Whilst on a 21 night multi-resort trip to Punta Cana in October we spent some time at Eden Roc as research for another trip to the island

This was our 30th trip to the Caribbean and our 11th trip to Dominican Republic. We have stayed in the North of the island twice and this was our 9th trip to the South having stayed at numerous top end resorts such as Excellence, Zoetry, Sanctuary Cap Cana, etc so we like to think that we have a fairly good well calibrated holiday measuring stick

When you approach Eden Roc you can instantly see that it is different to many other properties on the island as it shines out at you with all its brightly painted buildings – the full range of the rainbow

Eden Roc at Cap Cana when it fully opens in a few weeks’ time will comprises of 34 upmarket free-standing suites each painted in different bright but subtle colours. There will be eight different types of suites to choose from – 17 Junior Suites, 8 One Bedroom Suites, 2 One Bedroom Spa Suites, 3 Family Suites, 1 Two Bedroom Suite, 1 Two Bedroom Suite Duplex, 1 Black Horse 3 Bedroom Suite and 1 Golden Shell 4 Bedroom Suite located by a private lagoon

The inside of Family Suite we saw round was very modern with stylish décor and was equipped with every amenity you can think of; the master control of lighting, temperature and sound being controlled via a wall mounted iPad - very different to the run of the mill family accommodation that exists at many resorts on the island.

It was light and airy with tall vaulted ceiling and its own pool and spa area with great easy access to the private and intimate outdoor spaces that are associated with each suite. The various outside spaces have lush tropical plantings and are exceptionally spacious and well equipped

The owners who are Italian have managed to blend a modern Mediterranean feel with a traditional Caribbean twist. You have ultra-modern suites painted in vibrant colours with every amenity you can think of just few minutes’ walk away from vast wooden thatched palapas that house some of the main areas. This is a very elegant, upmarket and quite unique boutique resort in the upmarket Cap Cana area – it has been very well thought out. For a new resort the planting is already very lush indeed and again all the planting adds another colour canvas to the vistas

Guests will have access to 5 restaurants and 2 bars. There is also a wine cellar big enough for private dining for 10 guests. All guests can also have private in-suite dining. We were lucky enough to have a wonderful lunch prepared for us in their beachfront La Palapa Restaurant – see separate review

Because of the layout and location on the resort each suite has exclusive use of an electric golf cart. For those interested in golf there are three Jack Nicklaus signature courses on your doorstep. Or for just chilling out on the beach the resort has a wonderful private wide and deep beach with views of cliffs in the distance which are a pretty rare sight in the main tourist areas of Punta Cana which again demonstrates how different the Cap Cana area is

The resort believes in treating children as true guests providing them with their own bathrobes, slippers and amenities. The resort also has a magnificent Koko Kid’s Club featuring a mini spa, video gaming area, mini kitchen and buffet area. The club also has its own pool where children have access to some water sports including kayaks - parents will be able to monitor their children’s activities via their suite’s iPad

All in all I think Solaya with Eden Roc at Cap Cana have redefined luxury family accommodation for those wishing a boutique style holiday which offers something different for the whole family. I am sure the resort will also be popular with couples as each suite offers so much private space. The whole resort has a very peaceful atmosphere and is so different to many of the run of the mill resorts in the now overcrowded Bavaro Beach area of Punta Cana

Based on our experience of the island Eden Roc at Cap Cana is an ideal venue for weddings, golf trips and is also very well equipped to cater for conferences, meetings and banquets, etc – see their website for full details of what is on offer

Eden Roc at Cap Cana will not suit everyone as it may simply be too expensive or the EP option will not appeal. Although there is no AI there is the option of booking on a half or full board basis. For some it will be too small or isolated. However, for those wanting seclusion at a truly unique, elegant upmarket boutique resort not associated normally with the Dominican Republic, which is the biggest hurdle properties in Cap Cana have yet to overcome, Eden Roc is THE place to come – but such an experience does have a price tag which will give you exclusivity

Do I think this mini-review is an accurate reflection based on the fact that we were only at the resort for a short period of time??? Yes I do as many travel agents who visit resorts to see what they are like are there for far less time than we were. My review is factual and backed up with a comprehensive photograph album.

Reviews are but one person’s opinion of their experience and this is ours. Will it vary from other people’s experience – of course it will as we all have different expectations and holiday measuring sticks. Ours is fairly sophisticated as we are lucky enough to travel a lot and seems to match a lot of what other people who read TripAdvisor are looking for

Should you be interested in seeing some photos of our day out please click on the link below to my online album on SlickPic

http://www.slickpic.com/u/flipflopman/EdenRoc2012Review/photo?play#2459234

Best viewed in slideshow full screen mode as this way you will be able to see the photo labels

For those interested in seeing photos and videos of other trips we have made feel free to check out

http://www.slickpic.com/u/flipflopman

Please note that any time you enter the happy world of flipflop_man’s magic moments and memories it is always wise to have a drink in hand as there are always a lot of them to see – we are very lucky people.

Finally, I can well understand why the owners elected to call the property Eden Roc. Eden as a tropical paradise and Roc as it will provide a mythical, magical experience

As always I am happy to answer any questions