Guest Post: CheeseMan 🧀
Zoetry Agua Punta Cana Trip Recap
Intro
Today we have a special guest post from the man, the myth, and the legend: CheeseMan.
His credentials speak for themselves.
CheeseMan earned over $11,000 in his first three months in this game.
He later went on to earn over $60,000 in CREDIT CARD REWARDS his very first year with BowTiedBum methods.
He was kind enough to share a trip recap of his recent trip to Dominican Republic.
His words below:
CheeseMan: Zoetry Agua Punta Cana Trip Recap
My wife and I just got back from an 8-night escape to the Dominican Republic—and wow, what a trip. We split our stay between two Hyatt properties: Zoetry Agua Punta Cana (6 days / 5 nights) and Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana (4 days / 3 nights).
Why the split? Zoetry had blackout dates on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, but we were committed to a longer stay—and with plenty of points and my PTO to burn, we said “why not both?” This write-up will cover Zoetry.
@BowTiedBum did a write-up of Cap Cana Hyatt Ziva (kid side but same resort). I will do a very short comparison of Zoetry and Cap Cana Zilara (adult side) at the end of this write-up. In short, I will visit Zoetry with the wife only, and another Hyatt Ziva when we take the entire family.
As with many of our travels in the BUM Community, we didn’t pay a dime out of pocket—not for flights, accommodations, food, drinks, or airport transfers. Just vibes, good planning, and great use of points. Thank you to @bowtiedbum and the community for helping me get my start in late 2023, make $60k in year one and have well surpassed minimum benchmarks for the community since then. I have mastered a lot of methods and just spending like crazy on my Citi card, pay off with Chase, Amex (pre Fluz shutdown), US Bank Business cards—and only spend about 30 minutes a week churning now and will easily hit 30k this year and I am locked out of new Chase cards given I have 11.
In this full recap, I’ll walk you through why Zoetry Agua Punta Cana is one of the most peaceful, romantic, and genuinely Caribbean resorts you can ever stay at—and why we’re already planning our return to a Zoetry in the near future. We heard amazing things about the Zoetry in Mexico (Riviera Mayo) while there, the staff was raving about it.
🇩🇴 Why We Chose Zoetry Agua Punta Cana
We originally looked at Aruba and Hawaii for a non–all-inclusive trip, but between high point redemptions and out-of-pocket food costs, it didn’t make sense. That’s when we shifted gears:
We had the points.
I’ve mastered manufactured spending, so replenishing points is never a problem.
We realized what we really needed was relaxation and reconnection.
My wife is pregnant, and this resort is fantastic if your wife is pregnant. She was one of four women pregnant there.
Zoetry Agua, formerly part of AMR Resorts, was the top-tier brand before Hyatt acquired them post-COVID. It's not a mega-resort, and that’s the point. Zoetry Agua is designed as low-rise, hacienda-style suites scattered throughout small, charming, thatch-roofed buildings set among lush gardens and winding pools.
💬 Buzzwords That Describe Zoetry Agua
Romantic. Peaceful. Dominican. Chic. Intimate. Cutesy. Authentic. Organic foods/drinks. Holistic.
It doesn’t feel like a typical resort. It feels like a hidden luxury village tucked along the Caribbean coast.
🧾 Booking the Trip
We transferred 399,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards from my wife’s Chase Ink Preferred to Hyatt for the full 8-night stay.
Zoetry was 45,000 points a night for a total of five nights = 225,000 points.
Zilara was 58,000 points a night for a total of three nights = 174,000 points
We flew Delta and transferred 138,878 Amex Membership Rewards points from her Amex Platinum Card to cover the economy flights.
This is a lot of points but understand these are all-inclusive, top tier resorts in the Hyatt line up.
Also due to nature of work and pregnancy I book these trips 40 days prior to going—very late. Spring break was the only week I had free to go and so I paid a much higher price.
✈️ Getting There
Zoetry is about an hour from Punta Cana International Airport, located down a quieter stretch of coast. It’s just 10 minutes from other Hyatt resorts like Secrets, Breathless, and Dreams—but it feels totally in its own world. We took a private taxi for $80 + $20 tip ($100 total), and the driver even stopped to grab us fresh coconuts.
The Dominican people were incredibly friendly and welcoming—you could ask them to stop anywhere, and they’d do it with a smile. They love Americans, and their economy relies on and appreciates tourism and USD.
While waiting for flights we used our Amex Platinum card to get into Delta’s Lounge and Amex Centurion Lounge and waited there for our flights. The Delta lounge at O’Hare was breathtaking. I was really impressed with the food, the space, the quality. I will never stay out in the waiting area again if I fly Delta and maintain my Amex Platinum card. The Centurion lounge in ATL was amazing itself. The food was amazing, I felt I was at an all-inclusive lounge/bar there. Again, did not pay a dime to get in there.
🛬 First Impressions & Arrival Experience
Pulling up to Zoetry felt like arriving at a boutique sanctuary. No crowds. No lines. No cars. No luggage piled up at doors. Just cool towels, fresh juice, and peace awaiting us.
Check-in was done while seated. No rush, no pressure. The grounds were lush and elegant, with winding stone paths, water features, and outdoor structures that make you feel like you’re walking through a luxury village—not a hotel.
The beaches were clean, the resort rakes and cleans algae every morning. The only slight about the beach were connecting properties that were under construction but not visible unless you walked down the shoreline outside the resort. When we were entering Zoetry from the street it looked like we were in a distressed area because of the construction but once you pull into the resort it’s instant beauty.
🌿 Zoetry Benefits
🍽 Endless Food & Drink
Four à la carte restaurants, no buffets
Fresh, organic ingredients
Top-shelf spirits, 24/7 room service
Daily sparkling wine and fresh fruit delivered to your suite
Mocktails and smoothies available anytime (I added this to the benefits as a nondrinker)
They serve local beer (very light, think Miller Lite), top-shelf liquor, and house wine, but we didn’t try any of it
🛏 Elevated Service & Room Perks
Twice-daily housekeeping
Mini-bar restocked daily
No check-in or checkout time
Welcome bottle of Dominican rum
Free Wi-Fi, worldwide calling
Aromatherapy pillows, plush linens, free laundry service (3 items p/p)
🧘♀️ Wellness & Activities
Daily yoga, cooking classes, cigar rolling, wine tastings, dance lessons
Complimentary horseback riding on the beach
Unlimited hydrotherapy access in the spa
One free 20-minute spa treatment
A Dominican beach bag gifted in-room
🐬 Excursions & Off-Resort Adventures
We booked through Amstar, the resort’s official partner. Pickup and drop-off were seamless. We did the Dolphin Encounter, which was perfect given my wife is pregnant. We also realized there were about three other pregnant couples there. I guess we were on a babymoon/honeymoon combo trip without even planning it.
We skipped the boogies and monkeys this time—too much walking and bouncing for my wife, but they're top of our list for next time. Again, we don’t drink, so we passed on the party boats—but if you’re into nightlife, Coco Bongo nearby is the go-to. You can party there and come back to peace. Heard amazing things about this spot.
Absolutely — here’s the continuation of the Substack-ready version of your Zoetry Agua Punta Cana Trip Recap:
🍽 Dining at Zoetry Agua
Atmosphere
All the restaurants are indoor/outdoor, so you feel the tropical breeze while you dine. No sterile dining halls here—everything feels curated, intimate, and Caribbean-chic.
Wellness Breakfast on the Beach
Dominican Lunch set up everyday, sometimes there was a Mexican option but leaned Dominican (we loved this)
🍽 The Restaurants
Amaya – Dominican fusion
Olena – Italian
Indigo – Beachfront casual
Piragua – Latin/Creole fusion
🍴 Honest Rating
We’d give the food a solid 7/10. Some might say 6. It’s better than buffet food IMPO, but it’s not 5-star dining. What we really loved were the daily Dominican-style poolside lunches—authentic flavors and a cultural experience.
Some people complain about the limited options, but they were staying for two weeks. We enjoyed the Dominican-style food the most.
NO RESERVATIONS OR WAIT TIMES.
We really enjoyed the customer service—it was wild coming back to USA and dealing with attitudes at some places. The staff really do care about you and your experience!
☕ Coco Café – A Daily Ritual
As a self-declared coffee snob, I was blown away by Coco Café. No lines, no chaos—just a small indoor coffee bar with outdoor seating, and some of the best Dominican coffee I've ever had, sourced from Santo Domingo. The baristas took real pride in making every cup.
🏝 Pools & Quiet Luxury
Zoetry isn’t a resort with crowds and chair wars. There are multiple pools for the size of the resort, and we spent most of our time at the swim-up bar. No waiting, no loud groups, no one hogging the bar all day. It felt laid-back and classy.
Even better, there was a hidden outdoor jacuzzi that we stumbled on, and for a while, had all to ourselves.
There are only 92 suites. I felt like there were only 100–150 guests when we visited. There’s never any crowding.
🛏 Room & Accommodations
There are no hallways or elevators—just private entrances and wooden staircases. We stayed on the third floor, and what truly sold us were the massive patio doors. We kept them open almost the entire time.
The sounds of the ocean and nature were constant and calming.
My wife often napped midday on the shaded outdoor canopy bed. It was peaceful, breezy, and private—something that felt like a luxury, but quickly became part of our daily rhythm.
💁 Service & Staff – The Heart of Zoetry
Zoetry’s staff is what truly sets it apart. They don’t just serve you—they connect with you. Our concierge was incredible.
Need a taxi?
A spa appointment?
Need someone to call your kids and tell them Dad said “do your homework”?
Done. No request was too much.
💡 Tips & Family Considerations
Skip the beach vendors. Friendly, but prices are heavily inflated.
Use the concierge. They’ll handle everything.
Zoetry is best for couples, pregnant travelers, or guests with infants.
Cigar tip: ask your taxi driver to take you to a local cigar lounge for authentic Dominican cigars at a fraction of resort prices. The cigar shop will give you one to try here and there. I got three, and did buy once—but they hand them out liberally for sampling.
👶 There were a few kids (mostly 8+), and some teens, but they were usually bored and on their phones. If you're traveling with a toddler or young child, look for a resort with a kids' club or water park like Hyatt Ziva.
If you’re traveling with a baby, Zoetry might be ideal: quiet, no long walks to rooms, and easy pool visibility.
🎶 Night-time Entertainment & Suggestions for Improvement
Zoetry’s entertainment is low-key and classy. Some people stay in their room but usually about 30–50 people come out. There are no night clubs like Secrets and Breathless—just live piano, guitar, and acoustic music under the stars.
Coco-Bongo is a popular nightlife spot in Punta Cana, and we heard amazing things about it. Check out pictures of it online.
We’d love to see:
More food variety (especially Asian options)
More daytime acoustic music near the pool
✅ Final Thoughts & Would We Return?
Yes. 100%. Without hesitation.
Zoetry Agua Punta Cana gave us more than just a break from work—it gave us a real connection to place, people, and peace.
If you're looking for parties, crowd energy, and non-stop stimulation—this isn't your place. But if you’re craving stillness, romance, elegance, and culture, this is your place.
We’ll be back—this time for the boogies, the monkeys, and a second round of everything we loved.
🆚 Zoetry Agua Punta Cana vs. Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana: A Quick Comparison
Category Zoetry Agua Punta Cana Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana Vibe Intimate, peaceful, boutique Energetic, modern, lively Size Small (80–100 guests) Large (750+ rooms, including Ziva side) Crowds Very few people, never crowded Busy but controlled Food Gourmet, Dominican-influenced Huge variety, better execution Pool Scene Quiet pools, swim-up bar, hidden jacuzzi Large, active pools and swim-up bars Entertainment Soft — live music, piano, guitar High-energy shows, DJs, themed parties Family Friendly? Mostly couples, babymooners Adults-only, great for groups and friends Service Personal, almost butler-like Very attentive but on a larger scale Rooms Suite-style, rustic-chic, peaceful Modern, spacious, luxury Aesthetic Dominican, thatched roofs Contemporary Caribbean luxury
📝 A Personal Note on Food and Atmosphere
Food is a big driver when it comes to deciding where we stay—and I have to say, the food at Zilara/Ziva Cap Cana was absolutely amazing. It was honestly one of the highlights of our stay there.
The buffet breakfast at Zilara was huge, with a ton of fresh options. Dinner really stood out:
French, Mediterranean, Italian, Peruvian, Asian, Steakhouse, and Indian cuisine—you name it, they had it. And it was done right.
The only thing missing? When you’re dining at Zilara, most restaurants (except the Steakhouse) are inside the main hotel complex. It’s beautiful, but when we took pictures, it almost looked like a fancy date night back home.
At Zoetry, it’s different. You’re always reminded you’re somewhere special. You feel the tropical air, hear the ocean, and the architecture and outdoor setups make every meal feel authentic and rooted in the Caribbean.
In short:
Zilara wins for food variety and quality.
Zoetry wins for atmosphere, authenticity, and truly feeling like you’re away from home.
As always, I am on the Slack channel. Reach out to me if you have any questions about Zoetry not answered here. We are planning to either visit one in Mexico or St. Lucia.
We have the points; we can make more points with ease.
Man, I love this!!!