So my sister and I decided it was time...time to go to an adult only all-inclusive resort for the first time and, wait for it, the first of many sistaversaries. Yes, this was our first vacation where it was just the two of us, and in DR; that’s 3 firsts!

Our criteria was simple: direct flight with delta, somewhere we haven’t been before, no more than around 3 hours one way, beach view, and a swim up pool. Initially we were thinking of going Labor Day weekend, but once we narrowed down the resort and location, and concluded 5 months was too far away, we threw caution to the wind and booked 3 weeks out. Felt incredible seeing ‘20 days until check-in’ on our delta app. It’s the little things.

Mexico, Puerto Rico, Bahamas, are all places we’ve been too so landing on going to Dominican Republic was easy to agree upon - plus they have so many all-inclusive resorts. Being a bit (a lot) bougie, we wanted something 5-star, and after reviewing a few, we landed on The Excellence Resort, El Carmen. It’s relatively new, contemporary style, spacious rooms with incredible amenities, and a resort map that looks spread out without being surrounded by towers of rooms. In summary, it looked like paradise. Next step was ensuring they had the perfect room available for us on the weekend we wanted to go, and thankfully there was one room left that met our criteria...it was the beach view, swim up pool, honeymoon executive suite. Yeah, the second most fancy room they offer. I know what you’re thinking...these ladies must be hella loaded...not the case at all; we are pro’s at balling on a budget and would not have booked such a room if it wasn’t an incredible deal. It was $1400 for 3 night - so that’s $700 a person. I mean, that’s amazing! Our own private section at the beach, our own pool area, access to executive club level bar and restaurant, top shelf liquor, free spa day, and incredible room/pool/beach service. We were treated like Hollywood stars’ and we loved it!!!

International travel to DR during covid was not too bad. No test needed to get in, and the resort provided tests for when you’re heading back to your country (which you do 3 days prior). Essentially, if guests are walking around the property mask-free, you knew they have tested negative so there was a sense of safety and security. Anyone who tests positive is immediately quarantined in a different part of the resort. 

The resort has a great app that you should use when it comes to figuring out where you want to eat and to see what’s on the menu. It also has a schedule of all activities and entertainment. We learnt that the property is sticking to a 60% capacity, further ensuring the safety of their guests as well as being able to better service our needs. By that, I mean there are other resorts that were at 100% capacity but not enough staff, so long lines and waits for everything which makes for irritated guests. In our case, it was well balanced to make you feel like you’re totally being taken care of....the full pampered experience...where everybody knows your name! (Ok, not literally.)

Now for food. Nothing was buffet style, which I was actually happy about, and we pre-determined where we were going to eat each day prior to getting there. I would recommend the following for sure:

• Fish and chips at The Lobster House

• Everything at Manga executive restaurant

• Indian at Basmati

• Ice-cream at the Coffee Shop

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So how would I rate this place?

• Staff - 5 stars

• Room - 5 stars

• Amenities - 5 stars

• Food - 3 stars (I mean, it is an all-inclusive!)

• Activities - 5 stars

• Entertainment - 5 stars

• Resort layout - 5 stars

• Value - 5 stars

• Overall - 5 flipping stars!!!

That’s right…5 stars. We were so impressed that we plan to book anything from this brand, as well as the brand they offer for families (finest). They know how to make you feel like a million bucks!