This lively 658-room resort is situated on pretty Bavaro Beach and draws a mix of families, spring breakers, and wedding groups. The grounds are a highlight, with tropical birds and palm trees all around, and there's are a wide range of bars and restaurants -- even a 24-hour pizzeria for those needing a late-night fix. This three-and-a-half-pearl resort is more walkable that other mega-resorts in the area, and rooms have homey, tropical style plus whirlpool tubs and balconies. There are plenty of activities like biking, tennis, archery, and a range of free non-motorized water sports. However, staff are always around to sell extra excursions and timeshare packages, so start practicing: "No, gracias." As an alternative, the Grand Palladium Punta Cana is a bit more pricey, but rooms have more personality.
This lively 658-room resort is situated on pretty Bavaro Beach and draws a mix of families, spring breakers, and wedding groups. The grounds are a highlight, with tropical birds and palm trees all around, and there's are a wide range of bars and restaurants -- even a 24-hour pizzeria for those needing a late-night fix. This three-and-a-half-pearl resort is more walkable that other mega-resorts in the area, and rooms have homey, tropical style plus whirlpool tubs and balconies. There are plenty of activities like biking, tennis, archery, and a range of free non-motorized water sports. However, staff are always around to sell extra excursions and timeshare packages, so start practicing: "No, gracias." As an alternative, the Grand Palladium Punta Cana is a bit more pricey, but rooms have more personality.
This 485-room upscale all-inclusive resort serves as the newer, pricier sister to the Memories Splash next door. It is better suited to couples, with its on-site casino and adult-only options (a pool and dedicated room buildings), while the Memories Splash -- which has easier access to the large water park, as well as some rooms with bunk beds -- draws more families. Rooms here are stylish and modern, and some have swim-out pool access. Features include an attractive ocean-view main pool with swim-up bar and adjacent kiddy pool, huge and gorgeous white-sand beach, six restaurants, and access to the options at Memories.
This 485-room upscale all-inclusive resort serves as the newer, pricier sister to the Memories Splash next door. It is better suited to couples, with its on-site casino and adult-only options (a pool and dedicated room buildings), while the Memories Splash -- which has easier access to the large water park, as well as some rooms with bunk beds -- draws more families. Rooms here are stylish and modern, and some have swim-out pool access. Features include an attractive ocean-view main pool with swim-up bar and adjacent kiddy pool, huge and gorgeous white-sand beach, six restaurants, and access to the options at Memories.
The upper-middle-range, 502-room section of the enormous Grand Bahia Principe Resort is one of the newer areas of the complex, but it doesn't show -- expect patterned bedspreads and drapes. Still, families will appreciate close proximity to a water park, children's spa (yes, a spa for kids!), tennis courts, mini-golf course, go-cart track, and playground area. Low prices for the basic level means that guests can expect limitations on a la carte restaurant reservations and non-motorized water sports. As this section is farthest from the beach area, most guests don't mind sticking to the pool -- but beware of early risers who reserve prime pool spots. Premier Suites (and their higher prices) come with more space for families with young ones, and extra amenities such as bathrobes and slippers.
The upper-middle-range, 502-room section of the enormous Grand Bahia Principe Resort is one of the newer areas of the complex, but it doesn't show -- expect patterned bedspreads and drapes. Still, families will appreciate close proximity to a water park, children's spa (yes, a spa for kids!), tennis courts, mini-golf course, go-cart track, and playground area. Low prices for the basic level means that guests can expect limitations on a la carte restaurant reservations and non-motorized water sports. As this section is farthest from the beach area, most guests don't mind sticking to the pool -- but beware of early risers who reserve prime pool spots. Premier Suites (and their higher prices) come with more space for families with young ones, and extra amenities such as bathrobes and slippers.
Two Sirenis properties have merged into one here, with more than 800 rooms. Aquagames, the biggest water park in Punta Cana, has a number of cool vertical slides (adults love them, too), two kids' pools, and sunbathing areas. Guests have unlimited free access to the water park. The resort, which is on a beach, offers clean (if slightly basic) tropical-style rooms with colorful decor accents. Its facilities, including two swim-up bars, a full fitness center, evening entertainment, a disco, casino, and several themed restaurants draw guests from North America, Europe, and Russia. Not all the rooms have been renovated, though. Guests have complained about maintenance problems.
Two Sirenis properties have merged into one here, with more than 800 rooms. Aquagames, the biggest water park in Punta Cana, has a number of cool vertical slides (adults love them, too), two kids' pools, and sunbathing areas. Guests have unlimited free access to the water park. The resort, which is on a beach, offers clean (if slightly basic) tropical-style rooms with colorful decor accents. Its facilities, including two swim-up bars, a full fitness center, evening entertainment, a disco, casino, and several themed restaurants draw guests from North America, Europe, and Russia. Not all the rooms have been renovated, though. Guests have complained about maintenance problems.
Grand Bahia Principe Aquamarine is an upper-middle-range adults-only resort within a resort, situated in Punta Cana's larger Grand Bahia complex (which it shares with four other resorts). The 498 Junior Suites here are more or less identical, and include furnished balconies and daily restocked minibars. Facilities exclusive to the Aquamarine include a huge central pool area with lots of seating and a bar, plus two a la carte specialty restaurants (one with international fine dining, the other with Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine). Guests also get access to restaurants and amenities across the larger resort, including tennis courts, a fitness center, and a spa. Grand Bahia Principe Aquamarine is right on the beach, with water sports facilities available. Families might want to consider Fantasia Bahia Principe Punta Cana instead, which allows children and offers much more for kids.
Grand Bahia Principe Aquamarine is an upper-middle-range adults-only resort within a resort, situated in Punta Cana's larger Grand Bahia complex (which it shares with four other resorts). The 498 Junior Suites here are more or less identical, and include furnished balconies and daily restocked minibars. Facilities exclusive to the Aquamarine include a huge central pool area with lots of seating and a bar, plus two a la carte specialty restaurants (one with international fine dining, the other with Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine). Guests also get access to restaurants and amenities across the larger resort, including tennis courts, a fitness center, and a spa. Grand Bahia Principe Aquamarine is right on the beach, with water sports facilities available. Families might want to consider Fantasia Bahia Principe Punta Cana instead, which allows children and offers much more for kids.
This 274-room, adults-only all-inclusive resort with photogenic Greco-Roman design is part of the Iberostar brand's Grand Collection, and is the most luxurious of four Iberostar options in Punta Cana. Prices are understandably higher, though they're not that much higher than at sister property Bavaro Suites. There's a ton of space for relaxing, especially at one of three pools and an extra wide stretch of beach. The four room types are equipped with spacious balconies, enclosed foyers with large closets, and a hidden delivery area for 24-hour room service. Butlers are available at no extra cost, though they might only prove valuable for restaurant reservations, which are notoriously difficult. After dinner, guests can enjoy a performance in the Milanese-inspired theater, La Scala; for drinks, a three-mast ship serves as a late-night watering hole, though few actually use it.
This 274-room, adults-only all-inclusive resort with photogenic Greco-Roman design is part of the Iberostar brand's Grand Collection, and is the most luxurious of four Iberostar options in Punta Cana. Prices are understandably higher, though they're not that much higher than at sister property Bavaro Suites. There's a ton of space for relaxing, especially at one of three pools and an extra wide stretch of beach. The four room types are equipped with spacious balconies, enclosed foyers with large closets, and a hidden delivery area for 24-hour room service. Butlers are available at no extra cost, though they might only prove valuable for restaurant reservations, which are notoriously difficult. After dinner, guests can enjoy a performance in the Milanese-inspired theater, La Scala; for drinks, a three-mast ship serves as a late-night watering hole, though few actually use it.
VH Gran Ventana Beach Resort is an all-inclusive, three-and-a-half-pearl property located on lovely Playa Dorada beach. Gran Ventana offers a typical, upper-middle-range all-inclusive experience, which means a steady lineup of activities, a massive main pool, and a couple of decent dining options. The resort’s 506 rooms have generic decor and the limited Wi-Fi will be annoying for some, but those seeking a simple, no-fuss vacation are likely to be satisfied. It’s worth comparing amenities and rates with Be Live Collection Marien.
VH Gran Ventana Beach Resort is an all-inclusive, three-and-a-half-pearl property located on lovely Playa Dorada beach. Gran Ventana offers a typical, upper-middle-range all-inclusive experience, which means a steady lineup of activities, a massive main pool, and a couple of decent dining options. The resort’s 506 rooms have generic decor and the limited Wi-Fi will be annoying for some, but those seeking a simple, no-fuss vacation are likely to be satisfied. It’s worth comparing amenities and rates with Be Live Collection Marien.
This 400-plus-room resort on the coast west of La Romana has sunset views, a calm bay, and zero neighbors, except for its sister Bouganville resort next door. (Getting here will require a pricey taxi ride from any airport.) Though lacking the iconic turquoise waves of Punta Cana, this is a relaxed environment for families and couples (the latter can schedule a romantic private dinner at the end of the picturesque dock). The decent food choices (including uncrowded a la carte restaurants), bars, entertainment, long shoreline, and sizable but basic suites help make this a great value. Guests have access to an on-site golf course and spa for additional fees.
This 400-plus-room resort on the coast west of La Romana has sunset views, a calm bay, and zero neighbors, except for its sister Bouganville resort next door. (Getting here will require a pricey taxi ride from any airport.) Though lacking the iconic turquoise waves of Punta Cana, this is a relaxed environment for families and couples (the latter can schedule a romantic private dinner at the end of the picturesque dock). The decent food choices (including uncrowded a la carte restaurants), bars, entertainment, long shoreline, and sizable but basic suites help make this a great value. Guests have access to an on-site golf course and spa for additional fees.
Offering 11 eco-friendly bungalows in a lush, friendly setting, Natura Cabanas is a taste of serene, northern coast luxury for a remarkably fair price. Guests enjoy delicious, fresh food, a clean, crowd-less beach, yoga classes, and a fabulous spa. It's quiet, and a bit rustic without TV or AC in rooms, but that's the point.
Offering 11 eco-friendly bungalows in a lush, friendly setting, Natura Cabanas is a taste of serene, northern coast luxury for a remarkably fair price. Guests enjoy delicious, fresh food, a clean, crowd-less beach, yoga classes, and a fabulous spa. It's quiet, and a bit rustic without TV or AC in rooms, but that's the point.
This adult-only, all-inclusive beachfront resort is one of the smaller and quieter options in Punta Cana, with just 255 rooms. It offers impressive food variety given its size, with two a la carte restaurants on-site and more options next door at larger, family-friendly Catalonia Bavaro Beach (for Royal guests, no reservations are required). Other features include a spa, gym, two pools, a small private beach a five-minute walk from the property (where beachside massages are offered), and a putting green. Neighboring sister property Catalonia Bavaro Beach has entertainment and additional amenities. Just be aware that this is an upper-middle-range, not a luxury, resort, with some visible wear. The Excellence Punta Cana is a more upscale (and expensive) adult-only option.
This adult-only, all-inclusive beachfront resort is one of the smaller and quieter options in Punta Cana, with just 255 rooms. It offers impressive food variety given its size, with two a la carte restaurants on-site and more options next door at larger, family-friendly Catalonia Bavaro Beach (for Royal guests, no reservations are required). Other features include a spa, gym, two pools, a small private beach a five-minute walk from the property (where beachside massages are offered), and a putting green. Neighboring sister property Catalonia Bavaro Beach has entertainment and additional amenities. Just be aware that this is an upper-middle-range, not a luxury, resort, with some visible wear. The Excellence Punta Cana is a more upscale (and expensive) adult-only option.