Where barefoot blends with luxury

Caribbean Resorts

By Jane Stokes

There was a time when frolicking on the beach, next to nature, was the only preoccupation upon arriving at Club Med. Today, however, guests at some locales are presented with a few more options for luxury, if they wish.

Tiara is a new resort wing at Club Med Punta Cana for example. Designed with families in mind, if you select Tiara accommodation you will reside for the week in one of 32 spacious, oceanfront suites. Among varying amenities, this special upgrade also gives you a personal concierge, private transportation to and from the airport, breakfast room service, turndown and laundry service, a fully-stocked mini bar, plus bathrobes, slippers, and luxurious toiletries.

"Tiara is a boutique resort within a resort," says marketing and communication manager, Christine Dicaire. "Step outside your suite and you get an extra measure of tranquility with a private infinity pool, a patio bar, and exclusive events. Each suite is designed with 748 square-feet of space, plus flat screen TVs and free Internet access."

This touch of luxury is but one component of the total $34 million make-over at Club Med Punta Cana on the Dominican Republic's most famous beach. Unveiled last May, the resort also debuts a full-service spa-and prides itself in the most comprehensive children's program anywhere.

"Not only is this a complete property upgrade," Dicaire explained, "but it carries Club Med into a completely new era."

The Punta Cana makeover also includes:

A commitment to kids. Even newborns are offered a program at their own Baby Club Med, such as the interactive, parent-infant daily workshops. For teens, the redesigned Skate Park makes an inviting hangout, and younger kids can be entertained all day in the supervised children's swimming pool with a mini water park.

An interior facelift. Every guestroom is now upgraded by a complete renovation with interior design from the Remy Camoin Studio.

Healthy dining options. Both La Samana and Hispaniola resort restaurants combine local ingredients with healthy international cuisine to create an unforgettable dining experience.

An optional week in the spa. Sign up for single treatments, or multi-day packages. Here, it's the Old West Indies, creole-style of pampering, with specialized treatments designed to rejuvenate mental, physical and spiritual balance. Couples, or mother-daughter teams, can book the double room for treatments, or book the open-air, thatched roof palapa hut by the sea. Timeslots for each treatment or package can be arranged and paid at the same time you make your resort reservation.

- News Canada

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