Punta Cana and Excellence El Carmen. Though not next door, the two properties are less than a five-minute drive from each other, allowing for quick and easy transfers.

Start with the Caribbean tropical ambiance of Excellence Punta Cana, Excellence’s first property, which just finished an extensive two-year renovation. The rooms, restaurants, facilities, and lobby all received improvements, and “when you go to Excellence Punta Cana right now, you’ll feel very upscale, very high end but in a very Dominican, tropical, Caribbean type of atmosphere.”

Agave Tequila Bar

Related: Excellence, A Standard in All-Inclusive Resorts

Then, head over to the brand-new Excellence El Carmen featuring elegant, modern accents resembling the look of Finest Playa Mujeres by Excellence Group.

“It’s modern, it’s luxury, but unlike Finest Playa Mujeres, Excellence El Carmen will cater to couples,” says Torres.

Wedding couples, especially, this your ideal itinerary. Host your destination wedding at one of Excellence’s properties in the Dominican Republic before switching to the other for an intimate honeymoon.

Contact your local travel agent now to be one of the first to experience Excellence El Carmen!

 

Which Excellence resort is right for you?

Excellence Group has perfected the all-inclusive luxury escape for romance and families alike. Find out which Excellence Group property in Mexico and the Dominican Republic is ideal for your next tropical getaway.

Excellence Resorts in Punta Cana, Riviera Maya, and Cancun crafts all-inclusive, luxury experiences in an upscale, adults-only setting with romantic touches and gourmet dining.

Beloved Hotel Playa Mujeres By Excellence Group is the highest category by Excellence providing a boutique experience with impeccable personalized service in an intimate beachside setting.

Finest Playa Mujeres by Excellence Group offers modern luxury for guests of all ages with oversized suites, exquisite dining options, and pampering amenities.