Why the Caribbean is the perfect Easter destination

Easter is the perfect time in the year for a much needed break, when mind and body are crying out for a reset.

For many, it’s a time for reflection, while for others it’s an opportunity to reconnect with the essentials, change the scenery, and treat themselves to some quality time. And if there’s one place where all this can be experienced with particular intensity, it’s the Caribbean.

Endless beaches, warm weather, landscapes that invite relaxation, and hospitality you notice from the moment you arrive make this the ideal destination for escaping the routine during the Easter break.

Whether you’re looking for religious tradition, cultural experiences, or simply to unwind by the sea, the Caribbean offers options for all types of traveller.

At Princess Hotels we invite you to discover how Easter Week is celebrated in three destinations that have it all: Punta Cana, Jamaica and the Riviera Maya, each with its own essence, traditions, and unbeatable plans during this special season.

How Easter is celebrated in Punta Cana

When we think of Easter, or Holy Week, solemn processions, days of reflection, or even a traditional family holiday often come to mind. But what if you treated yourself to something different this Easter? The Caribbean, and in particular Punta Cana, in the Dominican Republic, offers the unique combination of the warmth of its beaches, the cultural richness of its people, and the possibility of experiencing these special days your own way, whether that be in a religious spirit, in total relaxation mode, or with adventure included.

Located in the heart of the Caribbean, Punta Cana is synonymous with crystal-clear waters, white sand, and hospitality that embraces every visitor.

Below are four different suggestions that we hope will help you find your own way to experience Easter in the Caribbean.

Traditional and religious activities

1. Attend Holy Thursday Mass or the Easter Vigil in Higüey

Just a few kilometres from Punta Cana is Higüey, a city known for being home to the Basilica of Our Lady of Altagracia, patron saint of the Dominican Republic. At Easter this temple becomes a pilgrimage site for the faithful from all over the country.

Attending Mass on Maundy Thursday or the solemn Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday is a deeply spiritual experience full of songs, prayers, and a community united in faith.

At Princess Hotels our Customer Service departments can provide information to facilitate visits for those who wish to participate.

2. Religious ceremonies at Princess hotels

At Princess Hotels Punta Cana we understand that Easter is a significant time for many of our guests, and of course we want to respect their feelings in that regard.

For this reason, on the principal days of Easter (Maundy Thursday and Holy Saturday), we hold masses at several of our resorts. These are coordinated with local priests and adapted to the schedule and convenience of those who wish to participate.

If you wish to attend, simply visit the Customer Service desk at your hotel upon arrival or during your stay, where you will be informed of the exact locations and scheduled times.

This way our guests can experience a moment of reflection and community without sacrificing the tranquillity of their holiday environment.

Plans for relaxation and enjoyment

3. Wellness at the spa + sunset on the beach

Need to recharge your batteries? Take advantage of the tranquillity of these days to devote yourself to yourself.

At Princess Hotels Punta Cana our spas offer treatments inspired by Caribbean nature, massages with tropical oils, tropical fruit rituals, and sea salt exfoliations designed to harmonise body and mind.

Combine this with a sunset stroll along Bávaro Beach, where the sound of the waves and the orange-tinted sky will help you find that inner peace that everyday life sometimes prevents you from achieving.

4. An adventure in serenity on Montaña Redonda, Miches

For those seeking a different kind of Easter holiday, far from the hustle and bustle and closer to the true essence of the Caribbean, Montaña Redonda is a hidden gem located just an hour from Punta Cana.

Located in Miches, this panoramic hillside offers one of the most impressive views in the country: a mosaic of mountains, rivers, pristine beaches, and palm trees that blend into the horizon.

The excursion may then be complemented with activities such as zip-lining from the mountain itself, taking fun photos that make it look like you’re flying, or going for a buggy or quad ride along rural roads (depending on the excursion booked).

This is an ideal plan for those who want to combine adventure, spectacular views, contact with nature, and a touch of Dominican authenticity, all in an almost mystical setting that is ideal for disconnecting from the world.

Caribbean and Easter: Jamaica, the perfect combination for your vacations

Easter in Jamaica is an invitation to slow down, reconnect, and celebrate life in a setting where spirituality, culture, and natural beauty coexist effortlessly.

As the island comes alive with tradition and renewal, Jamaica offers a refined yet deeply authentic Caribbean experience one that blends centuries-old customs with the gentle rhythm of the sea.

Whether you seek meaningful cultural moments or indulgent relaxation, Easter in Jamaica unfolds with elegance, warmth, and unmistakable soul.

Traditional & cultural Easter experiences in Jamaica

1. Witness the reverence of Good Friday traditions

Good Friday in Jamaica is observed with quiet dignity and deep respect.

Across the island, churches open their doors for reflective services, hymns, and moments of prayer that honor the solemnity of the day. Visitors are welcome to attend, experiencing the spiritual heart of the island while appreciating the grace and simplicity of these gatherings.

Many Jamaicans also observe age-old customs tied to folklore and reflection, offering a rare glimpse into traditions passed down through generations.

2. Easter Sunday celebrations & community gatherings

Easter Sunday marks a joyful shift in energy, filled with gratitude, family togetherness, and celebration. Church services are vibrant and uplifting, often accompanied by gospel music and beautifully dressed congregations.

Following services, families gather for festive meals featuring seasonal favorites, creating an atmosphere of warmth and unity.

For travelers, this is a wonderful opportunity to connect with local culture and experience Jamaica’s hospitality at its most heartfelt.

Effortless ways to relax and indulge over Easter

3. Beachside serenity on Jamaica’s western coast

Along Jamaica’s western shoreline, Easter unfolds in a palette of soft sands, calm seas, and unhurried moments by the water.

Just a short journey from Green Island lies the iconic Seven Mile Beach in Negril, celebrated for its powder-soft sand, crystal-clear waters, and legendary sunsets.

Guests of Princess Senses The Mangrove and Princess Grand Jamaica can experience this world-renowned stretch of coastline as part of their Easter escape, whether for a leisurely day by the sea or a sunset stroll where the horizon melts into gold.

4. Into the Falls: Jamaica Beyond the Beach

Easter is an ideal time to explore Jamaica beyond the shoreline, with excursions that showcase the island’s dramatic landscapes and vibrant spirit.

Guests can journey south to the iconic YS Falls, where waterfalls, rope swings, and natural pools invite a sense of adventure amid rolling hills and tropical gardens.

Whether climbing the tiers, swimming beneath the falls, or simply taking in the scenery, the experience offers an exhilarating yet grounding connection to Jamaica’s wild beauty an unforgettable counterpoint to the serenity of the coast.

Experience a unique Easter Week in the Riviera Maya

Easter Week is one of the most important religious holidays in Mexico, and it is celebrated with much fervour on the Riviera Maya and in Quintana Roo.

Over the course of the week visitors can experience the true essence of this holiday by enjoying the perfect combination of cultural traditions and religious events.

Traditional and Spiritual plans on the Riviera Maya

1. Pilgrimages and religious walks

During Easter week the Riviera Maya keeps its religious traditions alive through pilgrimages and walks of faith in various communities.

In Tulum the faithful walk from the town centre to the Parish Church of Santa Cruz de Tulum accompanied by prayers, songs, and moments of reflection that invite introspection and spiritual connection.

In Puerto Morelos the walks usually end at the Parish Church of San José Obrero, thereby strengthening the sense of community and offering locals and visitors the opportunity to participate in these expressions of faith.

In Playa del Carmen, meanwhile, the traditional living Way of the Cross winds through the streets of the centre and nearby neighbourhoods with the participation of actors and residents who re-enact the most significant moments of the Passion of Christ.

2. Liturgical celebrations and vigils

In Playa del Carmen the Parish of Santa Cruz and the Chapel of Guadalupe, in the Colosio neighbourhood, are central venues for Holy Week celebrations, and solemn masses, processions and the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday are held over the course of the week, creating an intimate atmosphere full of spirituality.

In smaller communities such as Akumal and Chemuyil local chapels offer more intimate ceremonies that are ideal for those seeking a space for personal reflection and contemplation.

In addition, many local churches organise activities for families and young people in an effort to promote participation by the entire community by allowing them to experience Holy Week in an authentic manner that combines tradition, faith and local culture.

Beyond devotion: experiences to suit all tastes

The Riviera Maya is not only experienced through religious tradition, it also offers activities that combine culture, nature and moments of contemplation.

For those seeking a more personal approach to Easter Week, or simply want to enjoy the region on a more spiritual level, there are also historical tours and outdoor adventures that invite you to reconnect with yourself and your surroundings.

3. Swimming in sacred cenotes

Cenotes were revered by the Mayan civilisation as sacred spaces, and are perfect retreats for unwinding during Easter Week.

Dos Ojos, located on the Riviera Maya, near Tulum, emerges from the jungle like a haven of peace. When you dive into the crystal-clear waters you experience the coolness enveloping your body as rays of light filter from the surface, creating reflections on the rocky walls.

Snorkelling here allows you to explore the impressive underwater formations and immerse yourself a silent, magical world.

Beyond mere recreation the experience conveys a deep sense of renewal and serenity, as if time were standing still in this sacred site.

4. Dawn at the Tulum archaeological site

Watching the sunrise over the Caribbean from the archaeological site of Tulum is a truly unforgettable experience.

This ancient Mayan port is nestled on a cliff and offers a setting where history, nature and spirituality intertwine to offer something authentic and unique.

Arriving at the ruins first thing in the morning, when the place is still quiet, allows you to explore the temples and walls at your leisure while the first rays of sun illuminate the sea and the warm tones of the sky are reflected in the ancient stones.

This is an ideal plan for those wishing to start the day with positive energy and a deep connection with their surroundings by letting the magic of Tulum awaken all the senses.

Discover the Caribbean with our Easter Week promotions

Treat yourself to an Easter getaway in comfort and luxury with Princess Hotels Caribbean, whether it’s on the majestic Riviera Maya, in idyllic Punta Cana, or on the incredible island of Jamaica.

Book now and save up to 50% on your stay.

Share with us your ideal destination and the adventure that appeals to you most. Leave us a comment; we love to hear from you!

Categories: Caribbean, Travel Tips, Jamaica, Punta Cana, Riviera Maya