A Custom Group Trip to the Dominican Republic: What It Looks Like
- Jessica Vides
- Mar 22
- 4 min read
Updated: 24 hours ago
Some people celebrate their 10-year wedding anniversary with a romantic dinner or party.
We took it a step further.
This wasn’t just a trip for my husband and me—it was a celebration with friends who were also marking 10 years of marriage. Four couples, one incredible villa, and a week of relaxation, adventure, and unforgettable memories.

Of course, it wasn’t going to be just any trip. If you know me, you know I love planning.
And this? This was the ultimate custom group getaway.
Here are some of the infographics I created for our guests before and during the trip including a custom cocktail menu!
The Setup: Arriving Before Our Guests
We arrived a day early.
With our car packed full of groceries, fresh tropical fruit, and locally sourced coffee and drinks for the bar, we made our way to our stunning private villa in Las Galeras, Samaná—the kind of place that makes you stop in your tracks.

An infinity pool overlooking the ocean. Private bedrooms for each couple. Walking distance to the beach. It was everything we wanted.
Arriving early gave us time to set the scene:
✔️ Stocked the kitchen with essentials for meals & snacks
✔️ Set up the bar with drinks & a custom cocktail menu
✔️ Arranged surprise welcome gifts—personalized beach totes filled with local coffee, Dominican chocolate, Turkish towels, candles, and more
By the time our friends arrived, everything was perfectly in place for the ultimate getaway in the Dominican Republic.
The Arrival: A Grand First Impression
After a private airport transfer, our friends stepped out of the van, stretching from the ride. They barely had time to take in the view before we handed them welcome cocktails.

"You planned all this?" one of them asked, spinning around to take in the infinity pool, the patio leading to the most pristine view, and the perfectly curated villa.

The First Morning: Slow Mornings & Easy Vibes
The next morning was pure vacation mode.
A local chef prepared breakfast while we sipped coffee on the terrace, watching the ocean sparkle under the rising sun. The only plan for the day? Relax.
Some of us strolled down to the beach, just a short walk away. Others stretched out by the pool with a drink in hand. No schedules. No stress. Just enjoying the moment.
Excursions, Adventure & Luxury on our Trip in the Dominican Republic

Of course, relaxation wasn’t the only thing on the itinerary.
🌴 Beach Day at Playa Rincón – One of the most stunning beaches in the DR, where we spent the day floating in the crystal-clear water and feasting on fresh seafood.
🚜 ATV Adventure – A thrilling ride through jungle trails and quiet backroads, getting a taste of the Dominican countryside.


💆🏽♀️ In-Villa Massages – After a day in the sun, a private masseuse came to the villa to help everyone unwind.
🍹 Custom Cocktail Hour – Every evening, we mixed up drinks from our personalized cocktail menu, complete with easy-to-follow recipes.
🍲 Delicious Local Cuisine —The in-house chef prepared some of our meals, set the table on the patio looking over the sea, and even cleaned up after!
Every single detail—from the excursions to the bar setup to the chef-cooked meals—was pre-planned, making the entire trip seamless and stress-free.
Why This Custom Trip Beats an All-Inclusive Resort
We could have booked a resort. But we wanted something personal.

✔️ Privacy & Space – No crowded pools, no fighting for lounge chairs—just our own space to relax.
✔️ Personalized Experiences – From local coffee in our gift bags to a curated itinerary based on what we actually wanted, everything was designed for us.
✔️ Exploring the Real DR – Most visitors never see beyond Punta Cana. This trip let us explore the best of Samaná—one of the most beautiful regions of the country.
Want a Trip Like This? Let’s Make It Happen

A custom-planned trip takes the stress out of travel while giving you an experience that’s entirely your own.
📍 I’ve lived in the Dominican Republic for 10 years—I know the towns, the best villas, secret beaches, and must-try experiences.
Whether you’re planning an anniversary getaway, a friends’ trip, or a family vacation, I’ll help you create a trip that’s effortless, unforgettable, and completely tailored to you and your group.
How It Works
Planning your dream trip to the Dominican Republic is simple! Here’s how to get started:
✅ Fill out a free survey – Tell us about your ideal vacation, including must-haves and preferences.
✅ Book a free discovery call – We’ll chat about your trip ideas and see if we’re the right fit.
✅ Choose your trip planning package – Select the level of service that works best for you.
✅ Receive your custom trip options – We’ll send you a curated list of stays, activities, and extras to craft your perfect getaway!
👉 Let’s start planning an unforgettable trip to the Dominican Republic
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