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One of our wonderful readers sent in this success story about her amazing trip to Secrets Cap Cana, in the Dominican Republic. (If you’re the reader, please let me know—I don’t have your name!) 

 

Our return trip to Secrets Cap Cana was one of the most meaningful points and miles redemptions we’ve made since I started this hobby in March 2023. My husband and I had first visited in September 2021 when we were given a stay as a gift and we were blown away. We had visited a few all-inclusives (AIs) before, but nothing compared to this one.

 

First Trip First Impressions

From the moment we stepped into the open-air lobby, we were impressed. The resort had:

• Gorgeous, serene architecture
• Great service
• Surprisingly good food (especially for an AI)
• A quiet, post-COVID atmosphere

We even had our own pool and butler—we were sold! I started dreaming about returning for our tenth anniversary, but the cash price was out of our budget. It was a major bummer until I realized it was bookable with Hyatt points.

 

 

Return Trip Redemption Details

 

Direct Flights ATL > PUJ

With two young kids at home and only a few days away, direct flights were a must. As Atlantans, we also prefer to fly Delta when possible. Here’s how we made it work:

• I opened the card_name when it had a 90k sign-up bonus
• We booked roundtrip flights for 36k SkyMiles each (that’s including the 15% discount on award flights as cardholders), plus about $132 in taxes total

This was also our first time using our Global Entry (a benefit through our card_name), which helped maximize our time in the airport when we got back home. And the Punta Cana Airport has gotten a major facelift since we last flew there, which also improved our experience. 

For Capital One products listed on this page, some of the benefits may be provided by Visa® or Mastercard® and may vary by product. See the respective Guide to Benefits for details, as terms and exclusions apply.

 

Booking the Resort with Points

To book our resort stay, I opened the card_name to earn Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

• We booked 4 nights in a standard room at 30k points/night (it’s now 40k/night).
• A swim-out junior suite was a non-negotiable for us, so we emailed the resort about an upgrade. We paid $180/night to upgrade to a swim-out room.
• We declined the additional Preferred Club upgrade (offered at $295/night).

 

 

Secrets Cap Cana Return Experience

 

Transportation to the Resort

We found a private transfer recommendation on the resort’s Facebook fan group. We paid just $35 each way. We highly recommend Mike Fisher, and his company also offers excursions!

 

Resort Experience

Even with the resort being busier during this visit than it had been during our first visit, Secrets Cap Cana lived up to our memories. We stayed in Building 1, which was quiet and private.

 

 

Some highlights:

• Live music nearly every evening (and even once in the pool!)
• Staff brought fresh coconuts, made-to-order crepes, and popsicles around to everyone at the pool
• A juice bar on the Preferred side in the mornings (worth checking out even if you’re not Preferred)
• Coffee shop had upgraded its menu and quality since our 2021 visit

 

 

We didn’t do any excursions this time due to the short stay, but we loved the spa during our first trip.

 

Final Thoughts

Secrets Cap Cana is a perfect destination for couples or a girls’ trip. This luxury getaway would’ve been out of reach without points and miles. Because of this hobby, we had an anniversary to remember! 

Thank you for sharing your reader success story to Secrets Cap Cana!

 

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