Here’s why a family trip to Punta Cana will feel like a vacation wonderland

Close your eyes and picture you’re on a beach – pina coladas and fresh drinks served directly to you, Jambalaya made by a local on the beachfront and the sound of your children ecstatically splashing in the warm ocean.  

Here’s the good news: you can make this a reality for you and your family.  

Atlantic Canadians can now book weekly flights with Air Transat from Halifax, N.S., (with the possibility of a connecting flight through Toronto) to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, and stay at the Bahia Principe Fantasia resort until May.  

Air Transat provides travellers with a comfortable, eco-friendly, relaxing flight to this warm, tropical country within four hours.   

What makes this particular resort popular among most families is the design of the Bahia Principe Fantasia Punta Cana. Parents will get the exciting opportunity to watch their kids’ eyes light up as they get a glimpse of the resort’s iconic castles.  

“The themed resort attracts families looking to have an all-inclusive dream vacation filled with fun activities and additional amenities,” says Helen Montijano, the commercial director U.S. and Canada.

The resort’s theme centres around the mascot – Papimber – and the fairy tale surrounding this lovable character. Kids and parents will get a chance to enjoy hearing the magical story of ‘Papimber and the Garden of Hesperides’ the minute they enter the resort. Families will also get more familiar with Papimber’s story by getting the opportunity to see a 3D projection every evening at the main castle mapping this mascot’s enchanting journey.

“The castles and fairy tale around Papimber is a fundamental part of this resort’s success among families with young children,” says Montijano.  

Along with the magical experience the hotel provides visitors, guests can also look forward to rooming in a spacious suite with a breathtaking view of the pools and castles.  

VACATION WONDERLAND FOR ALL AGES  

The Bahia Principe Fantasia Punta Cana opened in 2017 as an addition to the chain’s Bavaro complex. It has a high reputation of attracting families looking to have the dream all-inclusive vacation. And one thing’s clear: families who book to stay at this hotel won’t be let down.  

This luxurious magical resort has something for everyone.  

There’s a Kids Club, offering families an exclusive area dedicated to children of different ages. Kids can participate in crafts and games and even learn how to cook.  

If your son or daughter is extremely adventurous then you may want to consider looking into the Bahia Scout program during your stay. This program allows your child to channel their inner explorers, and includes interactive, guided nature activities around the resort.  

The resort also has a Teens Club. Teenagers can enjoy lounging in the movie theatre on site, working out in the gym, playing pool with other teens or even partaking in the coordinated dance parties at the hotel.  

But what makes the Bahia Principe Fantasia resort worth the visit is that it’s highly accommodating. Parents can rest easy knowing their kids will be occupied while they relish in the fun activities the hotel also provides for adults.  

“Adults are invited to find harmony and serenity at the adults-only Bahia Spa,” says Montijano.  

This adults-only spa offers guests personalized massages along with beauty and body treatments, ensuring guests feel relaxed throughout their whole stay.  

Parents can also look forward to livelier entertainment each day, sipping on a few cocktails from one of the various bars around the resort while partaking in anything from salsa and bachata dance lessons to nightly curated shows. 

“Multigenerational families love this resort because it truly offers something for everyone, no matter how old they are,” says Montijano. “The castles also give it a magical vibe that everyone enjoys, especially kids, as they feel they are in a vacation wonderland.”  

EVERYTHING IS ALL AT YOUR FINGERTIPS 

You can’t have a resort without a huge pool.  

“Families can relax and put their minds to rest at the property’s different pools or the beach nearby,” she says. “They may also get active at the sprawling waterpark or enjoy family-friendly water activities such as scuba and diving lessons, snorkeling, kayaking and paddle boarding.”  

Guests are privy to all the restaurants and have the option of indulging in family-style sharing dishes.  

The resort is home to several à la carte restaurants that serve guests global cuisine with a Caribbean twist.  

“Guests staying at Bahia Principe Fantasia Punta Cana also have access to the communal areas of all Bahia Principe’s sister hotels under the Grand brand (including specialty restaurants) located within the Bavaro complex,” says Montijano.  

FLY YOUR WAY INTO ADVENTURE 

If you’ve ever wanted to fly, then this zip lining excursion offered by Transat might be for you.  

Guests who book this excursion through Transat have the opportunity to fly across Anamuya Lake in Punta Cana and view the ‘secrets of the Anamuya Mountains.’ 

Families can feel assured knowing guides will be with them every step of the way, giving them the adventure of a lifetime.  

The tour consists of 16 platforms and 12 zip lines stretched across the mountain range. Meaning people who book this excursion can feel at ease knowing the tour was built with steel cables and has a manual braking system.  

Visitors on this tour will experience the lush, tropical ancient Taino Mountains from a bird’s eye view.  

SWIM IN THE CRYSTAL-CLEAR WATERS OF SAONA ISLAND  

White sand beaches, crystal-clear water and coconut trees galore.  

If those words excite you, then you will absolutely love the excursion to Saona Island.  

Guests who book this activity can look forward to swimming in the breathtakingly clear Caribbean Sea and seeing some of the area’s marine species, such as flying fish and starfish.  

Aboard the Catamaran – the boat that takes visitors to the island – guests can be found dancing and sipping on refreshing beverages before arriving at the island.  

If you’re lucky, you may even be able to see dolphins and other marine life swim up to the boat and try to keep up with the pace of the Catamaran.  

Once you arrive at Saona Island, you will be greeted by locals offering massages on the beach and a buffet for those who are hungry.  

“We will welcome you to the beach with a delicious cocktail, an open bar with national drinks, music and games to enjoy with our activities team. Enjoy a great BBQ lunch buffet right on the beach.” 

With all this in store, Punta Cana is not an experience you want to miss if you love nature, delicious food and great memories for the whole family.   

To learn more about the different excursions you and your family can enjoy during your stay at the Bahia Principe Fantasia resort, visit www.transat.com