Community Success Story: Girls Trip to Punta Cana

Theresa, a Facebook community member shares how she planned and booked a girls trip to Punta Cana (can we go!?)

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Brand new mom here, and I decided that I wanted to go on an amazing vacation with my bestie.  I told my hubby, and he said well I’d love to go turkey hunting too.  Ok, boo.  I got you too.

Departure:

We left out of Atlanta.  I am currently working on the Bilt/Hyatt Explorist promo, so I need to stay at Hyatt at least 10 times in the next 3 months. I chose Hyatt Centric in Midtown mainly because I love that area, and if you stay at 5 different brands, you get a free night.  It only cost me 12k points.  I have no idea the cash value, but I’m willing to bet I at least got 3pp because Taylor Swift was in town, and it was a glitter teenage mob. 

The next morning, my hubby, son, bestie, and I left for the airport.  My hubby and son flew to Oklahoma for 27,685 SW points r/t plus $11.20, and my bestie and I flew to Punta Cana for 33,271 SW points r/t plus $126.75 (each-cash not points).  Taxes and fees are tad higher for international, but still a huge win with Southwest Companion Pass.  We also used TSA ✅ on the way there, and GE on the way back courtesy of SW Business and CSR.

Resort:

We stayed, once again, at a Hyatt resort because I’m working on maintaining elite status.  We chose Breathless Punta Cana for 5 days 4 nights.  It is an adult only all inclusive.  Our booking was for an Xhale Club level suite which included access to a private bar, pool, and beach.   Cash value was $2096.  Cost me 96k chase points transferred to Hyatt. (~2.2pp.  I shoot for 3, but anything above 2 is ok for me. ?‍♀️)

Return: 

The Priority Pass membership benefit included with my CSR gave us lounge access in Atlanta and Punta Cana.  The lounge in Punta Cana had a very nice spread of food and drinks, but it is mostly known for its pool on the runway.

It is a must stop when you are in the Dominican Republic.  When we returned to Atlanta, we stayed at the Hyatt Place Airport South.  Cash value was $178.  It cost me 5k in Hyatt points, but I received 3k back.  Hyatt is currently doing a bonus journey of 3k points for every 2 stays.  With points back, that is 8.9pp.  My bestie paid for our shuttle and we both probably tipped around $100 over 4 days.  I had a great 5 day vacation in sunny DR for ~$230.  Going to Montego Bay, Jamaica in 3 weeks, also all on points, so keep posted.

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