Rustling palm trees, the lap of waves and the sound of birdsong! Only whales disturb the piece on the beautiful Bacardi Island
- The idyllic Caribbean island provides ultimate rest and relaxation
- Samana Bay is a mating ground and nursery for humpback whales
- Whales flirt with tourists out at sea by making huge splashes in water
Cosseted in the shade of rustling palm trees, listening to birdsong and the lap of waves caressing the talcum powder sands of an idyllic Caribbean island, I didn’t think anything could raise me from the blissful sanctuary of my sun-bed.
Yet, suddenly aware that other sun-bathing guests had sprung to their feet to stare out to sea, my curiosity got the better of me.
Nudging my husband, we strained our eyes to see what was attracting so much attention.
A couple of boats were bobbing around on the swell and then, suddenly, there was a huge splash. A glimmering black shape and another huge splash confirmed that whales were flirting out at sea. Transfixed, we spent the afternoon watching them breaching and tail flipping to their hearts’ content.
Samana Bay is a mating ground and nursery for humpback whales from January to March (file image)
The fact that pristine Samana Bay is a mating ground and nursery for humpback whales from January to March was part of the attraction of visiting this unspoilt area of the Dominican Republic, now served by direct Dreamliner flights from the UK.
Yet I never suspected we’d catch sight of the whales before we’d even embarked on our organised half-day excursion. Later that week, on board our tour, there were gasps of awe when not just a mum and her one-ton baby, but an even larger minder surfaced close to our starboard side. Whether the third whale was the father or an uncle wasn’t clear as the pod all lend a hand when it comes to protecting newborns.
Our hotel, the Bahia Principe Cayo Levantado, is on its own private island in the bay and is nicknamed ‘Bacardi Island’ because of a TV advert once filmed here on the palm-fringed white sands with azure seas. And in this Thomson Couples all-inclusive resort, you can have as many Bacardi Breezers, Pina Coladas, Coco Locos or the local Mama Juanas as you like…
Breakfasts, pool-side barbecues and dinner buffets were varied and excellent, as were the other four á la carte restaurants serving Brazilian, French, Italian and Mediterranean cuisine at no extra charge.
After-dinner shows were also entertaining, from circus acts and magicians to bands and salsa dancing.
Our spacious room with a king-size canopy bed, lounge, balcony, raindrop shower and spa bathtub was heavenly, while some beachfront villas boasted whirlpools and hammocks on private terraces – perfect for honeymooners.
For not-a-care-in-the-world relaxation on a getaway-from-it-all Caribbean escape, Bacardi Island is just the tonic.
We had – dare I say it – a whale of a time.
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