TORONTO — At Vista Sol Punta Cana Beach Resort they’re rolling out the red carpet for Canadian guests, especially those who travel with Sunwing Vacations. Formerly known as the Caribella Beach Resort, this four-star property is one of the original resorts in the area, and in 2013 started its reinvention.

“We’re a true beach resort, showing guests true Dominican hospitality,” said Jacqueline Bel, Commercial Director of Vista Sol Punta Cana Beach Resort. Bel added that unlike other resorts who are part of large chains, this resort is an independent and showcases what Mother Nature created in Punta Cana. Canadians currently account 20% of the resort’s annual guests.

As a partner with Sunwing Vacations, Vista Sol Punta Cana Beach Resort has not only become an exclusive hotel for Sunwing’s passengers, but also offers site specific benefits for Canadians. A multi-phase renovation of rooms, which continues this summer with the last 100 rooms, will finish Nov. 1. Over 50% of rooms have an ocean or partial ocean view.

With five room categories at Vista Sol Punta Cana Beach Resort, there are two exclusive options for Sunwing guests. Some 25 swim-up suites with king size beds offer direct access from their terraces to one of the resort’s three pools, while 24 Junior Suite sea view rooms, are constructed on the beach with a wood balcony. Guests staying in these rooms are eligible for the Gold Club, with access to a reserved area of the beach.

With three restaurants, seven bars, three pools, two kids pools, kids mini club at the beach, the resort also hosts theme nights. Monday nights are Dominican night with a mini-market offering local souvenirs, Tuesday nights there is live music in the lobby, Friday night is gala night for celebrating special occasions, while Saturday nights transforms the main pool area into a beach party disco, with a midnight barbecue buffet.

Canadian guests can indulge in their favourite cocktail, with every resort bar offering caesars while the resort’s sports bar on the beach has two large screens showing hockey games, as well as baseball and soccer games.

New for guests in winter 2016-2017 is a spa and fitness centre opening Dec. 1. Vista Sol Punta Cana Beach Resort already offers traditional watersports, yoga, volleyball and tennis, while guests who choose the all-inclusive package also receive access to snorkeling and kayaking.

“Our resort is romantic and magical,” says Bel, “… because of our mature tropical gardens, which are lit up every night.” And because it was one of the first properties built in Punta Cana, the resort’s wide beach, seen as soon as guests arrive in the lobby, is a definite plus. Bel adds that the design of the resort is intimate, making it easy for families or seniors to access any amenity or get to their room in less than five minutes.

Hotel guests can also easily explore off-resort, with a small shopping area across the street featuring a supermarket, pharmacy, souvenir shop and flower shop, and for those who need more retail therapy, complimentary shuttle access to San Juan Shopping Centre, Palma Real Shopping Village and the recently opened Blue Mall Shopping Centre.

Sunwing Vacations offers year round direct flight service to Punta Cana and Puerto Plata, and a summer flight schedule from nine Canadian cities including Toronto, Montreal and Quebec City, as well as recently introduced seasonal service from Buffalo to Punta Cana.