The Ultimate Punta Cana girlfriends getaway

• Soak up the sun: Punta Cana is home to some of the world’s best beaches. You and the girls will love stretching out on the sand, enjoying gentle tropical breezes, shimmering waters and swaying palm trees. If you’re staying at Barceló Bávaro Grand Resort, you’re just steps away from the two-mile stretch Bávaro Beach, recognized as one of the 10 best beaches in the world. If you’re looking for a little aquatic activity, Playa Blanca is a favorite spot for windsurfing and kitesurfing. And Arena Gorda’s crystal clear and calm waters are perfect for snorkeling. There’s a whole world waiting beneath the waves! Wherever you end up on your Punta Cana girlfriends getaway, Punta Cana beaches will not disappoint.
• Go on an eco-adventure: Punta Cana’s natural attractions don’t stop at the beach. There are endless opportunities for Punta Cana eco-adventures in the great outdoors here, resulting in the kinds of Instagram posts that will give all your friends back home a serious case of FOMO. Saona Island, located off the southeastern tip of the Dominican Republic, is the definition of an island paradise, filled with postcard-perfect beaches, lush jungles and natural swimming pools. Speaking of natural swimming pools, don’t miss Hoyo Azul, which you’ll find in a Punta Cana rainforest. The water is up to 15 feet deep in spots, making it a perfect place for cliff diving. Finally, Los Haitises National Park is a must-visit, where you’ll discover mangroves, teeming rainforests, sparkling blue cenotes and craggy cliffs.
• Go on a shopping spree: Make time for some retail therapy on your Punta Cana girlfriends getaway! From America-style shopping malls to more authentic Dominican retail options, there are plenty of places for shopping in Punta Cana. Good to know before you go: many Punta Cana stores are cahs-only! One of the best Punta Cana shopping malls is Palma Real Shopping Village. Here, you’ll find an array of high-end stores with surprisingly reasonable prices – deal-seekers take note! Another option is San Juan Shopping Center, which offers more than 60 stores and resturants. If you feel like getting out of the sun and catching a movie, there’s a theater here, too. For Dominican arts and crafts, try Plaza Bavaro, where vendors sell a wide variety of handcrafted goods. Be prepared to haggle!
• Eat dinner on the beach: There are plenty of great Punta Cana restaurants. But if you want to do something truly unforgettable during your Punta Cana girlfriends getaway, book a sunset dinner on the beach at Barceló Bávaro Grand Resort. You’ll be able to soak in the spectacular sights, reconnect with your girls and enjoy some delicious food. Save room for dessert!

What’s a Punta Cana girlfriends getaway without a little group self-care? Barceló and Occidental’s state-of-the-art spas are where you want to go to be treated like the queens you are. Every detail has been considered to ensure comfort and convenience and the expert staff knows exactly what to do to refresh and restore your body, mind and soul. A deep tissue massage is perfect after a day of Punta Cana exploration, easing stress and sore muscles. A unique hot stone holistic treatment is an ancient ritual that delivers peace of mind and calm like nothing else. Restore your skin after a day in the sun with a purifying deep cleansing facial. It includes extractions and stimulating masks leave your skin cleaned and balanced. Whichever U- Spa treatment you and your besties choose, you’ll leave feeling ready to take on the rest of your Punta Cana girlfriends getaway.

From wild to laid-back, Punta Cana nightlife won’t disappoint. Located within Occidental Punta Cana, Beach Lounge Bar delivers the most gorgeous sunsets in all of Punta Cana. Cocktails on the beach have never been better. One of the only hookah bars in Punta Cana, Black Diamond Hookah Lounge is a supremely relaxed spot to spread out on comfy pillows and enjoy cocktails, food and hookah with friends. Soles Chill Out Bar is – you guessed it – a chilled-out spot. After a day discovering the excitement of Punta Cana, whether it’s cultural exploration or outdoor adventures, you’ll be able to wind down with the girls here. For a unique night out, try Imagine Punta Cana, a nightclub located in a series of interconnected caves, each one with a different theme and vibe. Check out more Punta Cana cocktail bars.

This is just the beginning of an unforgettable Punta Cana girlfriends getaway. But don’t take our word for it. Travel influencer Katerina Stavreva recently visited Barceló Bávaro Grand Resort with her best friend. “There is something for everyone and you can never get bored,” she says. “The beach is one of the most beautiful I've seen, some of the pool areas are designed for you to meet people and be social and in others you can just sit quietly and read a book. There are so many entertainment options and other ways to keep busy, too —water sports, Zumba classes, bowling, escape rooms ... The best part is that you can really just spend your entire vacation at the resort and still do something different every day, which is a great way to relax and not think about planning every day of your trip.” Read her full report.