HM Alma, La Romana

Nothing Ventured
Sep 21
4 min read

Back in June, I swapped spreadsheets for suncream and took off to the Dominican Republic for a much-needed escape. Now that I’ve had time to unpack (literally and emotionally), here’s the real tea on HM Alma, La Romana, no fluff, no filters, just the highs, lows, and everything in between.

🛬 First Impressions & Transfers

Our private transfer from Punta Cana took just under an hour and was blissfully air-conditioned. Check-in was smooth enough, but a few details were missed, no wristbands, no safe instructions, and a general “figure it out” vibe. Not a disaster, but not exactly five-star finesse.

Also… the return transfer? Cue panic. The number provided by Love Holidays (yes, I booked with them before I started doing this for myself!) didn’t work. I asked reception to try, no luck. Thankfully, a driver turned up, but not before I’d mentally rehearsed missing the flight and living out my days in the Dominican. 😱 I was coming round to the idea 😉

🛏️ The Room: Functional with Flaws

We had a spacious, clean room with all the basics, fridge, safe, iron, aircon, and fresh towels daily. But let’s be real:

• Our balcony faced building works and had zero seating. A £400 upgrade for a sea view might’ve been worth it. 🏗️

• The balcony door never properly locked. Maintenance tried, but it stayed stubborn.

• The bed sagged more each night until Mr Lee propped it up with a bin. Iconic. 🛏️

Tips from Experience:

✔ Pack extra hangers, unless you fancy layering your outfits like a fashion jenga.

✔ Pegs for the balcony are a must, unless you want your swimwear doing laps in the wind.

✔ Bathroom floors were slippery and water often crept into the bedroom. Tread like you're on a catwalk.

🌊 Resort Vibes: Small but Snappy

The resort was compact and easy to navigate, with plenty of little gems:

• 4 pools (1 freshwater, 3 saltwater)

• 2 manmade beach areas

• Jacuzzi, dive centre, massage tent

• Snack shacks, à la cartes, and a pharmacy (where suncream cost $25—bring your own!)

The freshwater pool had dreamy canopy beds (only 12, blink and you’d miss them). Saltwater infinity pools were photogenic and had ramp access. We snorkelled behind them, bread worked wonders for attracting fish.

🍹 Bars & Snacks: The Good, The Chaotic, The Queues

• Reception bar was our go-to: quiet, classy, and actual glassware.

• Pool bar? A hot mess. 20-minute queues, four tables, and a vibe that screamed “festival, but make it sweaty.”

Snack shacks kept us fuelled post-excursion with pizza and burgers until 6pm. Not gourmet, but glorious.

🍽️ Dining: Omelettes, Overcrowding & À La Carte Wins

Buffet breakfast was the MVP, especially the omelette station.

Lunch and dinner? Repetitive and chaotic when the resort was full.

One night, a sewage leak closed half the seating area. Cute.

À La Cartes were the saving grace:

• Alma (Dominican): BBQ night, bubbly, sea views, and lovely staff. No booking needed. • Anima (Italian): Gorgeous setting, pasta and steak were standouts. Some surcharges. • Tamashi (Japanese): Sushi-heavy and extra cost. We skipped it.

Tip: Book early or risk buffet déjà vu. No limits to À La Carte bookings during your stay.

🎶 Entertainment: Chill Days, Mixed Nights

No pushy reps, just yoga, aqua Zumba, and cooking classes.

Evenings were a mixed bag:

✔ Sunset saxophonist = dreamy

✔ Fire show = actual wow

✔ Circus act = mildly terrifying (an acrobat to a literal nose-dive!)

✖ White party = never found it

🎧 Silent disco = looked fun, but we were too sunburnt to bounce

Anima (Italian) Dining Al Fresco and what a stunning view but watch for crashing waves and VERY big bugs!

💆 Massage on the Beach: Meh with a Side of Awkward

I tried the “Executive” massage, $70 for 50 minutes (lasted 35). It helped my back, but the booking process was clunky and the setup lacked privacy. I didn’t rebook and the pain came back within a couple hours, not really the desired effect.

🏖️ Local Area: Bayahibe = Hidden Gem

• Free shuttle to a nearby beach, crystal clear, sunbeds $20 for two.

• Bayahibe town: 20-min walk, charming and safe.

• Buggy hire: $80 for two days, mud, freedom, and pure joy.

Security was visible and reassuring. Bayahibe felt safe, even after dark.

🧭 Excursions: We Came, We Saw, We Got Muddy

We don’t do “pool all week”, we explore. I've scored out of 5 so you know which were my favourites. If you want eny more details, just get in touch, I'm happy to answer any questions.

Highlights:

• Santo Domingo Tour: Long day, armed escorts, colonial charm, and graduation joy. 3.5/5

• Saona Island: Stunning snorkelling, chaotic buffet, boat trip = highlight. We also managed a few free drinks from sneaking into the private side 🤭 4/5

• Twilight Buggy Tour & Cave Rave: Mud, laughter, cave swims, and dancing. Wear old clothes. 5/5

• Submarine Trip: Meh. 20 mins underwater, fish bribed with bread. 2.5/5

• Private Tour: Casa de Campo, Altos de Chavón & La Marina = chef’s kiss. Mediterranean vibes, yachts, margaritas, and buggy rides. I’d stay here next time. 🥇5/5