I was asked by the manager at Senses Private Club if I would care to share my experience from beginning to end of my recent adult vacation with them.
The idea was to perhaps give someone new to this whole thing a clue as to what may become your experience.
I’ve actually been wanting to write this for a while now but if I’m being completely honest it probably took me this long because I’m not a writer by trade and certainly don’t think I’ll be changing careers anytime soon. 🙂
My hope though is that others like me could have the same experience, if only once in their life and I’m willing to share my experience and what I learned for that reason.
I’m actually proud of myself for taking the leap of faith and doing something totally out of the normal day to day grind. I tend to be a little more reserved I guess with things out of my comfort zone.
I’m probably like a lot of guys who work hard and try to play hard, or at least that’s what I tell myself. In reality, it’s probably much more like work hard and “think” about playing hard.
That all changed a few months ago for me when I found the website for Senses Private Club. At first, I couldn’t believe my eyes. Here were a wonderful group of beautiful travel guides all eager to spend a vacation with a guy like me who was long overdue for such an adventure.
Everything was taken care of in my vacation package. From food, drinks, luxury accommodation and the lovely travel guides. I was quickly a fan of this all-inclusive adventure!
I must have revisited the site dozens of times over the next month or so. Each time I would read more about what the whole concept was about and of course spend time checking out all the beautiful travel guides in their photo gallery.
I would imagine what it all must be like. I played out my imaginary adult vacation in my mind a hundred times when I probably should have been working, but I was hooked … on the idea at least.
Then one morning I found out some bad news about a business associate of mine. He had a major health problem and he was 3 years younger than me. That incident really made me think.
Looking back, I know that was the push I needed to embark on this vacation. Sadly and all too often I think it takes some health problem like this to shake us and wake up to the fact that you only have one go at this life. At least that’s what it took for me. So if you’re wanting to try new things, there is never a better time than today. What did the Indian warriors used to say “Today is a good day to die”? Ok, maybe that’s a bit extreme but you get the idea. But today is a good day to go on an adult vacation!
It was only about a week after that when I went to the contact form on Senses website and chose dates I wanted. I got a response right away letting me know their availability. But it was even more reassuring the manager I was dealing with was so personable and responsive. It made me feel much more at ease with my decision.
I made my airfare which was actually less than I expected, put down a deposit and then waited anxiously like a little boy the night before Christmas. Lame I know but hey, I don’t get out much.
The big day finally arrived and I boarded my short flight from Atlanta direct to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. I had never been to the island before but one of the things I really liked when researching their location was all the things available to do there and the overall popularity of the area.
Upon arrival I was a bit nervous. Although by this time I had spoken to the manager at Senses on the phone and through email a couple times and felt reasonably certain I had made the right choice. But hey, you never know right?
My nerves went away when I got off the plane and saw an attractive young woman from the airport holding a sign with my name on it and a big smile on her face. “Hola” she said, as I told her who I was. “Welcome to the Dominican Republic”.
She was very friendly as we exchanged small talk and made our way through the airport. Because Senses provides VIP Airport Services, we were able to just walk right past all the long lines of travelers waiting to clear Immigration and Customs.
She took me right to the front of the lines and handed the officials my passport and we moved right along without any hassle at all. I paid a $10 fee for a tourist card, filled out a few things and away we went to claim my bag. I must admit this VIP treatment was quickly growing on me.
My bag was already waiting for me when we arrived at baggage claim so I quickly grabbed it and we made our way outside the airport. My friendly VIP escort was with me every step of the way.
As soon as we arrived curbside there was a driver waiting from Senses. He also welcomed me and took my bags as I said goodbye to the girl who had been so helpful to me.
As I got inside the vehicle the driver presented me with an ice cold “Presidente” the beer of the Dominican, which I must say I got to be very acquainted with over the next several days.
He was extremely friendly and was well-educated which showed in our conversation while we made our way to the villa. I learned he has been involved in the hospitality industry for years and it was obvious he was good at making people feel at ease. He certainly put me at ease but we arrived to the villa so quickly that our conversation was cut short.
I was met at the door by the resort’s manager. She happens to be a stunning woman and the one I had spoken to when making my reservation. She greeted me like someone she had known her whole life with a big smile and a genuine hug of affection. My first thought? This was going to be one fantastic vacation.
She immediately welcomed me into the beautiful retreat, even more beautiful than I could have imagined. It was even better than the photos I had seen. It’s very private with lots of tropical vegetation so it’s a bit deceiving as to how nice it is until you walk inside.
As I made it through the foyer she introduced me to my stunning “welcoming party” as she called them. I don’t know if people still say “OMG” but “OMG” these girls were gorgeous, friendly and had obviously prepared for the occasion of my arrival.
The party had clearly started and for the next several hours I was well taken care of … to say the least! As I got to know all the travel guides a little better, the chef prepared some exceptional hors d'oeuvres and I was served some more of those ice cold Presidente’s.
I won’t go into every single detail that night but let’s just say that by now I not only forgot about all the work I had left behind but I even forgot I had a job to go back to. I felt so at ease, it was unbelievable already and I was just getting started.
Over the next several days I truly felt like the luckiest man on earth. I know others reading this may have experienced things like this before. But for me, it was actually life changing.
Maybe that’s corny but I never knew a place like this existed. To find something like this, it was everything and more than I expected … I couldn’t have been any happier!
I truly lived like a king. Chefs, maids, driver, butler and stunning private accommodations with a private pool and hot tub that I enjoyed on more than one occasion.
We went on several really wonderful excursions and I had by then chosen the perfect travel guide for the rest of my vacation.
One of my favorite days was when we went as a group with 2 other guests on the Senses catamaran. So it was us 3 guys and 7 girls for a day along the most beautiful coastline I have ever seen. We explored some very private coves where we all enjoyed some snorkeling and having fun in the water. What a life right? I kept pinching myself and hoping if this was a dream, I wouldn’t wake up.
Speaking of guests, the 2 other gentlemen that were there during my stay had both been before. They were terrific guys and in fact we have stayed in touch since. We really hit it off and are planning a return trip as a group.
There was room for one other guest, but I did like the fact only a small group of guys are allowed at any one time which made it a really cool bonding type experience. It’s like we’re all part of this exclusive club. Kind of like a really upscale country club but you’re surrounded by beautiful women and without the astronomical fees and you’re in the Caribbean. Ok, not at all like a country club but you get the idea. 🙂
To sum this up, I could only be upset about one thing; why it took me so damn long to do this in the first place? It all went by so quickly!
I remember reading something on the Senses website that said “Life is much better when surrounded by beautiful women.” Boy, they weren’t kidding.
And while the travel guides were exceptional, looking back on this now, it really was the experience as a whole that made this what it was for me.
From my first contact with the manager, to the lovely girl who met me for VIP Service at the airport, to the most thoughtful staff and the most amazing travel guides … it was perfect!
When you plan your trip just remember to relax a little and go with the flow. Let all your work and life worries stay at home and board the plane as a different person. A new person who is ready for adventure and to live some of the pleasures life has in store for you.
I know this type of vacation isn’t for everybody. In fact, it might not even have been for me 5 years ago.
But if I learned one thing from this whole experience, it is to not put things off that you want to do because life can change in an instant. So whatever it is you dream of doing, go for it. Make it happen!
As for me, I’m looking forward to my next trip and already in the planning stages. I’m not the same guy I was before. But I really like this guy even better! 🙂
Matthew -
Share this
About Senses Private Club
