When I was on a girls’ getaway in Riviera Maya Mexico a few years ago, I had the opportunity to tour and have lunch at Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita. I will never forget how relaxed and pampered I felt in just a few hours there.

The opportunity came for me to stay at Zoetry Agua Punta Cana with my daughter for two days and there was no way I was going to pass it up. I was not disappointed. In fact, the resort exceeded my expectations as an amazing girls getaway.

Zoetry Resorts are hard not to love. The food is a la cart and gourmet; the resorts are small in numbers, but large in space; all premium beverages are complimentary; mini bars are stocked with snacks and drinks at no charge; maid service is three times a day, with attention to every detail; aromatherapy in the bathroom and pillows is relaxing; and both laundry service and long distance phone calls are complimentary.

It is nearly impossible not to feel pampered in this atmosphere and there was only one thing that kept me from total relaxation – I was harboring a secret. The night before we left for Punta Cana, my daughter’s boyfriend called and asked my permission to ask her to marry him!

I was thrilled for them, but I needed to get through two days of mother-daughter bonding and fun without saying a word. After that time, her boyfriend would be meeting us at the next resort.

I did what I could to keep the secret and it was certainly easy as Zoetry Punta Cana kept me occupied while keeping my mind clear.

We were handed a delicious cocktail in a pineapple the moment we arrived, along with cool towels and an introduction to the staff.

Our butler brought us to our beautiful suite, with a Jacuzzi, fruit, and champagne waiting for us. We changed into our beach clothes and started our adventure with a private luncheon in a papala on the white sand beach, with the aqua water in the background.

The meal was incredible and the cocktails and wine came before we even asked. I don’t think either of us had ever felt so content so quickly.

We took a long walk along the beach after lunch and just took in the peaceful atmosphere before heading to the spa. All guests of Zoetry Agua receive a complimentary massage, as well as use of the spa. We didn’t waste any time taking advantage of this.

We arrived in the spa early enough that we could go through the circuit of showers, jets, hydrotherapy, steam room, and sauna. Then we were off to a couple’s treatment room for heavenly massages.

Before we changed for dinner, we spent some time in the infinity pool. We only saw one couple there, though we later found out that the resort was at capacity. Every spot of the grounds appeared to be our own private haven.

Dinner was as good as lunch. We feasted on mushroom ravioli, seafood linguine, duck risotto, and a dessert of ganache, coconut cream and pistachio ice cream inside a chocolate lace cup. Throughout the meal our waiter kept our champagne glasses full.

A DJ played music in the lobby while we enjoyed a nightcap before the Flamenco show. We were back in our rooms at a reasonable hour and quickly drifted off to sleep.

In the morning, while my daughter was luxuriating in the Jacuzzi, a waiter knocked on the door and set up a magnificent breakfast on our balcony. We must have sat there for over an hour enjoying the food and the tranquility.

We had some time after breakfast to wade in the infinity pool before it was time to pack up and take a ride over to Breathless Resort. No, I did not divulge the secret and, yes, my daughter left Punta Cana with an engagement ring on her hand.

After many years as one of the top tennis writers in the country, Marcia Frost now devoting most of her time to travel writing, with a focus on food, wine and spirits. She has her own blog at WineAndSpiritsTravel.com and does weekly columns for Inspirato on Sonoma and Paris (two locations she visits often). Marcia also freelances for many other outlets, including Yahoo!; AOL; Michigan Avenue; Rum Bum; Los Angeles Confidential; Travel, Food & Drink; and Air Tran’s Go! Magazine. She has been contributing to Girls’ Getaway since 2010. For more information on Marcia, visit her website MarciaFrost.com.