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In Love with Bahia Principe: Chester (Chet) and Shelby Baxter

Our first trip with Bahia Principe was to Punta Cana, D.R. in March of 2017. We were so impressed with the amenities and level of service that we joined the Privilege Club before we left. We traveled to Bahia Principe Luxury Akumal last fall.

One week in Mexico was not enough, so we gifted each other with a 2-week stay at Bahia Principe Grand Tulum to celebrate our 40th anniversary this spring. Shelby’s birthday fell during our stay, so we celebrated it while there.

What is your favorite travel style, family vacation, adult getaway, romantic escapades…?

For twenty years, we spent most of our vacations participating in mission trips to Haiti and going on cruises. For several years Chet also rode cross country by motorcycle to raise money for a Children’s Home in Haiti. Building relationships and serving others gives us much joy. Two years ago, we stayed at our first all-inclusive resort and Bahia Principe is now our most favorite style of travel!

What motivated you the most to become a member of Bahia Principe Privilege Club?

We were most motivated to join the Privilege Club because of the access to Club Carts and a-la-carte restaurants. We were excited to be able to use the amenities of all the facilities (pools, buffets, restaurants, shows) within a Bahia Principe resort, regardless of which specific area we were staying in. Being able to request personal services, such as having a mattress topper placed on the bed prior to our arrival, requesting an early check in or a late check out at the Privilege Lounge, and knowing that family & friends traveling with us would also receive the same service were also huge perks.

What is your favorite destination? Why?

Our favorite vacation destinations are located on or near a beach. We’ve fallen in love with the Bahia Principe resorts in Mexico (Akumal & Tulum) and with the Bahia Principe Grand Punta Cana in Dominican Republic. We love being able to relax near a pool, sit on the beach, and explore local attractions. Such as the Mayan Ruins where we get to snorkel with turtles. There is so much to do and see! When we’re not out exploring, we spend most of our days relaxing at the Privilege Beach. The bartenders know the drinks we prefer and always anticipated & provided refills– all from the comfort of our sunbeds!

The Privilege Club has spoiled us with the most excellent service, beautiful rooms, drinks and dining available!

Would you recommend the Privilege Club? Why? 

We recommend the Privilege Club to anyone who wants to vacation in style with first class service! The Bahia Principe Resorts are huge and there is so much to explore. Having fast & personal access to a Club Cart to navigate the grounds makes a huge difference. We scheduled dining at ala carte restaurants every other night and that made every evening an adventure!

It was romantic having a private cart and being whisked around the resort, especially with the evening breeze. Employees at the Privilege Lounge or desks are very friendly and helpful. Every effort is made to ensure your stay is the best stay possible. And if you’re celebrating a special occasion – we couldn’t say enough! From a Mariachi Band singing Happy Birthday, to our own personal birthday cake for two. And then, the surprise of a beautifully decorated bed that evening – well, it WAS a VERY Happy Birthday!

Do you have any anecdote you’d like to share?

One evening, we felt like walking to the lobby area to get a cart. As we approached the front steps, one of the Privilege drivers approached us and said “242?”. We confirmed that was our room number and he motioned for us to get in his cart as he said “Portofino” (we had a dinner reservation there). We were very impressed he had anticipated our arrival and even knew where we were going!

Do you have your next destination sighted?

We’re looking forward to our next vacation booked for Bahia Principe Grand San Juan this coming fall!