What you give up: Chemistry. Your stone is not pure carbon.
What you save: Beyond the money? About 132,000-264,000 pounds of displaced earth* and all the human concerns that come with mining for diamonds.
What you gain: It’s up to you! But we suggest your honeymoon.
We took the liberty of daydreaming for you. Let’s imagine the perfect week in Punta Cana.
September is now the most popular month for weddings, so let’s picture a September wedding and honeymoon. After your Big Day, you could hop on an airplane and head to Punta Cana for seven nights of pure relaxation.
$800: Two flights from Chicago to Punta Cana
$2700: Seven nights at the 5-star all-inclusive Excellence Punta Cana
But not just any room. Oh, no. You’re staying in a Terrace Suite with a private plunge pool and a view of the ocean. And you booked the honeymoon package so you’ll be greeted with champagne when you arrive and treated like a VIP all week long.
Since you’re staying seven nights, you get their amazing Excellence Honeymoon package for free. Score! Wake up to a champagne bed in breakfast. Spend the day on the beach and then get a relaxing essential oils couple’s massage. Have a romantic candlelit dinner on the beach. Enjoy the petit fours with your nightly turndown service. Can you feel the sea breezes already?
$240: Zipline Adventure & Meet the Monkeys at Monkeyland Punta Cana
Time for an adventure day! Zipline through the canopy on the longest ziplines in the Dominican Republic. (Don’t forget the GoPro for awesome photos!) Enjoy a traditional Dominican lunch. Then meet the most adorable squirrel monkeys ever. They’re not shy!
$200: Snorkel with the Fishes!
Snorkeling is a must-do in Punta Cana. Isla Catalina is famous for its coral and marine life. Take the catamaran out to the island to snorkel in the morning, and spend the rest of the day on the stunning white sand beach. Perfection.
$560: Hit the Links
Punta Cana is famed for its golf courses. The Corales course designed by Tom Fazio strikes the right balance between stunning ocean-side holes and a forgiving overall course. Play in the morning and spend the rest of the day poolside at the resort. Pass the piña coladas.
$120: Swim in the Lagoons
Indigenous Eyes Ecological Park is a hidden gem in the area. Consisting of 12 freshwater lagoons (five of which are open for swimming) tucked in subtropical forest, this is an area rich in history and wildlife. Take a dune buggy or Segway tour for the full, unforgettable experience.
Where would you go on your dream honeymoon?
Comment below to tell us where you think we should go next.
*According to the U.S. Geological Survey, a 1-carat mined diamond creates 88,000-176,000 pounds of earth. For a larger jewelry-grade diamond, even more earth is displaced.
**Prices are for informational use only and are subject to change. Excellence Punta Cana sample rate based on September travel for 7 nights in a Terrace Suite with Private Plunge Pool and Excellence Honeymoon Package. Actual room rates subject to change. Airfare based on seven nights round trip from Chicago to Punta Cana in September. Activity pricing is based on two adults traveling in September. Actual costs may vary depending on time of year.