Do you ever feel like you need a vacation after your vacation? The new Zen Oasis at Club Med Punta Cana Resort -- a distinct section of the all-inclusive resort just unveiled last month -- was built to prevent that very situation. The retreat-within-a-retreat is great for those looking to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of daily life, putting relaxation at the forefront of your stay. Here are five ways they got the relaxing experience right:
1. No Kids Allowed
For anyone who knows Club Med or has stayed at one, it's no secret that the majority of their resorts are filled with families -- which is great for group travel but perhaps not so ideal for ultimate unwinding. Luckily, that's not the case at the Zen Oasis. Situated on the outskirts of the resort and just a short walk from activities and the beach, the area is reserved for guests 18 and older. While it encompasses exclusive accommodations (more on that below), any adult Club Med guest can have access to the stress-free lounging here away from the rest of the resort. The same goes for the private Zen Oasis beach area. Equipped with comfortable beach loungers, it's the perfect setting for adults to swim, sunbathe, and mellow out in peace.
2. Strategically Designed Rooms
A relaxing getaway requires ultimate privacy -- so a room you actually want escape to is important. The Zen Oasis village houses 78 brand-new rooms, each with a spacious open-concept design, as well as a furnished terrace or garden. But we think the highlight is the bathroom area, equipped with plenty of closet space, a double vanity, and a rainfall shower head and large bathtub enclosed in floor-to-ceiling glass. The bluetooth speakers are another plus, strategically placed above the bed and the bathtub. Draw a bath, put on soothing music, and close the glass doors to be one with tranquility.
3. L'Occitane en Provence
To make that bath time relaxation even better, the Zen Oasis rooms offer amenities from L’Occitane en Provence, the beloved French retailer of natural beauty and bath products. Along with shampoos, conditioners, and lotions, guests receive a loofah and calming bath salts during the stay. If the complimentary toiletries aren’t enough, you can stock up at the nearby Club Med Spa by L’Occitane. Here, over 25 different face and body treatments range from facials to massages for the mom-to-be. Or, book one of the Zen Oasis Couple VIP packages, which include luxurious private spa suites for two with ocean views, from $390 to $990 per person.
4. A Pool to Die For
Come for the peace and quiet, stay for the pool of Olympic proportions. Lined with lounge chairs -- both in and out of the pool -- and private canopy beds, the pool in the center of the Zen Oasis village is a place you’ll never want to leave. And you won’t really have to; the poolside Hibiscus Bar and Lounge serves drinks and small plates of food to your lounger, so you could theoretically spend the entire day there. Enjoy laps in a perfectly cool temperature, or seamlessly transition to the large hot tub located in the center of the pool to give your body a rest.
5. Plenty of Activities
Relaxing isn’t all sunbathing and spa treatments -- sometimes staying active and doing something new is the best way to banish your worries on vacation. Guests can find peace during a yoga session near the beach at the Zen Oasis yoga palapa (be sure to bring the complimentary mat supplied in your room). Guests can release toxins at the new state-of-the-art gym with classes and personal training, or with the usual sailing, paddle boarding, windsurfing, and golf. Game for something totally unique? There are 30 different acrobatic activities at the CREACTIVE center, where you can experience everything from flying trapeze to juggling with trained Cirque du Soleil professionals.
