Michelle Heaton recently had a truly unforgettable family vacation in the Dominican Republic, and it wasn’t just about stunning views or luxurious surroundings.
The Liberty X singer, celebrating four years of sobriety, took her husband Hugh Hanley and their children, Faith, 13, and AJ, 10, to the Casa de Campo Resort.
Michelle shared with MailOnline the reasons why this trip was so special and why it felt even more magical than usual.
A Special Celebration
For Michelle, this family holiday was more than just a getaway; it marked a significant milestone in her life.
She had reached four years of sobriety, and she feels that every trip now has an extra layer of meaning.
“Every time we go away now, it’s just more magical, and we have moments that eclipse the moments in the past, which is great. We’re making new memories together,” she explained.
The luxury of Casa de Campo added to the experience, making it feel like a surreal, dream-like vacation.
Family Time Without Screens
One of the most remarkable changes on this trip was how much more connected the family felt, especially with their kids.
“This was the first holiday where the kids’ iPads never came out, and we had adult conversations,” Michelle shared.
While Faith brought her phone to take photos and post them, screen time was kept to a minimum.
“It was just brilliant!” Michelle said, highlighting how rare it is for families to disconnect and truly enjoy each other’s company these days.
The Luxury of Casa de Campo
Casa de Campo Resort is one of the largest in the Caribbean, stretching across 7,000 acres, offering a variety of activities and amenities.
From clay pigeon shooting to speed boat rides and world-class golf courses, there’s something for everyone.
The resort even includes a golf buggy for each guest room, which Michelle humorously pointed out “didn’t go very fast.”
Despite the resort’s vastness, they found plenty to do, though Michelle admitted, “We didn’t tick all the boxes… there just wasn’t time!”
An Unforgettable Snorkeling Adventure
A standout moment for Michelle and her family was a boat trip to Isla Catalina, where they all went snorkeling together for the first time.
“It was really good fun to be able to do that together,” she said.
“Usually, one of the kids won’t want to go in the sea, or I don’t want to, but this time we really just all wanted to do the same things.”
They even spotted a stingray while snorkeling, making the experience even more exciting.
Dining and Relaxing at the Beach
Evenings were another highlight, with Michelle enjoying the exquisite food available at the resort’s restaurants.
“The food is just another level,” she described.
The meals were so impressive that even the buffet felt like a fine dining experience, with staff serving guests rather than the typical self-service.
“Being at the beach with the kids was so special,” Michelle added, noting how a private beach made a huge difference.
There were no constant salespeople asking if you wanted to buy something, creating a relaxing atmosphere that felt more local and less touristy.
New Friendships and Future Plans
Despite the resort’s size and the space between guests, Michelle’s family still made lasting connections.
AJ and Faith met siblings their age at the resort’s teen camp, and they spent the last few days of their holiday together.
“That makes a holiday for the children, when they make friends,” Michelle said.
It was this connection that made the trip even more memorable.
Looking ahead, Michelle and her family are already planning to return to Casa de Campo next year.
“We are definitely going back 100%,” she said, excited to explore more of what the resort has to offer.
“It was just the perfect trip. You couldn’t wish for anything more.”