With the summer season finally upon us, a few things come to mind when planning an escape for this glorious time of year. Whether it’s lounging on a warm golden beach, sipping cocktails under the tall scattered sway of palm trees, rejuvenating the senses with invigorating spa treatments or simply being lazy while watching a breathtaking sunset, Paradisus Palma Real in Punta Cana offers guests every element to satisfy cravings for a perfect summer getaway.

Few destinations boast the tropical beauty and colorful culture of Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. With the Caribbean summer climate in mind,  Paradisus Palma Real has just announced a refreshing package that appeals to everyone— those looking to vacation with a significant other or families taking that well-deserved and long-awaited trip together. Paradisus Palma Real is offering the “Sunset Beach Bonfire” package, ideal for every type of vacation. This innovative package is anchored by the inclusion of a fully built bonfire pre-lit by the hotel’s staff moments before your arrival complete with extra wood to keep it going all night long! Large comfy beach blankets where one can relax while enjoying the fire and sunset views, a basket full of marshmallows, Hershey bars, chocolate chips and roasting sticks for those fire-side snacks allow you to maximize the beach bonfire experience. A portable mini freezer full of ice, chilled bottle water and soft drinks will sit on the sand to help cool off the summer heat.

In addition to the bonfire amenities, the package also includes a 50 minute massage for each adult, a complimentary round of golf and accommodations in a spacious Junior Suite, in which you can unwind after a day in the sun. Available for booking until July 31, 2010 the package requires a 5 day, 4 night stay and is priced at $3,385 per person.

For further information or to book travel, please dial 809-221-1111 or visit www.paradisus.com

Spring is finally here! For those living in regions where Mother Nature loves to tout the seasons and sends temperatures plummeting down to unfathomable levels, budding flowers and abundant sunshine are a welcome sign of good things to come. And, of course, with the arrival of spring, everyone loves to start thinking about well-deserved summer getaways. Here at Paradisus Resorts, we have come up with some tips to help you efficiently plan your summer 2010 vacation!

• Be smart about airfare 
  Oftentimes, booking last minute airfare can get very expensive. By figuring out the best travel dates for you two-three months in advance, you’re giving yourself ample time to shop around for competitive pricing on airline tickets. You can use websites such as Kayak.com to compare fares on all major travel booking engines. Also, by avoiding travel on major national holidays (for example, Fourth of July) airline fares can be very low. You can also land a great deal by extending your departure and arrival dates to weekdays, hence avoiding the heavy weekend travel rush.  
• Discuss and agree upon the destination of choice
  Making a decision on which destination is the best locale for a vacation is very important. Choose a destination that has elements to please everyone. For example, if one person wants to lay on a beach all day and another is interested in being active and going on nature-inspired excursions, a great option is Paradisus Playa Conchal where guests can enjoy not only a gorgeous and serene beach but also access to nature reserves with zip-lining, water rafting and volcano tours! Compromise galore! 
• Request in-room amenities in advance
  When making reservations, a smart and time-saving tip is to ask the booking agent to request certain in-room amenities in advance such as extra pillows, an extra bed or even a chilled bottle of champagne waiting for your arrival! 
• Book activities in advance
  Once you’ve identified the travel destination and made reservations at the property of choice, make sure you get in touch with the hotel or resort’s concierge to explain what types of activities you’re looking for. Once you have all of your options in place and have discussed them with your group, book everything in advance to avoid wasting precious sun time doing so while on vacation! The new YHI Spa at The Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real, for example, provides fantastic treatments in private cabins with outdoor showers that can alleviate the stress of having planned a summer getaway! 
• Pack light
  Remember mom’s packing advice: put everything in a suitcase, take half of it out and go. By being a savvy traveler and light packer, you’ll save money on airline luggage weight fees and will leave room in your suitcase to bring souvenirs home! Try to bring outfits that are similar in color palettes and styles so you can easily combine outfits and don’t have to bring extra items.
• Take advantage of family-focused programs
  If you’re traveling with little ones, it’s worth taking a look into Paradisus’ hassle-free vacation Family Concierge or Posh Mom programs. These two family-focused programs are available at all Paradisus properties and provide guests with access to a family-friendly pool equipped with toys, as well as a dedicated (24-hour) Family Concierge, available via walkie-talkie. The specially-designed Family Concierge suites are exceptionally spacious with separate living quarters, a sofa bed and the option for adjoining rooms and feature in-room amenities such as children-sized bathrobes and slippers, children’s pillows, towels, “tear free” bath products, weekly kids’ activity menu and a fully stocked mini bar offering juices and chocolate and strawberry-flavored milk.  
• The Posh Mom packages, developed in conjunction with the creators of PoshMom.com, offer the same services and amenities such as the Family Concierge program, but with added components aimed at having the most hassle-free and luxurious family vacation experience. These include providing beach toys and a “beach bag valet,” complimentary laundry for ALL of your clothing prior to your return home and reserved Bali beds beach or poolside.

Paradisus Punta Cana has spectacular gardens and is set amidst a tropical mangrove. It has a warm and welcoming tropical Caribbean feel that you will notice from the moment you walk into the spectacular lobby and are greeted with the warm smiles of the staff.

Multiple villas are dotted threw the property and the choice is yours if you want a tropical garden retreat or a spectacular ocean villa retreat.

The beach is one of the best in the Dominican Republic with a deep powder white sand beach and a clear shallow entry to spectacular clear aqua waters.

Tropical Gardens at Paradisus Punta Cana

Paradisus Palma Real is a regal and impressive resort for those of discriminating taste. Once you enter the lobby of marble floors, golden statues and avant-garde furnishings you will know you have found your paradise.

One glance down the open staircase towards the plaza colonial will give way to the spectacular ocean view and palm tree line beach. Smaller and intimate Paradisus Palma Real will surprise you with its high end chef inspired restaurants and Las Vegas style shows.

Both resorts offer a Reserve section, Gabi Club, Family concierge and Royal service.

You will love them both, come for two weeks and stay one week at each resort.

Breathtaking views at Paradisus Palma Real