It feels like a lifetime ago that we traveled to the Dominican Republic. I never had the chance to document this trip, as the world was turned on its head shortly after we returned. It was very likely the last international trip we will be able to take for the foreseeable future.

My husband and I have tried to plan a vacation to somewhere new for the both of us each spring — in previous years, we’ve visited Fiji, Morocco and Harbour Island. This was the first year we would be bringing our baby with us, and while brainstorming where to go, relaxation and logistical ease (direct flight from New York) were at the top of our list of criteria.

I am a big fan of boutique hotels and keep a running list of those I would like to someday visit. In fact, we usually choose a place to go based on a specific hotel we have been eyeing. I’m a big believer that a very special hotel can become the destination in and of itself. The Playa Grande Beach Club has been on my radar for many years, drawn by the exquisite Caribbean-inspired design by Celerie Kemble.

During the planning process, we discovered that the hotel shares its beach with the Amanera, located at the opposite end of the dramatic oceanfront of the DR’s northern coast.

Personally, I love packing in as many hotels as I can during each trip. For instance, in Marrakech we stayed at four hotels and visited at least two others for lunch and dinner reservations. This sometimes drives my husband crazy, as the checking in/checking out and traveling to/from process between hotels can become a logistical headache and reduce the relaxation factor of a vacation. But from my perspective, switching up the accommodations (1) gives the opportunity to check out a variety of design and experiences, and (2) reduces risk in case one hotel is a disappointment and you’ve bet your entire trip on it. In this case, the Amanera and Playa Grande Beach Club are less than five minutes apart by car. So, we decided that even with the baby it would not be too much of a disruption to break up our trip between the two hotels. It ended up being a fabulous combination.

The two hotels are starkly contrasting in terms of their design. The Amanera is a newly constructed, modern architectural masterpiece. They pride themselves on being eco-friendly. Guests each stay in their own glass “casitas” on the hillside. We booked the most basic option and were thrilled to be upgraded to one with a private pool upon arrival. As I mentioned, this was our first time staying at an Aman property and we truly have never experienced such high-touch service. No detail was overlooked to ensure we felt welcome and cared for, especially with a baby. Our two nights on the property were superbly comfortable and it was so convenient having our own pool, allowing us to stay nearby Peter and enjoy the sun as he napped indoors within eyesight.

Links: Peter’s hat, shorts

When our two nights at Amanera came to an end, I was so excited to finally experience the Playa Grande Beach Club. While similar in the sense that guests are provided with their own private casitas (ranging from one-bedroom to three-bedroom bungalows), the style could not be more the opposite. Maximalist by design, Celerie Kemble thought of every detail in decorating this whimsical hotel that looks like it is straight out of a Slim Aarons photograph. I love that she incorporated traditional Caribbean fabrics and architectural elements throughout the property.

The estate is small and quiet with only one restaurant. We were surprised by how delicious the food was and looked forward to each meal, which the friendly staff can deliver to your casita if you prefer to dine in privacy from time to time.

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We spent our days between the lovely pool and beach and enjoyed chatting with the American property manager who lives on site with her family. The environment truly makes you feel as if you’re staying at a friend’s vacation home rather than a hotel.

Thank you for reading and while none of us may be planning any upcoming vacations in the near future, we can certainly dream of those to come when the dust finally settles and life starts to resemble what it once was.

Any commissions generated from this post will be donated to Food Bank for New York City.