Relax Central

on May 16, 2011
in Dominican Republic

Our vacation continues to be sunny, sandy, and wonderful.  BFF Sarah, her husband TK, the Husband, and I are having a blast.

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We’re fallen into a happy routine of waking up around 7, grabbing food from the buffet (breakfast is, hands down, the best meal of the day), laying by the beach, taking afternoon naps, and partying the night away.  We’ve been taking long walks on the beach and playing lots of badminton, too!  A girl could get used to this.

 

This vacation has been EXACTLY what the four of us need.  It’s great to just escape everyday life and relax.

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I’ve also made friends with Sandy, a little stray pup.  I want to take her back to America with me!  I named her Sandy because, well, she’s sand-colored and lives on the beach.  Don’t worry – the hotel guests feed her LOTS of sandwiches.

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So… last night we went to a Japanese hibachi restaurant.  The chef was fun!  Actually, the service at this resort is awesome all-around. 

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And this morning, we hit up my favorite buffet for some healthy eats after a night of drinkin’ and dancin’.

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The game plan for the rest of the day is GOLF.  The Hus brought his clubs with him and is dying to try out a seaside course.  I plan to play caddy/cart driver. 

 

See you soon!

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{ 106 comments }

 

  • Sana May 16, 2011, 11:59 am

    Anddd I need a vacation, you look soo happy!!

  • Lauren May 16, 2011, 11:59 am

    Wow this place looks amazing all around!!! Can I switch places with you?! 😉

  • Mac May 16, 2011, 11:59 am

    Looks absolutely heavenly there! I would definitely bring Sandy home!!

  • Veronica (Hating ED) May 16, 2011, 12:00 pm

    wow, definitely want to try an all-inclusive sometime soon!

  • Sarah @ See Sarah Graduate May 16, 2011, 12:00 pm

    OMG. This looks incredible! Have a great vacay–you deserve it!

  • Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat May 16, 2011, 12:01 pm

    This looks like HEAVEN!!!! Soak up the sun Caitlin – you deserve the break!! 🙂

  • Samantha @ Health, Happiness & Skinny Jeans May 16, 2011, 12:05 pm

    The DR dogs stole my heart too. They are so cute and friendly!!

  • Holly @ The Runny Egg May 16, 2011, 12:08 pm

    That place looks amazing!

    Sandy is so cute — and that is the perfect name for her.

  • Lindsay May 16, 2011, 12:14 pm

    i will start reading your blog again when you return from vacay! 🙂 i am so jealous!

  • Halley (Blunder Construction) May 16, 2011, 12:15 pm

    Looks WONDERFUL compared to the view from my office window: grey sky and no pina coladas on the horizon. ENJOY, you deserveit!!

  • Krystina (Organically Me) May 16, 2011, 12:16 pm

    The picture of you and the husband is so cute. 🙂

  • Claire @ Live and Love to Eat May 16, 2011, 12:16 pm

    So jealous – you look like you’re having an amazing time!

  • Amy May 16, 2011, 12:18 pm

    Random question: How tall is that guy? LOL

  • Michelle (your girlfriend for fitness) May 16, 2011, 12:21 pm

    You look like you are having a BLAST! Enjoy!

  • Jasmine @ Eat Move Write May 16, 2011, 12:24 pm

    Yay! Enjoy!

  • Lauren May 16, 2011, 12:28 pm

    This sounds perfect!! 🙂

  • Haleigh May 16, 2011, 12:32 pm

    Your vacation sounds like the perfect trip to relax and unwind! Enjoy 🙂

  • Melanie @ Trial By Trail May 16, 2011, 12:36 pm

    That looks so relaxing! Keep posting tons of pictures of the beach! Maybe it’s just me, but it looks like TK is either super tall or Sarah is super short?

    • E May 16, 2011, 11:35 pm

      Yeah, TK is a giant!

      • Caitlin May 17, 2011, 9:08 am

        Haha he is 6 ft 7 and she is 5 ft 1

  • Annette @ EnjoyYourHealthyLife May 16, 2011, 12:44 pm

    mmm I LOVE relaxing vacays to the beach. Looks fabulous! 🙂

  • Amanda May 16, 2011, 12:47 pm

    That dog is precious! Please bring him back to the US!

  • Liv @ The Salty n' Sweet May 16, 2011, 12:50 pm

    Oh yea, that definitely sounds like a perfect vacation. Good breakfast buffets are always my favorite!

  • Ash @ Good Taste Healthy Me May 16, 2011, 12:54 pm

    Still soooo jealous! It looks amazing. BTW badminton rocks. Mike and I play in our yard all the time!

  • Brittany (A Healthy Slice of Life) May 16, 2011, 12:58 pm

    Looks like paradise… glad you’re soaking it all in!

    Give Sandy a treat for me- sweet pup!

  • chelsey @ clean eating chelsey May 16, 2011, 12:58 pm

    Everything looks beautiful! You are making me so anxious for my vacation!

  • Khushboo May 16, 2011, 1:04 pm

    Everything looks like a dream, especially that last pic!

  • Lu May 16, 2011, 1:04 pm

    TK looks huge compared to Sarah and your husband! Glad to hear that you are having a great vacation!

  • Miranda @ Working Mom Works Out May 16, 2011, 1:05 pm

    Aww, that looks like so much fun!!

    ENJOY!

  • Kristi May 16, 2011, 1:06 pm

    Tha place looks amazing. It looks like you are having an amazing time.

  • Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine May 16, 2011, 1:06 pm

    Looks like such a fun trip!! Tropical vacations are absolutely the most relaxing. Sandy is adorable- too bad there’s not a Danny around to keep her company 😉

  • Lauren @ LaDolcePita May 16, 2011, 1:18 pm

    Ah you guys look so relaxed & happy! Enjoy 🙂

  • Gina @ RunningtotheKitchen May 16, 2011, 1:34 pm

    Sandy is so cute! so jealous of your pics when I’m staring outside at clouds and rain! enjoy 🙂

  • Kara May 16, 2011, 1:36 pm

    Woah, you didn’t mention that your best friend was married to a giant!

  • Rachel @ The Perseverance Diaries May 16, 2011, 1:44 pm

    Ahhh I love those palm tree pictures. I’m glad you’re having a wonderful time, I’m sure it was much needed.

    That last picture makes me want to just dive into that water and swim around for hours.

  • Dana May 16, 2011, 1:47 pm

    I love the DR! Have fun and drink a few for those of us stuck in their offices 🙁

  • Mary @ Bites and Bliss May 16, 2011, 1:49 pm

    It’s good the vacation feel on the exact right time. They hardly ever fall on a bad time..but sometimes they happen when you don’t *really* need them, so it’s good you’re able to take full advantage and recharge your batteries!!

  • Sarena (The Non Dairy Queen) May 16, 2011, 1:53 pm

    Looks like you are having a blast! I love seeing you taking some time for yourself! Enjoy it!

  • Megan@Dirty Dishes Daily May 16, 2011, 2:11 pm

    So beautiful! I just want to jump into that water. That dog is so cute…i would totally try to bring her back with me.

  • Carolyn L. May 16, 2011, 2:21 pm

    I know this is sort of lame, but when you get back from your awesome vacation could you post some info on all-inclusive resorts? I’ve been researching them for future vacations and am a little lost in the process.

    Is everything included? How do you book with friends? Does each book separately for the same dates? Is the cost worth it?

    A review would be great if you have time (after your awesome vacation, of course).

    • Amy May 16, 2011, 7:33 pm

      Hey Carolyn,

      I thought I’d answer some of your questions since we’ve been to a few all-inclusive resorts.

      Everything is included, meaning all-you-can-eat food and drinks. Every resort typically has a buffet at breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and snacks throughout the day (depending on the resort). Most resorts also have a choice of a la carte restaurants that you can make reservations for in the morning, to attend for dinner.

      So the cost covers the plane ride, and when you book all-inclusive, there is usually a bus waiting at the airport to take you to your resort.

      Personally, I would say the cost is definitely worth it. You don’t have to worry about paying for extras and it’s the most affordable option, IMHO. The resorts are generally beautiful with amenities like multiple pools (with the beach a few steps away!), entertainment in the evening, and offer sightseeing tours and activities during the day (*you usually have to pay for these).

      When you book, you usually book to go to a specific resort on a specific date for a specific time period (generally a one week period). If you were to book with friends, you’d just choose the same package at the same resort.

      I hope that helps you somewhat! =)

      • Carolyn L. May 16, 2011, 7:42 pm

        Thanks for your help! I’ve been doing some research on my own, and it does seem like the best option.

        • Caitlin May 17, 2011, 9:15 am

          Yes, we paid a flat rate for flight, hotel, food and drink per person. Check out orbitz.com or cheap Caribbean!

  • Amy May 16, 2011, 2:23 pm

    I had to laugh – TK is my cat’s name. 🙂 Looks like you are having a blast!

  • Carolyn @Eat Well. Live Well. Be Well. May 16, 2011, 2:24 pm

    I brought my dog back from Thailand…. it can be done 🙂

  • Sara May 16, 2011, 2:37 pm

    The first pic of you and your husband is so cute! Looks like you guys are having fun! Makes me want to book a vacation right now 🙂

  • Kierstan @ Life {and running} in Iowa May 16, 2011, 2:38 pm

    This makes me really want to book my next vacation at an all inclusive, adults only resort! Too bad it will have to wait until 2013…

  • Amanda- The Nutritionist Reviews May 16, 2011, 2:39 pm

    Aww I love the kiss picture!

  • Alison @ Around the VeggieTable May 16, 2011, 2:41 pm

    Sounds like you are doing a great job of relaxing…keep up the good work 😉

  • Running Mama May 16, 2011, 2:48 pm

    Great pics and I continue to be totally jealous! 🙂 Enjoy the rest of your vaca!

    runningtobeskinny.com

  • Megan L May 16, 2011, 2:53 pm

    Looks like you’re having fun! I am pretty sure I just stayed at that resort in March for my 1-year anniversary. If it’s the same, be sure you see the Michael Jackson show. It’s amazing!

    • Caitlin May 17, 2011, 9:15 am

      hahah we cannot wait for that!

  • Laurie May 16, 2011, 3:02 pm

    So jealous of your vacation! Sounds like you guys are having a great time! Aww, poor Sandy, what a sweet pup, I wish you could bring her home!

  • Trish May 16, 2011, 3:17 pm

    Oh! Wish I were there! 🙂

    And holy hot body woman!

    • M May 17, 2011, 7:55 am

      Caitlin and her friend do look super
      hot and fit in thir bikinis-wowsa ladies!
      Wish I looked like that!! 😉

  • Heather May 16, 2011, 3:27 pm

    aahh so fun! getting me excited for my vaca in 9 days!! glad you are relaxing!

  • Sarah May 16, 2011, 4:00 pm

    Your BFF Sarah is so cute! I love her blue dress! This makes me want to go on a vacation SO BADLY!!

  • Kris May 16, 2011, 4:10 pm

    Sandy is so cute! When DH and I were engaged, we went on vacation to Barbados. There was a very cute Sandy-type dog (but black and white) at the resort. A couple of years ago I ran into a picture of me with that dog, and my doggie could be a twin of that Barbados dog. I show people the picture and they’re sure it’s a lot younger me and Tyler.

  • Angela @ MyPinkyToes May 16, 2011, 4:18 pm

    These pictures are so amazing! I am so jealous…I just LOVE the beach! I get to go to Mexico in one month, and I cannot wait! Soak it up every second you get!

  • Rachel @ Fit Fun and Fabulous May 16, 2011, 4:36 pm

    Whew I am so enjoying these posts! The fiance and I will be on our honeymoon in Jamaica in t-minus 4 months…I am so looking forward to it!

  • Emma (Namaste Everyday) May 16, 2011, 4:40 pm

    I have to admit – I’m pretty jealous! it looks like you are having such a fabulous time, and the weather is cooperating. perfect!

  • Hats @ See How She Runs May 16, 2011, 4:42 pm

    Looks like a great resort! When I visited Crete we made friends with lots of stray cats. The same happened in France. In fact, on nearly every holiday I’ve been on I’ve befriended at least one cat.

  • Ellie@fitforthesoul May 16, 2011, 4:47 pm

    I love your bikini Caitlin! it looks great on you and it’s my fave color 🙂 so fun to see you guys having fun! *while I’m doing tests* hahaa just kidding. Well, I am studying for tests.

  • Allison @ Happy Tales May 16, 2011, 4:53 pm

    Ahhh your vacay looks like SO much fun!!! I want to go to the beeeach!

  • Shari May 16, 2011, 5:03 pm

    It looks positively beautiful there. The water color is just stunning. Enjoy! 🙂

    (And yay for badminton — so much fun!!)

  • monicanelsonfitness May 16, 2011, 5:16 pm

    great pics! LIVE IT UP LADY! you deserve it. 🙂

  • Jacquelynn May 16, 2011, 5:47 pm

    When you are done in the DR, jump over to St. Croix USVI… my fiancee and I are living there now 🙂

    Looks like a fun vacation! Enjoy 🙂

  • Crystal May 16, 2011, 5:51 pm

    You’re so nice about replying to comments. I can’t believe you blog on vacation too! You deserve it though. You work really hard!

    The pictures are fantasic and swim-up bars have been stuck in my head. Sadly, I had no idea they existed until I read your post. I need to get out more : )

    • Caitlin May 17, 2011, 9:16 am

      🙂 Thank you!

      And yes, you need a swim up bar in your life STAT. 🙂 Wish I could teleport you a beverage.

  • Ashley @ the fit academic May 16, 2011, 6:01 pm

    Really looks gorgeous!I love the first pic of you and the hus. Also, I LOVE that green swim suit! Where’d you get it?

    • Caitlin May 17, 2011, 9:17 am

      Target, but 4 years ago!

  • Parita May 16, 2011, 6:03 pm

    So glad you guys are having a blast! I need to rethink my summer plans and see if I can fit in a vacay…or even a weekend getaway.

  • Molly May 16, 2011, 6:10 pm

    Just curious, what’s the name of the resort you are staying at? I’m planning a honeymoon and would love a recommendation….looks absolutely beautiful enjoy every minute!!

    • Caitlin May 17, 2011, 9:16 am

      Catalonia Royal Bavarro!

  • Amber from Girl with the Red Hair May 16, 2011, 6:37 pm

    Looks amazing! So glad to hear your having a fab time!

  • Baking 'n' Books May 16, 2011, 6:50 pm

    Not that your reading this – !! – but rather out enjoying that sun and some drinks of course – but so happy your taking a vacay! Oh man…my first (and only) time down south was 8 years ago (I think?) – and yes, breakfast was DEFINITELY the best meal!! Pancakes, fruits, toast with butter, quiches – yum 🙂

  • Christine May 16, 2011, 7:10 pm

    One word: jealous.

  • Julie May 16, 2011, 7:13 pm

    I’m so happy for you! Can you believe just a little while ago you were in Minnesota?? Now it’s a whole new world of sun and sand.
    Enjoy every minute 🙂

  • Molly @ RDexposed May 16, 2011, 7:21 pm

    YES! I’m finally on vacation, too. My flight isn’t taking me South though. 🙁

  • Rebecca @ How the Cookie's Crumble May 16, 2011, 7:23 pm

    Looks like a great vacation!

    Sandy looks like such a sweet dog! I was backpacking in Havasupai this past weekend and there were some many stray dogs who were super friendly and just ran around wanting to be loved. I wanted to take several of them home!

  • Kristen May 16, 2011, 7:24 pm

    i think everyone needs time to relax and Im so glad you are having fun (but I guess, when dont you have fun at the beach? haha)
    I actually heard this weekend, that it use to take a person a day to regroup and kindof “detox” the stress out of your body. Now adays it takes people 2-4days!
    Crazy right?!?!
    (I feel a vaca coming for me soon haha)

  • Whitney May 16, 2011, 7:44 pm

    You have to tell us where you stated when you get back! I’ve been trying to plan a trip to the DR for months now (well in my mind) and would love the recommendation!

  • Jacalyn May 16, 2011, 7:57 pm

    wow. it looks absolutely beautiful!

  • Amanda May 16, 2011, 8:28 pm

    You.look.fabulous! That is all ; )

  • Maryea {Happy Healthy Mama} May 16, 2011, 8:38 pm

    AAAAH it is so cold here today and I am jealous!! Looks like you are having a fabulous time. 🙂

  • Shannen May 16, 2011, 9:03 pm

    so gorgeous! (both you and the place. haha) japanese teppanyaki is awesome!

  • Marie-JourneytoBodyZen May 16, 2011, 9:14 pm

    That is the cutest dog! I like your swimsuit too!

  • Deanna May 16, 2011, 9:20 pm

    I think that first pic needs to be your Christmas card this year!!

  • Katy (The Singing Runner) May 16, 2011, 10:05 pm

    Aww looks beautiful and looks like a blast! 🙂

  • Dana (Struggles of a Twenty Something) May 16, 2011, 10:20 pm

    I am so jealous of you! Looks like you’re having a great time. And I’m definitely not surprised that you found a dog on your vacation…finding stray dogs is your calling!

  • Ali@ Food, FItness, Fashion May 16, 2011, 10:49 pm

    I am soooooo glad you are having fun!!! I can’t wait to see you when you come to Boston in a few weeks <3

  • Katherine May 16, 2011, 11:23 pm

    Soooo pretty!

  • April May 16, 2011, 11:51 pm

    I am watching Nightline on abc. They just did a segment on SkyMall. I thought of your blog posts on sky mall immediately.

    • Caitlin May 17, 2011, 9:17 am

      Hahah what about Sky Mall did they say?

      • April May 17, 2011, 12:24 pm

        They discussed where the products come from. They go to 25 buying shows a year, and have vendors send in samples. They reject 98% of the samples they receive (I would not have guessed the percentage was that high). The busiest order day/time is Monday mornings.

        • Mindy Knows May 17, 2011, 12:37 pm

          LOL at “I would not have guessed the percentage was that high”!! 😉

  • Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) May 17, 2011, 1:17 am

    The Dominican is so awesome!!! Glad to see you are having a great time 🙂

  • Jamie@everydaydolce May 17, 2011, 1:47 am

    Oh my gosh, that looks amazing. I am very envious of you but happy you’re getting some R+R! What a beautiful spot to vacation 🙂

  • heather May 17, 2011, 3:45 am

    It looks like you’re having a great time, and the doggy is adorable, but please please please, everyone, don’t feed the animals that hang around resorts! It makes them dependent on the resort’s tourists and they forget how to find food on their own, so during the slow seasons when the tourists go home, they starve. 🙁 People think they’re doing the pets a favor by feeding them, but in the long run they’re doing them a lot more harm than good.

  • Jumanah @ Healthy Living in the Middle East May 17, 2011, 5:23 am

    Looks like such a fabulous time! Sandy is so cute!

  • Sarah@The Flying ONION May 17, 2011, 7:14 am

    I need a vacation!! :mrgreen:

    I wanted to let you know that I ran my first ever half marathon and you have been one of my main sources of motivation/inspiration. I’ve loved hearing about your race recaps (and INJURY posts, as they seem to love me.) So thank you! 😀

  • Christine @ Burning It Off May 17, 2011, 7:25 am

    I wasn’t sure before but this is definitely where I stayed in the Dominican… I remember the Japanese restaurant. My favourite place to have breakfast there was the buffet by the beach. Nothing like enjoying a meal in the sun!

  • Natalie @ Will Jog for food May 17, 2011, 7:50 am

    The Dominican is a perfect place for a getaway! Relaxing & eating & beach…ahhhh 🙂

  • kristina@beancakes May 17, 2011, 9:08 am

    what beautiful photos! i’ve never been to the dominican republic, love to be able to visit at some point. have fun!, it looks like you are!!

  • Clarissa May 17, 2011, 1:36 pm

    Beautiful!! We went to the Bahamas last summer and it was AWESOME! Especially the “all-inclusive” part, so nice not to deal with having money or signing checks all the time.

  • Eliza May 19, 2011, 12:31 am

    Sandy should go home with you 😉

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