When TRS Cap Cana Hotel first opened in 2018, the resort was expected to be among the Palladium Group’s most successful all-inclusives in the Dominican Republic.

And it was before the pandemic.

The hotel, like most in the world, closed its doors in March of 2020 due to the pandemic. Now reopened, the hotel is looking to make up for the lost business.

Today, it’s a different kind of Dominican Republic all-inclusive — it’s not a megaresort; it’s not sprawling; it’s a luxury all-inclusive with a decidedly boutique feel.

Caribbean Journal recently checked in to the luxury resort to see how the property’s comeback is coming along.

Here’s what you need to know.

TRS Cap Cana Hotel is a luxury hotel located in the most exclusive part of Punta Cana, on the east coast of the Dominican Republic and just 10 minutes from the international airport.

The rooms and facilities at TRS Cap Cana Hotel are designed to offer the full adults-only experience from a simple, classy decor to an abundance of romantic spots near the beach.

Speaking of the beach, it is rather small. It is not the type of beach where you will see volleyball or crowds in general. It has more of a lagoon feel to it and offers the opportunity to be only one of a handful of people to enjoy the water.

There are just 115 rooms here. CJ stayed in room 4201, a Suite Jacuzzi Terrace Ocean View. There are about 20 of these rooms. It comes with an outdoor Jacuzzi and cabana, overlooking the pool with ocean views. Also, guests of this category gain access to a butler.

All stays at TRS Cap Cana Hotel include the hotel’s exclusive “Infinite Indulgence” service and access to massages and treatments at the Zentropia Palladium Spa & Wellness Centre.

The spa features two hot tubs, saunas, steam rooms, a modern gym, and private rooms for exclusive treatments and massages.

TRS Cap Cana Hotel offers its guests four restaurants. During your stay at TRS Cap Cana Hotel, you can eat at one of two a la carte restaurants, Izakaya and El Gaucho, taste a selection of international dishes at Capricho, sample seafood dishes at the Ibizan-style restaurant, Helios, or catch up with the latest scores at the hotel’s 24-hour sports bar, Xtra Time.

CJ thought Xtra Time was especially unique not just for the Dominican Republic, but for the Caribbean in general since the region usually plays home to bars that shut down around 1 a.m. or earlier. This bar not only served alcohol all night, but also offered small bites like fries and chips.

Guests staying at TRS Hotels can enjoy, without additional charges, lobster dishes offered in Helios a la carte restaurant, which is exclusive for TRS Hotels guests.

In fact, Helios was CJ’s favorite restaurant at the hotel for both lunch and dinner. We highly recommend the lobster ceviche. Helios also offers live music, an extensive menu and a buffet. Also, be sure to ask if the avocado soup is in season. The portions here were rather small, but no one will think twice if you order another serving.

Every night at the hotel, there is a different form of entertainment. The first night we arrived, the hotel hosted a Michael Jackson dance party, featuring a Michael Jackson impersonator who dances and lip sinks to the King of Pop’s top hits as guests watch from either the seated area or from their rooms. Other entertainment includes local Dominican singers, circus-like performances and more.

It all adds up to a different kind of experience in the Dominican Republic — even for Cap Cana, a destination that continues to see new all-inclusive development.

This is unique — it’s small, it’s intimate and it’s luxurious.

What about testing?

Guests are tested the day before they leave. The COVID tests costs $25 per guest. The rapid tests are conducted by using cotton swabs. Results are confirmed in about 20 minutes, in order to comply with the CDC re-entry rules.

For more, visit the TRS Cap Cana.