When luxury resorts share the same brand name but deliver vastly different experiences…
Have you ever visited sister properties expecting similar experiences, only to find yourself in completely different worlds? That’s exactly what happened when I experienced Excellence Resort’s ‘The Finest’ in both Cancun and the Dominican Republic. One All-Inclusive experience delighted us as a family, while the other left me and my girlfriends wondering what happened to the magic. Let me take you through this tale of two Finests.
The Playa Mujeres Experience: A Cancun Family Paradise
Walking into The Finest Cancun, I immediately felt that wonderful sensation of having made the right choice. You know that feeling, right? When the lobby’s ambiance, the staff’s welcome, and even the gentle sea breeze seem to whisper, “You’re going to love it here.” We met our extended family here and were delighted with the champagne greeting.
Our family vacation started strong and only got better. The cousins darted off to what would become their second home for the week – the kids club.
The Food: A Culinary Journey
The dining experience at Cancun deserves its own highlight reel. Each restaurant offered something special, but what impressed me most was how they balanced sophisticated flavors with family-friendly options. My husband and I could enjoy ceviche while the kids happily devoured made-to-order quesadillas that went well beyond typical kids’ menu fare.
The breakfast buffet became our morning ritual – meeting family here was the perfect come-as-you-are event before the pool.
The Spa: Rock-a-bye Relaxation
Let’s talk about that spa! I’m always up for a spa experience, and without kids, its an extra special treat! They have all out experiences and even options that include kids! The One spa was a really amazing experience as a couple.
The treatment itself was divine, but the post-relaxation area with those gently rocking beds, dessert, and champagne nearly had me calling a real estate agent to inquire about staying forever. Swaying gently while sipping my glass, I reached that rare state of complete relaxation – you know, when you temporarily forget you have any responsibilities at all.
Active Adventures
One unexpected highlight was the resort’s biking path. Our morning rides became a favorite ritual, with the boys racing ahead (but not too far) and my husband and I enjoying conversations uninterrupted by screens. The path wound through beautifully landscaped areas and offered glimpses of native wildlife that delighted all of us.
The Punta Cana Experience: Girls Dominican Getaway Gone Awry
Fast forward to my girlfriends’ escape to The Finest Dominican Republic. “It’ll be just like Cancun!” I promised them, setting expectations that would soon crumble faster than the disappointing poolside nachos we were served.
The Food: From Feast to Famine
Remember that culinary journey I mentioned in Cancun? In the DR, it was more of a culinary wrong turn. Even the simplest dishes seemed to miss the mark, with inconsistent preparation and flavors that never quite harmonized. We found ourselves returning to the same restaurant repeatedly – not because it was exceptional, but because it was the least disappointing option.
Service followed a similar pattern. While the Cancun staff had anticipated needs before we knew we had them, here we found ourselves waving desperately for attention, only to be met with indifferent shrugs when we finally caught someone’s eye.
“Is this really the same brand?” my friend whispered over yet another underwhelming dinner. I found myself apologizing repeatedly, feeling personally responsible for the letdown.
Activities: Quantity Over Quality
The activity schedule was packed – I’ll give them that. But quantity doesn’t always equal quality. The bike tour especially stands out as a cautionary tale. What was described as an ecological exploration turned into an awkward parade through local shops where our guide clearly had commission arrangements.
We got caught in a rainstorm and my girlfriend actually crashed her bike! Our guide seemed more concerned with hurrying us through the shopping areas than pointing out any cultural or natural highlights.
The Silver Lining
To be fair, the kids’ jumping bubble in the pool was a blast. The buffet really did set our morning off right, and the evening vibes were on fleek. we had a lot of fun in the min lobby next to the saxophonist with cocktails.
The Verdict: Cancun Claims the Crown
When comparing these all-inclusive sister properties, The Finest Cancun emerges as the clear winner. The difference seems to lie not in the facilities themselves, but in the execution and attention to detail. Cancun delivered a cohesive experience where every element – from dining to activities to service – worked in harmony to create memorable moments.
The Dominican Republic property had potential and individual highlights, but lacked the magical touch that transforms a nice place to stay into a destination you can’t wait to revisit.
Travel Takeaways
If you’re deciding between these two properties, here’s my standby family’s straightforward advice:
- For family travel, Cancun offers the better overall experience with genuinely helpful kids’ programming and dining options that please both sophisticated and simpler palates.
- If spa treatments are high on your priority list, both offer a fabulous aesthetic you’re sure to enjoy.
- Active travelers will appreciate Cancun’s thoughtful schedule and water aerobics in the DR.
- The Dominican Republic property might work for travelers with very specific interests, but prepare for inconsistent dining and service.
Have you experienced The Finest? I’d love to hear your stories of expectation versus reality in the comments below!