Dominican Republic Mountain Vacations

We rolled into Santiago later than we hoped, but honestly that drive from Santo Domingo turned out to be half the fun. There’s something about watching the landscape shift outside the window that makes the miles fly by. Just after 5:10pm in the afternoon we pulled up to the hotel, road weary yet excited. The front desk crew greeted us like old friends, smiles all around. They walked us through everything we needed to know and even handed over vouchers for a welcome drink. Sweet idea, though it missed the mark for me I do not drink alcohol and sugary drinks aren’t my thing either. Maybe next time they could keep a crisp sparkling water or something similar on standby for folks like me. The next morning, still riding the high of a great breakfast, I stopped at the concierge desk. All I wanted was to lock in a deep-tissue massage for Saturday the thirty first. No fuss. Within minutes I had two bookings: mine at one in the afternoon for an hour, and another at 2:15pm for my friend, half an hour, my treat. Fast-forward to Saturday. I strolled into the spa at 12:50pm, already melting into relaxation mode, only to hear the therapist say she had just taken someone else for my slot. My jaw nearly hit the floor. I asked when that person had booked and, sure enough, they would reserved about five hours after I did. Any spa worth its salt sticks to first-come, first-served scheduling, not whoever wanders in first. They offered to fit me in the next day, but I was checking out.

Room was clean, the staff amazing… the layout was nice and relaxed, perfect for those needing wheelchair accessibility. The food and spa are about a 6/10 each. The beach is wildly dangerous with strong waves even on a nice day. Lots of pros and cons. It’s a very relaxed atmosphere.

Room was clean and the staff were very friendly.

Staff was amazing! Activities were great! I had an amazing time. Will definitely come back.

Room was clean staff is nice and friendly

We rolled into Santiago later than we hoped, but honestly that drive from Santo Domingo turned out to be half the fun. There’s something about watching the landscape shift outside the window that makes the miles fly by. Just after 5:10pm in the afternoon we pulled up to the hotel, road weary yet excited. The front desk crew greeted us like old friends, smiles all around. They walked us through everything we needed to know and even handed over vouchers for a welcome drink. Sweet idea, though it missed the mark for me I do not drink alcohol and sugary drinks aren’t my thing either. Maybe next time they could keep a crisp sparkling water or something similar on standby for folks like me. The next morning, still riding the high of a great breakfast, I stopped at the concierge desk. All I wanted was to lock in a deep-tissue massage for Saturday the thirty first. No fuss. Within minutes I had two bookings: mine at one in the afternoon for an hour, and another at 2:15pm for my friend, half an hour, my treat. Fast-forward to Saturday. I strolled into the spa at 12:50pm, already melting into relaxation mode, only to hear the therapist say she had just taken someone else for my slot. My jaw nearly hit the floor. I asked when that person had booked and, sure enough, they would reserved about five hours after I did. Any spa worth its salt sticks to first-come, first-served scheduling, not whoever wanders in first. They offered to fit me in the next day, but I was checking out.

Room was clean, the staff amazing… the layout was nice and relaxed, perfect for those needing wheelchair accessibility. The food and spa are about a 6/10 each. The beach is wildly dangerous with strong waves even on a nice day. Lots of pros and cons. It’s a very relaxed atmosphere.

Favorite resort in Punta Cana. Short drive there, great food, well maintained. Been to 6 other resorts and Joia is the best for us. Average age is probably 50, but we like that. No stupid stuff by the pool ruining the vibe, people have respect for other travelers. Nice change from other less laidback resorts. Not for the 21-35 crowd.

Staff was amazing! Activities were great! I had an amazing time. Will definitely come back.

Room was clean, the staff amazing… the layout was nice and relaxed, perfect for those needing wheelchair accessibility. The food and spa are about a 6/10 each. The beach is wildly dangerous with strong waves even on a nice day. Lots of pros and cons. It’s a very relaxed atmosphere.

Room was clean and the staff were very friendly.

Grear condition, friendly service, decent drinks and food. Nice size, not overcrowded. Always something going on. Great italian and mexican redtaurants. Not so much fusion restaurant.

Room was clean, the staff amazing… the layout was nice and relaxed, perfect for those needing wheelchair accessibility. The food and spa are about a 6/10 each. The beach is wildly dangerous with strong waves even on a nice day. Lots of pros and cons. It’s a very relaxed atmosphere.

Room was clean and the staff were very friendly.