The Dominican Republic had a recent bright idea, offering a recovery plan that includes medical insurance to visitors in a bid to restart its tourism-dependent economy. Promoting “a responsible recovery that prioritizes health,” the tourism board is offering a temporary free travel assistance plan in effect until December 2020 to everyone visiting a hotel, that includes emergency coverage, COVID tests and cost coverage for a long-term stay. As well, proof of a negative test is no longer required upon entry into the country. Instead, random “quick tests” will be performed.

WHERE TO STAY: IN THE D.R.

This new Dominican travel insurance is a big deal and not without a hefty price tag: $28 million in promotion and financing, and $7 million in wooing plans to solidify air routes to and from. Let’s see how long it takes other Caribbean governments to haul a big bale of money down from the attic and follow suit.

GODOMINICANREPUBLIC.COM

The post The DR has you covered appeared first on TravelRight.Today.

Vibe: You know that bubbling-under house music soundtrack that sounds like nothing and never ends? That. The CHIC Punta Cana is rather a scene, but you don’t have to participate if you don’t want to. A big casino with Blackjack, Roulette and slot machines is open from noon until 3 a.m. This is balanced out with a Detox Oxygen Bar that serves recreational oxygen shots and healthy drinks.

Rooms: The 320 rooms at the CHIC Punta Cana are super modern, mostly all white with black trim and purple light. That sounds like the ’90s, but it’s actually fun; you feel like you’re starring in a Disaronno TV commercial.

F&B: The à la carte restaurants are an interesting mix: Italian, Japanese, Middle Eastern and steak house, all lavishly decorated and trying really hard. There’s a giant round bar between the lobby and the casino and a sports bar cum nightclub combo that also has billiards. This is good if you want to escape the heat for a couple of hours and watch the game, whatever your game is.

Extras: The Diamond Club upgrade is worth the splurge, as they lay it on thick: butler service, better room-service menus, private check-in lounge, exclusive pool and beach areas, and a Club Lounge that you should not pooh-pooh, because this is where all the nicer booze is. But the Diamond Club kicker is access to the glass-walled, mosaic-tiled Mermaid Pool.

Off-Site: Try to make it over to the coast of Bavaro to soak up the surf vibe and hop on a catamaran for a few hours. You can snorkel in the Cortesito Reef and relax in the natural pools. These are party boats, so bring a fit liver.

Rate: $$$

Book Now

The post Dominican Republic: CHIC Punta Cana appeared first on TravelRight.Today.