Hardly wasting away in Margaritaville 

(Editor”™s note:  It”™s a tough job but somebody has to do it. Westfair luxury travel and beauty writer Debbi K. Kickham spent some time recently at a tony resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Here is her report: ) 

Lucky me:  I just spent 11 days in the sun at Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana. It”™s a five-star, luxury, all-inclusive resort, and I fell in love with my surroundings  (and my swim-up villa) faster than you can say, “flip-flop.”  (“Foot”note: Images of the little rubber sandals are ubiquitous at the resort.) 

In the elegant St. Somewhere Spa, I opted for the Morir Sonado service ”“ a lengthy treatment consisting of a sugar body exfoliation, a coconut milk mask, a three-milks facial and an oh-so-wonderful massage.  As I started my posh pampering, my masseuse handed me a little coffee bean.  “This is a gift for you,” she told me.  “I want you to make a wish, and this bean will make it come true.” 

My wish?  That I remain a travel writer for the rest of my life.  Doing what I do for work, am I not the luckiest woman in the world? 

The massage suite featured rose petals adorning the floor, lit candles and fresh oranges all sliced up and ready to exfoliate me. The treatment began with a sauna and Jacuzzi in the hydrotherapy section of the spa. Then I was escorted to the thermal lounger ”“ where my hair and head were wrapped, and cucumber slices were placed over my eyes.  I lay still like this for about a half-hour. It was very relaxing, setting the tone for what lay ahead. 

Up next was the shea-sugar exfoliation with half of an orange used as a sponge. This took place in a room appropriately named “Happiness.” The experience was delightful, as was the aroma.  I kept taking deep breaths, soaking in the calming atmosphere.  

Next was a probiotic coconut-milk mask painted onto my body, before it was wrapped up in a warm cocoon of blankets and I dove into my sweetest dream. 

As I lay there buffed and sloughed, it was then time for the three-milks facial to bring a glow to my complexion. It included a cleansing, exfoliation and toner ”“ and my skin never felt better.  

Besides, what could more sensuous than soaking in luxurious milk while the scent of fresh oranges enveloped me? I felt like a Creamsicle.  

There were more orange delights to come in the effervescent bath, complete with a vanilla bath bomb and orange slices in the water. After effervescing there, I had a full-body massage. “Wow” was all I could think. This was a sensuous, three-hour, joy-filled journey.  

After, I lay in the Relaxation Room with a cup of hot chamomile tea.  Was I ready to take on the world? No way.  It was time for a nap, and I returned to my villa and sunk into the comfy bed with its high-thread-count sheets (embossed with little Jimmy Buffet parrots, a reminder of his song about a very different Margaritaville).  Ah, sweet slumber never felt better. Let the world keep turning. I was enveloped in indulgence, and it hit the spot. 

But you know, you can have the same luxurious experiences that I just had at Margaritaville. All you need to do is book your ritzy reservation here.

And you can follow me on Instagram at @DebbiKickham.