Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

During the lay off week, my good friend Jared and I spent the week at my mom's vacation home in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. My mom chose Punta Cana because it reminded her a lot of the beach where she lived in Cuba. Coincidentally, Jared (who is the musical director on the tour of the Broadway show Spring Awakening) had the same week off I did, so we spent the week eating, tanning and napping. Punta Cana is one of my favorite vacation destinations. The food is so fresh and delicious, and there are so many different tropical fruits and vegetables you typically wouldnt find in a US supermarket. One of my favorite cafe's in the world, Huracan Cafe is there as well.

Ahhhh the beaches, I cannot say enough about the beaches....the sand is almost as white and soft as flour, with not a shell or coral on the ocean floor to stab your feet. No lingering seaweed...just clean sandy beaches that are raked daily by the superb staff at my favorite beach at Capcana. Hungry? Order food and drinks right to your beach chair. Imagine...piña coladas and Dominican fried plantains beach side. I also love that there is a building restriction ordinance that doesnt allow any building rise above the height of the palm trees, keeping the beach looking virgin and desolate. The ocean water is as warm as bathwater and ever so still because of the natural barrier reef that breaks the waves far out creating a natural pool. Almost seems like a dream doesn't it? It is.

I try to go at least twice a year to just relax and get away. I cant wait to go back.You can see the full set of photos here.