I had the absolute joy of traveling to Paradisus Grand Cana - All Suites in the Dominican Republic in February with a group of more than 30 other Macaroni KID publishers.
We spent just four amazing days at this beautiful resort, but left with a lifetime of memories.
Publishers were hosted for the purposes of a review. All thoughts and opinions are the publishers' own.
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From the moment we arrived, it was clear that Paradisus Grand Cana - All Suites was designed with families in mind, blending luxury with the warmth of a home away from home for guests. I noticed that family-friendly touch as soon as I arrived, watching a staff member play peek-a-boo with a giggling child waiting for her parents to finish checking in. And, as a bellhop escorted me to my room, we passed a group of tweens each with a resort-supplied VR on ... clearly enjoying every minute of the adventure that only they could see.
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Here's a glimpse at our amazing time at Paradisus Grand Cana - All Suites, and why you should put this all-inclusive resort on your short list to visit in the Dominican Republic:
Water fun
In my mind, the heart of any tropical resort is the pool, while its soul is the beach. On both of those aspects, Paradisus Grand Cana - All Suites excels. The pools in the resort are ringed by cabanas and chairs. There's plenty of room for everyone to stretch out and enjoy soaking up some Vitamin D. The pools themselves are a lovely place to soak, play or even drink. The swimup bar was always a fun hive of activity. Swimup rooms are also available.
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And, if you wanted to turn pooltime into adventure time? Head to the Blast! Water Park.
"Blast! was a real highlight of the stay and a unique feature that I have not seen done nearly as well at other resorts. The water features, such as the splash areas and slides, were a big draw for little kids and big kids," said Kelly Fitzpatrick, publisher of Macaroni KID Chappaqua, N.Y. Even our publishers had some water slide fun!
Last, but most definitely not least: The beach. This gorgeous stretch of soft sand, set off by Caribbean blue waters was idyllic. We found covered chairs with no problem and spent a happy day chatting and enjoying each other's company beachside, watching kids make sand castles and families splashing in the shallow water. And yes, there's drink service — all included with your stay, of course.
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Impressive rooms
Our rooms were spacious, well organized, and stocked with snacks and drinks, all part of the all-inclusive experience.
"Just a few weeks before this trip, I was on vacation with my family in a tiny, narrow room with no privacy. It put a damper on the entire trip," said Emily Papa, publisher of Macaroni KID South Hills, Pa. So thinking about room layout was top of mind for her, and Paradisus didn't disappoint!
"I loved our room. It just felt so homey," she said, noting the turndown service each night was especially a nice touch. "Chocolate on my pillow, cold water on my nightstand, slippers at the base of the bed ... Walking into that was like a mental sigh of relief at the end of a day."
Other publishers loved the outdoor patios, complete with a large tub for outdoor bathing, a big dining area perfect for game nights, room service, or just relaxing, and the super comfy beds that made every night's sleep a delight.
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We toured other available rooms at the resort, too, and it was clear to all of us — all parents ourselves — that this resort understands family needs, offering spaces where everyone can relax in comfort. The thoughtful touches, from in-room experiences like teepee tents and family games to practicalities like bottle warmers and step stools, ensure every family finds their slice of paradise.
And if you really want to stay in the ultimate luxury? Choose the Master Suite Swim-Up Suite.
"There is no better place on earth for a family to vacation than the Master suite swim-up two-bedroom suite! With two full bathrooms with jacuzzi tubs, a living area, and a large private swim-up terrace, it's luxurious and perfect for families," Mary Melissa Pointer, publisher of Macaroni KID Little Rock, Ark. "This place is better than home."
Yummy eats
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The culinary journey at Paradisus Grand Cana - All Suites was a highlight, with diverse dining options that catered to every palate in our group, from those with allergies to those who don't eat meat. And the buffet, sometimes an overlooked and tired part of a resort dining experience, was a shining star here, with made-to-order omelets, fresh fruits and vegetables, and a smoothie bar.
"Having three young children, I know we often cannot wait for food at a sit-down restaurant so I thought the buffet was the perfect combination of luxury food and the ability to dine at your own pace, whether you want to take your time or grab something quick and head to the beach," said Rebecca Brumbaugh, publisher of Macaroni KID Bel Air, Md. "It was my favorite place to eat, especially because of the ability to sit outside and enjoy the ambiance of the resort. Simple yet elegant at the same time."
But that wasn't all: Our group enjoyed steakhouse dining, interactive hibachi fun, and relaxed poolside lunches at the resort restaurants. Each restaurant also had a kid's menu for less adventurous eaters, with favorites like buttered noodles, chicken fingers and fries. Every meal was an opportunity to gather and enjoy time together.
"My favorite experience was connecting with all the amazing publishers," said Barbara Eichenholz, a Macaroni KID team member.
So. Much. Fun.
It might be easier to list what Paradisus Grand Cana - All Suites didn't offer ... because there was so much fun to be had, any time of day! Some highlights listed by our group: Paddleboarding in the beautiful waters of the Caribbean, sweating at a spin class, and working on our abs by laughing too hard during water exercise classes in the pool.
"The aqua aerobics at the main pool was epic!" said Mary Melissa.
And if you have kids? Habitat, the vibrant and welcoming Kids Club at Paradisus Grand Cana - All Suites is top of the line with activities such as Zumba, yoga, circus arts, robotics, baking, and crafting workshops.
"The kid's club was absolutely amazing. From movie rooms, to tons of toys, to a game room, and huge outdoor center, I could see my kids never wanting to leave," said Rebecca Seidenberger, publisher of Macaroni KID Allentown, Pa.
And who could forget our moms dancing the night away! A DJ kept the party going until the wee hours of the morning. There are videos, but I have been sworn to secrecy. Here's a little taste of the late night fun at Paradisus Grand Cana - All Suites though. Note the live disco ball in the background. Amazing!
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Treated like family
From the first gentle touch during a spa treatment to the high-energy and fun workouts the resort's staff clearly showed its commitment to making guests feel at home and pampered.
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"What left the most lasting impression about Paradisus Grand Cana - All Suites were the people! Every member of the staff that I encountered was beyond gracious, friendly, accommodating, and made us feel like we were guests in their home," said Erica Alhorn, publisher of Macaroni KID Wheaton, Ill.
Take that trip!
I heard a few of the other publishers talking about bringing their families back for a stay, which seems like the ultimate review!
So if you're looking for a great spot for your next vacation — whether with friends, your partner or your whole family — we can wholeheartedly recommend Paradisus Grand Cana - All Suites. This is a destination where luxury meets family-friendly warmth, where every day is an adventure, and where you're treated like part of the family. It's not just the beautiful beach, the wonderful rooms, or the variety of activities that make this resort special. It's the heart and soul poured into every detail, ensuring your family vacation turns into a lifetime of memories.
