tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-37588440713418072272012-02-16T23:17:31.845-05:00Paradise for Parents and Little Ones: Club Med Punta Cana for families visiting with babies, toddlers, and kids under 10 - packing list, reviews, and morePunta Cana Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15820403425089672265noreply@blogger.comBlogger341100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3758844071341807227.post-37524775850500370772010-03-09T20:32:00.022-05:002010-03-09T21:46:46.371-05:00

Here are photos of the daily activities and dress code for the week we were there this year. I'm putting the dress code info directly below so you don't have to read the agenda for each day if that's all you're interested in!Dress CodeSaturday: Jeans and whiteSunday: White and pinkMonday: Beige and whiteTuesday: Elegant blankWednesday: Casual elegantThursday: Blue and white (boys), red and white

Punta Cana Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15820403425089672265noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3758844071341807227.post-90427862854872106912010-03-08T20:29:00.009-05:002010-03-08T22:00:37.955-05:00

This year we visited with our more mobile child, and after reading two reviews where young children locked themselves in the bathroom, I wrote in a pre-trip post that I would try to pay more attention to the layout with respect to hazards. Note that I'm not actively endorsing brands or products here; any links are intended as examples of what I mean.Overall, I didn't find our room to be

Punta Cana Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15820403425089672265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3758844071341807227.post-12449986488222665102010-02-13T11:54:00.000-05:002010-02-13T11:53:58.648-05:00

AKA Baby Feeding Room or Biberonnerie,this 24-hour code access room is part of the Mini Club complex, located on the Baby Club Med side. Parents should be given the code upon arrival/check-in, but if not, just ask. The room is designed something like a small basic kitchen minus stove, and has lots of cabinets, a sink, paper towels, dish soap, dish drying racks (for bottles, etc.), bottle

Punta Cana Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15820403425089672265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3758844071341807227.post-46451552449742136052010-01-10T08:38:00.016-05:002010-03-08T21:41:29.731-05:00

Now that we're going back to Club Med Punta Cana and our child is slightly older and able to reach more things, like door locks, I'm thinking more about room safety. Note that I don't think the rooms are significantly more "risky" than any other hotel room - they seem fairly typical to me in that regard. Update: See additional post-trip babyproofing comments as well.Deliciousbaby has some great

Punta Cana Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15820403425089672265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3758844071341807227.post-4699467363929037422009-09-25T21:36:00.000-04:002009-09-25T21:36:00.758-04:00

The following posts cover some of the convenient features of Club Med Punta Cana (Baby Bottle Room, Baby Corner) and logistics related to feeding your kids (Buffet with Baby, Food in Between Meals) during your stay. Babies and ToddlersBaby Bottle RoomMealtime at Baby Corner Buffet with BabyKids All AgesKeeping Kids Happy: Food in Between Meals

Punta Cana Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15820403425089672265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3758844071341807227.post-78173178592486662932009-09-16T21:12:00.000-04:002009-09-16T21:08:48.076-04:00

If you child participates in the Baby Club, Petit Club, or Mini Club, you will take them to breakfast, and then they will have AM/PM snacks, and lunch as part of their day program. Older children who do the Pyjama Club can have dinner with their GOs, too. However, regardless of age, dinner does not start until fairly late by US standards, and certainly late by little kid standards, particularly

Punta Cana Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15820403425089672265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3758844071341807227.post-16664087952688936162009-09-03T20:41:00.002-04:002009-09-03T20:41:00.419-04:00

We really enjoyed the food during our stays!! There are many comments on Club Med food on other sites, so I won't replicate them. This post is more about logistics.Eating buffet with a very small child means that most likely one parent stays and supervises while the other parent gets food. If you are alone, and find a GO present in the Baby Corner, ask him/her to watch your child while you

Punta Cana Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15820403425089672265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3758844071341807227.post-63438343049713874612009-08-27T20:38:00.004-04:002009-08-27T20:45:13.070-04:00

Baby Corner is a section in each of the two restaurants, Hispaniola and Samana, for GMs (guests) with young children. In addition to regular table seating, a number of high chairs are readily available, and parents have access right there to a small refrigerator filled with a variety of jarred baby foods and milk; a blender; a microwave; a bottle warmer; and plastic bowls and plates, as well as

Punta Cana Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15820403425089672265noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3758844071341807227.post-27860396608750200522009-08-15T08:54:00.004-04:002009-08-15T08:56:53.351-04:00

The staff, or G.O.s, at Punta Cana - as with most G.O.s at other Club Meds - are multilingual: at Punta Cana, the GOs predominantly speak English, French, Spanish, and even some Portuguese and Italian (and possibly other languages). GMs (Club Med guests) who only speak one language should not feel intimidated. GOs are accustomed to interacting with guests from all over the world. For example,

Punta Cana Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15820403425089672265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3758844071341807227.post-12631291509674562852009-08-09T21:20:00.001-04:002009-08-09T21:22:19.758-04:00

Worried about just getting to Punta Cana with your kids? The good thing is that, once you get there, the ground transfer from the airport is fast - only 10 minutes on local roads. Don't forget to review TSA guidelines for travel prior to your departure to be up to date on any changes in procedures or restrictions that you should be aware of in relation to your family flight planning (things can

Punta Cana Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15820403425089672265noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3758844071341807227.post-79401365775945224322009-07-29T21:56:00.002-04:002009-07-29T22:01:16.413-04:00

In response to a recent New York Times article on paid bloggers, visitors to this site should be aware that I am not affiliated in any way with Club Med or any of the products that I have mentioned on occasion, nor have I received compensation for any comments posted here.This site is intended as a reference to prospective visitors to Club Med Punta Cana, particularly families with young children

Punta Cana Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15820403425089672265noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3758844071341807227.post-34567159711804566452009-07-21T17:42:00.004-04:002009-07-25T08:54:49.565-04:00

We may not all be the uber-worry free and well-maintained "mom" pictured with her child on the beach in the Club Med brochures, but we sure want to enjoy a great beach vacation with our whole family, and the child care model provided by Club Med at Punta Cana (as well as Ixtapa and Sandpiper) even allows moms of very small children to have a break, too! Many resorts have kids camps, but few have

Punta Cana Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15820403425089672265noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3758844071341807227.post-29571842899191415622009-07-15T21:04:00.007-04:002009-07-18T20:11:40.607-04:00

According to the State Department's country profile for the Dominican Republic (dated June 22, 2009), there are no child car seat laws in the Dominican Republic - and hence Punta Cana. This does not mean that you should not bring a car seat on your trip, but it does mean that you may encounter a few more surprises in terms of some local driver experiences and habits if you do bring one.

Punta Cana Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15820403425089672265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3758844071341807227.post-40053668029901234382009-07-14T18:50:00.003-04:002009-07-18T13:56:18.742-04:00

I'm posting my complete Punta Cana packing list for March 2009. This list is geared toward travel with a toddler, but many aspects will apply to children of other ages. The list covers most aspects of the trip, including plane travel, time at the resort, and time in the Mini Club. Please feel free to adapt this list to your own needs.If you're in a rush, review Trip Essentials for a quick packing

Punta Cana Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15820403425089672265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3758844071341807227.post-29407944815887757772009-07-13T22:03:00.012-04:002009-08-23T12:23:05.864-04:00

What items do you *really* need to bring from home for your child? This is the quick list - I've also uploaded a complete packing list.For All Kids:__Bug spray/wipes (for evening use - see earlier post on this topic)__Bathing suit__Hat (bring two)__Sandals kids can run safely in__Shower shoes (shower tile floor is **very** slippery)__Sunscreen (leave one at Petit/Mini Club with child's affairs)__

Punta Cana Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15820403425089672265noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3758844071341807227.post-3375929012442481662009-04-11T00:49:00.005-04:002009-04-11T01:07:46.273-04:00

You may also want to review Resort Departure Tips.Please check out photos of Punta Cana Airport courtesy of puntacana-vacation.com. These are some of the best centralized airport photos that I've found, and they and really depict what you will see, particularly on arrival. However, departure is also "open air" - you will walk to your plane on the tarmac and board your flight by walking up stairs,

Punta Cana Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15820403425089672265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3758844071341807227.post-50312698552742337522009-04-04T22:36:00.015-04:002009-04-11T01:06:37.206-04:00

Your Last Day at Club Med Punta CanaPlease also review my Airport Departure Tips.Parents may also want to read Check-Out Tips for Parents.Many guests will have afternoon or evening flights out of Punta Cana. Club Med realizes this and makes arrangements to enable guests to continue to enjoy their last day while still checking out of their rooms. Read the following to help maximize your last day!

Punta Cana Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15820403425089672265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3758844071341807227.post-65952984248452801612009-04-04T22:31:00.011-04:002009-04-07T20:25:14.168-04:00

Plan to combine your regular suitcase packing with packing for extra time at the beach/pool on your last day. For parents, this may take a little more logistical forethought to determine what you need (a) for fun/comfort at the resort and (b) for the flight home, and how that all fits into your carry-on, but it's definitely worth the advance planning!A few reminders:Last minute cold milk or juice

Punta Cana Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15820403425089672265noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3758844071341807227.post-336773027058273032009-03-31T21:49:00.003-04:002009-03-31T21:55:48.914-04:00

The following Check-Out Guidelines document was provided the evening prior to check-out.Club Med Punta Cana Check-Out Guidelines 2009 Publish at Scribd or explore others: Business Presentations & Slid Uncategorizable-Unca checkout

Punta Cana Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15820403425089672265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3758844071341807227.post-31552193266666843482009-03-27T14:39:00.008-04:002009-03-30T21:30:19.675-04:00

All-Travel.com is sponsoring a photo contest to win a Club Med vacation! Submit your photo(s) by May 31, 2009 to be eligible to win a trip.Prize Details:Grand Prize: The winner and an adult guest will receive 5 nights for 2 (land only) to a Club Med® Resort in the North American Zone (excluding Bora Bora and Brazil).Runner up will receive a 15% discount on their next Club Med booking excluding

Punta Cana Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15820403425089672265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3758844071341807227.post-19403179502043567452009-03-26T22:06:00.024-04:002009-04-04T19:19:58.501-04:00

Will you and your family be safe during your stay at Club Med Punta Cana? My vote is "yes." This post is based on observations made within the resort; we did not go on any of the excurisions outside the resort during either of our stays.Anything can happen anywhere, anytime, of course - plenty of headlines at home remind us of this every day. However, I felt very comfortable during both of our

Punta Cana Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15820403425089672265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3758844071341807227.post-4345243847257282592009-03-25T21:17:00.025-04:002009-07-18T14:03:45.842-04:00

What vaccinations should you have prior to your stay in Punta Cana? Does Club Med have any health requirements? Read on.Pre-Departure Check-UpsTalk with your pediatrician and make sure that your children are up to date on vaccinations for your upcoming trip to the Dominican Republic. Depending on the age and health of your child[ren], you may even want to consult with your pediatrician prior to

Punta Cana Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15820403425089672265noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3758844071341807227.post-31601408232424269482009-03-23T21:32:00.015-04:002009-04-07T20:36:45.565-04:00

OK, so it has a beach and a pool - who doesn't?! There are many reasons to go with Club Med, but key selling points for Club Med Punta Cana for us in 2008 when we first visited with our 15-month old – and that remained very important to us for our family trip back this year – included:Children’s programming that was clearly defined by age ranges, with baby care included. Some resorts we looked at

Punta Cana Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15820403425089672265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3758844071341807227.post-73189793381012019972009-03-20T09:50:00.006-04:002009-07-18T14:07:09.599-04:00

Rather than take a car seat onboard our flight to Punta Cana, we took the CARES flight harness system for our two-year old. This FAA-approved flight harness is easy to use, light-weight (just one pound), takes up little room in your carry-on, and was worth every penny! It also arrived promptly following my online order. I "practiced" with CARES with my daughter at home prior to our departure so

Punta Cana Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15820403425089672265noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3758844071341807227.post-50015428388498457752009-03-20T08:49:00.007-04:002009-03-28T21:07:28.850-04:00

When you sign up for your trip, you'll be offered Club Med's Total Peace of Mind travel insurance, also referred to as Optional Upgraded Insurance.While the pros and cons of travel insurance can be debated, you should note that if you receive medical care during your trip, it *may* be reimbursable under Club Med’s insurance. A trip to the resort doctor, for example, might be eligible once you

Punta Cana Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15820403425089672265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3758844071341807227.post-62768525117188118712009-03-19T16:40:00.018-04:002009-04-07T20:42:13.821-04:00

Yes, there have been cases of malaria among tourists returning from the Dominican province of La Altagracia, where Punta Cana is located. You should consult with your physician and inform yourself about malaria, its prevalence, prevention, and risks prior to your trip to determine the best route to take to ensure your family's health. The CDC provides information on all health risks associated

Punta Cana Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15820403425089672265noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3758844071341807227.post-7519528498709754572009-03-18T09:59:00.010-04:002009-04-07T20:37:18.320-04:00

The most convenient rooms at the resort for families with young children include:ColonOvandoEstrellaMariposaThese buildings and a few others are close to the Mini Club/Petit Club/Baby ClubHispaniola Restaurantthe receptionPlease refer to the map of the entire club for further reference.Even families with babies or toddlers who do not plan to participate in the children's programs will benefit

Punta Cana Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15820403425089672265noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3758844071341807227.post-62205689126615587842009-03-17T01:06:00.018-04:002009-04-07T20:40:03.478-04:00

Just back from a fabulous stay at Club Med Punta Cana. Already wishing that everything at home was as close as the beach there and as beautiful... I would go back tomorrow if I could!!!This post will have many child-centric comments for visitors with young children. (Read my Trip Impressions if you aren’t interested in kiddie stuff.) We visited Punta Cana in March 2008 with our 15-month old, and

Punta Cana Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15820403425089672265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3758844071341807227.post-34528145097941254082009-03-17T01:00:00.003-04:002009-03-28T21:10:24.276-04:00

Just back from a fabulous stay at Club Med Punta Cana. Already wishing that everything at home was as close as the beach there and as beautiful... I would go back tomorrow if I could!!!This post focuses on the renovations and general trip impressions. Read my MiniClub Impressions if you are interested in information regarding childcare and programs at Punta Cana."Renovation" Impressions:After

Punta Cana Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15820403425089672265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3758844071341807227.post-53062400166610636272009-03-16T21:35:00.007-04:002009-07-18T15:02:13.107-04:00

Strolling mom at Club Med Punta Cana

Punta Cana Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15820403425089672265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3758844071341807227.post-2004308394894193592009-03-16T21:08:00.001-04:002009-03-23T21:20:50.745-04:00

MiniClub Koala (Age 2) ClassroomMiniClub Enclosed Play Areas for Small Children (not shown: tennis court, basketball court, playscape for older children, baby pool)

Punta Cana Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15820403425089672265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3758844071341807227.post-11702577650548499232009-03-16T20:50:00.008-04:002009-03-28T21:10:47.221-04:00

The one thing that everyone seems to look for before heading to Club Med Punta Cana is a map. Some visitors consider contacting room planning to request a specific location or building type, while others are merely curious.I took a few photos of the maps posted on site, as some are easier to read close-up, while others give a better overall impression of the size of the resort and its offerings.

Punta Cana Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15820403425089672265noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3758844071341807227.post-87833506010027146502009-03-16T20:38:00.004-04:002009-03-28T21:12:15.525-04:00

You don't have to do anything while you're at Club Med Punta Cana except go to the beach or pool, but there are tons of activities to take advantage of. Just a few of these are featured in the daily activities photos below; there's a whole separate sports programming agenda that I didn't have time to photograph. For those who like to plan ahead, the evening theme and suggested dress code is also

Punta Cana Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15820403425089672265noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3758844071341807227.post-90153278746459895082009-03-16T11:25:00.006-04:002009-04-07T20:38:20.817-04:00

The following is a compilation of children's programming brochures collected during our March 7-14, 2009 stay at Club Med Punta Cana. Planning your family's stay at Club Med Punta Cana? More info here: Health: Pre-Departure Tips Request a Room Location My Review of Kids' ProgramsDeparture Tips

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