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Discovering Resort Life at Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana

5 reasons why a backpacking adventurer turned mom enjoyed every ounce of paradise in Punta Cana

By Meredith Kurnov, Editor & Publisher of Macaroni KID Brooklyn NW March 7, 2023

Every New Yorker loves a good winter getaway, but it's tough deciding where to go. 

Before kids, the more esoteric and adventurous the destination, the better. But these days with 4- and 6-year-olds, the criteria has most certainly changed. Like most moms on the perpetual mental overload hamster wheel, a carefree, obligation-free existence seems impossible.


I was hosted for the purposes of this review, but as always, the opinions are 100% my own.


A recent trip with fellow Macaroni KID publishers and moms to Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana offered a true break from it ALL. Here are 5 reasons why:




1. Only 15 minutes from Punta Cana International Airport, it's easy to get to and slip into vacay mode.

On previous vacations, I have felt it took a few days to get a lay of the land and truly feel immersed in vacation life away from home, but I was able to achieve that glorious feeling on day one at Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana

A nonstop trip from NYC airports, the journey is a relatively easy one. Check-in was a breeze and I was decadently greeted with a margarita, a tequila-infused popsicle, and a pair of flip flops upon arrival. 

Cleverly, the room key and free gift shop points are stored on a wearable bracelet, which is all you need to bring when you leave your hotel room to explore the resort.

The just-renovated rooms are absolutely beautiful and serve as the perfect private oasis to resort adventures. From swim-out pool and oceanfront options to private outdoor showers, each room has something special.




2. It's perfect for family members of any age.

Without childcare, vacations often feel more exhausting than normal life, but Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana has your family covered. Half of the resort is dedicated to families, and half is adult-only. 

Given their 9am-9pm Parakeet Kids' Club for ages 4-12, babysitting services, and separate Teen Room, it's brilliant that they have options so parents can enjoy vacation with and without kids! The Kids' Club has everything from a lounge and crib to toys and an outdoor swing set. Supervised activities include crafts, games, and face painting; the kids would have a blast. 

The teen room has a tv area, shuffleboard, ping pong, and various sports equipment to borrow. The resort's covered theatre has a range of daily entertainment from puppet and dance shows to live music.

A splash pad adjacent to the pools is perfect for family time with littles. 



3. From a quiet poolside chill to a wild pool party or night out, you can pick your own adventure.

No matter your mood, you can find a matching experience. For those seeking relaxation, there’s plenty of space to spread out and find a quiet nook for book reading or napping by the pool or lounge-chair-lined private beach. 

Facing east, the coast offers an absolutely spectacular sunrise view for early risers. For the thrill- and fun-seeking, the options are endless: foam-infused pool parties and poolside flash mobs by day or live shows, karaoke, and silent disco dance parties by night! 

The bars are numerous – including an on-site brewery, but my favorite were those you could swim to, equipped with swinging bar seats – there is simply no better place to enjoy a margarita. 



4. The staff and service were memorably amazing.

From the moment we arrived, the staff were noticeably kind and hospitable. I loved meeting and regularly running into happy-go-lucky island ambassador Gabriel around the resort; he was always up for a laugh or an impromptu performance on his guitar. 

My favorite bartender at the Compass Bar next to the lobby remembered my drink and confirmed my reorder on a return visit. The lovely staff at the on-site spa were a big part of what made my spa visit (I got a hair blowout to tame my beach hair!) so restorative.



5. It's a rare all-inclusive with exceptionally good food and drinks, and a wide variety of options for picky and adventurous eaters alike.

The food was absolutely incredible. Six unique restaurants offer something to satisfy any craving, and room service is conveniently available around the clock. 

The Boat House had the most impressive and decadent breakfast buffet I’ve ever seen: made-to-order pancakes and eggs, ceviche, freshly shaved prosciutto, grilled vegetables, numerous meats, tropical fruits, make-your-own mimosas, cereal and yogurt and marshmallows(!) for kids – the options were ENDLESS. 

I also loved the Dominican-inspired Rum Runners (for 18+) for a taste of the local cuisine, including a whole fish with flavorful coconut sauce. On our final night, our group opted to end our fabulous getaway at the one added-cost restaurant, A-LAM-BIK, which offers a sensational chef’s tasting menu with plenty of smoke-infused drama and deliciously inventive dishes. 

By morning, you can't beat the coffee at Joe Merchants, a small shop with snacks and other goodies perfect for cravings between restaurant hours along with take-home souvenirs. 

In the end, it was the trip I didn't even know I needed, which left me feeling re-energized for city life and a hankering for a return trip with my family. It checks all the boxes for an easy and relaxing family getaway.

Any questions about the trip or the resort? Check out their website or email me at MacKidBrooklynNW@MacaroniKID.com.


Check out some Instagram reels from the trip for more:






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