A month after TRS Cap Cana Hotel’s November 2018 opening, I checked into this adults-only property. I also spent a few nights at TRS Turquesa Hotel, formerly The Royal Suites Turquesa, which became a TRS about a year ago. My goal was to compare these sister properties that are both in the Punta Cana area.
Certainly, all TRS hotels share similarities beyond their adults-only policy. Thanks to Palladium’s Infinite Indulgence program, these include a bumped-up staff-guest ratio, a lot of swim-up suites, butler services, a la carte restaurants with a no-reservations policy, and signature amenities such as Helios beachfront restaurants and Zentropia spas. But there are differences, too, enough of them so the two TRS properties can target different clients.
TRS Cap Cana Hotel
The 115-suite TRS Cap Cana Hotel replaces the former Alsol Tiara site. Cap Cana’s 45 holes of golf (including Tom Fazio’s top-rated Corales Golf Club), deep-sea fishing, and Scape Park Cap Cana are easily accessible. However, few people will book this hotel if their aim is to dash off every day for sporting pursuits. Nor should they choose this resort because of its beach, which is a small, enclosed, man-made strand near the channel to the marina. Guests may take a free shuttle (three daily) to off-property beaches, but then they’re on their own for lunch.
More central to TRS Cap Cana are the swim-up and resort pools. The former, especially those for suites in Block 3, face the northwest, so in winter they’re free from shadows much of the day. And the largest resort pool features a zigzag design that allowed me to swim laps while the bartenders entertained guests at the pool bar. That bar is one of four on the property (including the Xtra Time Sports Bar), and although the fact sheet counts three a la carte restaurants, I count four. Another plus: The staff will reschedule activities such as the mixology class to suit requests.
Above all, though, TRS Cap Cana is good for low-key and/or romantic getaways: reading a book by the pool, smooching in the hammock of a swim-up suite, and stretching lunch at Helios into a 2- or 3-hour event. Of course, guests can opt to just stay in their (soundproof) love nests, thanks to the 24/7 room service.
I was amazed to read that the Junior Suites—from $288 in early April—are only 323 sq. ft.; their layout makes them look bigger. Excellent bed, pillows, and linens, too. For early April the in-demand Swim-up Suites cost $316, just $28/day more. A full suite with a terrace featuring a hammock and hot tub costs $403.
TRS Turquesa Hotel
In contrast to TRS Cap Cana’s 115 suites, TRS Turquesa Hotel has 372. This virtually guarantees that the lobby bar is a social, convivial place. That lobby, like the suites, has not been renovated since my last stay (in 2016, when it was The Royal Suites), yet everything looked fresh, from the lobby to the bathroom fixtures in the suites.
The smallest suites, at 474 sq. ft., are larger than those of TRS Cap Cana. Some suites have contemporary designs, but others feature semi-traditional style four-posters. Junior Suites cost $475 in early April, and they have hot tubs, among other luxury amenities. Swim-up Junior Suites cost $508.
Another difference between the two hotels: TRS Turquesa is contiguous with three Grand Palladium resorts where TRS guests are welcome. Moreover, this complex fronts a long beach with watersports and beach bars and restaurants. There’s an enormous spa, about 20 restaurants, more than two dozen bars, entertainment venues, and sports ranging from sailing to soccer. So sure, couples can snuggle in their suites, but they’ll find scores of other diversions, too.
For example, TRS Turquesa guests enjoy access to Zentropia spa, even if they’re not getting a treatment. This spa has two swimming pools, hydromassage stations, a hot tub, sauna, steam room, and snack bar. I worked out in the fitness center, too, which is about the size of Rhode Island. And although I wish I’d gotten to the archery field, the new First, Wine tasting bar, and the salsa lessons, I did take out a kayak and enjoy a tasting of mamajuana, the Dominican Viagra.
A few thoughts about the restaurants: Helios’s breakfast buffet included a leg of Serrano ham, a rare treat. At Kusko, TRS Turquesa’s new Japanese-Peruvian restaurant, I ate fresh, authentic ceviche and silky tuna sashimi. At Grand Palladium Palace Resort’s Indian restaurant, Bhogali, chef Siddhartha Chandiramani’s rogan josh lamb had just the right heat to still pair with wine.
Contact Information
TRS Cap Cana Hotel & TRS Turquesa Hotel:
palladiumhotelgroup.com/en/brands/trs-hotels
What’s in It for Travel Advisors
Commission rates depend upon a number of factors; for details contact the Business Development Manager (BDM) who represents your state. You’ll find your BDM’s contact information on Palladium Hotel Group’s travel advisor loyalty website. Special rates are also available for travel advisors who register at palladiumconnect.com. In addition, Palladium will be offering FAMs to TRS Turquesa and TRS Cap Cana this year. Again, contact your state’s BDM for more information.
Palladium executives refer to travel advisors as “our most loyal partners,” so palladiumconnect.com offers other perks as well, including bonus cash for special bookings and complimentary bookings for high producers. The company prides itself on its responsiveness to travel advisors, so it encourages them to collaborate with the BDMs to help deliver the best possible experience to their clients.
