Inside the all-inclusive island resort with in-room margarita stations, 15 restaurants and swim up bar

IF life gives you limes, make margaritas – as the slogan says on my in-room margarita station.

And it’s a motto I quickly adopt, pouring myself another freshly-blitzed cocktail before taking it out to sip on my balcony with views of the gentle waves below.

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You wouldn’t expect anything less from the Margaritaville Island Reserve in the Dominican Republic.

But having my own personal cocktail station — where I can whip up fresh cocktails without even needing to change out of my pyjamas — was only the start of the fun at this beachfront resort.

Right on Juanillo Beach — in the sun-soaked region of Cap Cana, where the Caribbean’s turquoise waters meet pristine white sands — the 5* Margaritaville is a haven for holidaymakers who love an all-inclusive.

Plus, it’s just a breezy 15-minute drive from Punta Cana airport, which is welcome after the 12-hour flight from the UK.

The vast resort is home to more than 500 rooms/suites as well as 40 ultra-luxe island reserve villas.

Yet it still manages to feel intimate thanks to it’s tropical, leafy surroundings.

It’s been cleverly divided into two areas.

There is the family-friendly Wave, where kids are catered for in the restaurants and with clubs and activities.

Then there is the adults-only Hammock, where the atmosphere is more mellow and the bars are stocked full.

No matter which section you’re in though, you’ll be spoilt for sun-bathing options, with huge pools and cosy cabanas framed by swaying palm trees.

When I wasn’t laid out in the sun, the private balcony in my Paradise room made for a peaceful escape.

And it was the perfect spot for watching the sun rise beyond the ocean at 4am or for tucking into a room service dinner while watching uninterrupted sea views.

You will need to tear yourself away from your balcony (and the 24-hour room service menu) if you want to bag the most bang for your buck though.

Outside of meal times, guests are given 2,000 “points” daily.

These are redeemable at the on-site corner shop, which sells everything from wine and spirits to locally made honey and traditional chocolate bars.

There are also proper iced coffees, sandwiches and desserts.

Then you have your in-room minibar — and that’s before you’ve even tackled the resort’s 15 bars, coffee houses and restaurants.

There’s the authentic Italian at Frank & Lola’s, Pan-Asian delights at Mon So Wi and a buffet breakfast at The Boathouse with, of course, a build-your-own-margarita bar.

But my favourite was the adult-only Rum Runners, which had a DIY salad section you could tuck into while waiting for your main Caribbean dish.

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Make sure to follow it up with a cocktail at the Five O’clock Somewhere swim-up bar, with its swing seats.

But remember to mind your balance after having a couple of those expertly mixed cocktails.

It’s safe to say the phrase, “It’s 5 o’clock somewhere”, coined by American singer Jimmy Buffett, is embraced wholeheartedly throughout the resort.

But that doesn’t mean drinking is the only activity here.

Many of my days began with lazing by the poolside, followed by an energetic water aerobics class and salsa dancing in the afternoon.

Then there are plenty of entertainment venues to pick from in the evening.

A favourite was the Punch Bar, which kept the Caribbean party alive until midnight.

There’s also the Landshark Bar & Grill, where DJs play until the early hours.

Should you need to recharge after a night of tequila-fuelled fun, the St Somewhere spa offers a range of rejuvenating treatments — including hydra-facials and detoxifying body wraps — in a tranquil oasis away from the resort’s craziness.

Or you could sweat out the night-time shenanigans at Fins Up! fitness centre with a group class, or at the tennis or pickleball court — all included in the price.

There are also off-site activities for those who don’t mind splashing a bit of extra cash.

These include scuba-diving, deep-sea fishing and a round at the nearby golf course.

But I was swayed by the advice of my in-room cocktail station instead: When life gives you limes . . . 

Oh all right, I’ll make myself another margarita.

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