Some trips are about sightseeing. Others are about slowing down, laughing a little louder, and remembering how good it feels to simply be. Our girls’ trip to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, was very much the latter — five sun-soaked nights at Club Med Punta Cana that somehow felt both energizing and deeply restorative.

When we arrived, my best friend and I made a promise to wake up early every morning and catch the sunrise. And that we did…every morning, we woke up early, walked down to the freshly combed beach and watched the sun rise out of the horizon. It was magical, the way the sky shifted from soft pinks to glowing golds, the sound of the waves, the stillness of the morning, and the warmth of the rising sun. It became our favorite daily ritual — a calm, grounding start before the fun of the day unfolded.

This was my first time staying at a Club Med, and it didn’t take long for me to fall in love. The resort, recently renovated after a fire, was absolutely beautiful — bright, modern, and effortlessly tropical. It was easy to tell that a lot of attention and care was put into every inch of the property. I especially loved the colour scheme; warm greens and soft pinks. Every space felt open and inviting, designed to encourage both relaxation and connection.

Our days were filled with activities and we happily tried a little bit of everything. Morning fitness classes like Yoga on the beach and Body Pump gave us energy and kayaking offered hilariously fun moments on the water. But the real surprise? Archery. It was my first time ever trying it, and I was instantly hooked. The instructor was great and gave us some really helpful  tips and we actually found ourselves returning to the archery range every single day.

Our evenings always started off watching the sunset from the beach. The sky would glow with beautiful shades of purple and golden yellows. The vibes on the resort shifted from relaxed to celebration. Every night was a different theme and prior to leaving for the resort, they provided recommended outfits. It actually made getting ready easier and it became part of the fun; it was nice seeing everyone wearing all white or all black, but I especially loved the white and flowers night!

Club Med knows how to party! Our nights were filled with dancing, laughter and delicious cocktails. The entertainment staff were great at getting everyone out on the dancefloor and they even taught us choreographed dance moves! There’s something magical about dancing under warm Caribbean nights with your closest friends and absolutely nowhere else you need to be.

And then there was the food — delicious, abundant, and thoughtfully prepared. The variety was impressive, and the resort did an excellent job at accommodating food allergies, which made every meal feel easy and enjoyable. Hispaniola was our go-to restaurant for breakfast and lunch. They offered a selection of fresh, made-to-order options like the omelette/egg station and the smoothie station. Lunch was different everyday, and we filled ourselves with fresh pasta, burgers and fries and a variety of meats and cheeses. Dinner at El Mundo Food Club was an experience; each food station offered something completely different from the next. There was fresh sushi, lamb, salmon, barbeque and an array of desserts. Indigo restaurant was our favorite place to find snacks and the best tacos! We were truly spoiled with choice!

Somewhere between sunrise beach walks, daily archery sessions, spontaneous dancing, and lingering meals, the days blended together in the best way. There was no rushing, no pressure — just presence, joy, and the simple luxury of being away together.

When it came time to pack up and head home, we left with more than just sun-kissed skin and sandy bags. We carried home memories of early mornings, late nights, and everything in between — a reminder that the best trips aren’t just about where you go, but who you share them with.

Until next time, Punta Cana — we’ll be chasing your sunrises again soon