The sole adults-only hotel on the five-resort Riu complex, the Macao has a generally upscale vibe that’s significantly more tranquil than its sister properties. There’s still the requisite poolside entertainment and loud music by the gorgeous, white-sand beach, but couple-friendly amenities (which the other properties lack) include name-brand liquor and a designated VIP section on the beach. While this all-inclusive features sleek rooms and fun nightly entertainment, many guests complain about the mediocre food and the long walk to the gym and spa.
The sole adults-only hotel on the five-resort Riu complex, the Macao has a generally upscale vibe that’s significantly more tranquil than its sister properties. There’s still the requisite poolside entertainment and loud music by the gorgeous, white-sand beach, but couple-friendly amenities (which the other properties lack) include name-brand liquor and a designated VIP section on the beach. While this all-inclusive features sleek rooms and fun nightly entertainment, many guests complain about the mediocre food and the long walk to the gym and spa.
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 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.
This upscale resort sits on a pretty white-sand beach that is filled with fun water sports and sans annoying crowds. Perhaps due to slightly higher rates, the Dreams lacks a raucous spring break crowd and instead attracts families and couples with its large, pristine pool, lovely spa, kids’ club, and daily entertainment. Another major draw is the above-average food, which can be hard to come by at all-inclusives in the D.R.
This upscale resort sits on a pretty white-sand beach that is filled with fun water sports and sans annoying crowds. Perhaps due to slightly higher rates, the Dreams lacks a raucous spring break crowd and instead attracts families and couples with its large, pristine pool, lovely spa, kids’ club, and daily entertainment. Another major draw is the above-average food, which can be hard to come by at all-inclusives in the D.R.
Opened in November 2013, the 750-room Breathless Punta Cana is an adults-only all-inclusive resort along a beautiful beach, and it’s one of the most luxurious options in the area. The property is massive, so guests rarely feel overwhelmed by crowds, whether they are in one of the several a la carte or buffet restaurants, lounging by one of the many swimming pools, or relaxing on the gorgeous white-sand beach. A stellar full-service spa, fitness center and classes, entertainment, and non-motorized water sports are all also available, alongside a casino. The Unlimited Luxury rates include everything from the food and alcohol to the water sports and themed pool parties, but some guests complain that the food and service at the restaurants lag. Xhale club guests get access to exclusive lounges and pools, plus upgraded minibars and room service menus. The Breathless is a stylish property catering to a young clientele, but it’s worth comparing rates with the similar and nearby Excellence Punta Cana.
Opened in November 2013, the 750-room Breathless Punta Cana is an adults-only all-inclusive resort along a beautiful beach, and it’s one of the most luxurious options in the area. The property is massive, so guests rarely feel overwhelmed by crowds, whether they are in one of the several a la carte or buffet restaurants, lounging by one of the many swimming pools, or relaxing on the gorgeous white-sand beach. A stellar full-service spa, fitness center and classes, entertainment, and non-motorized water sports are all also available, alongside a casino. The Unlimited Luxury rates include everything from the food and alcohol to the water sports and themed pool parties, but some guests complain that the food and service at the restaurants lag. Xhale club guests get access to exclusive lounges and pools, plus upgraded minibars and room service menus. The Breathless is a stylish property catering to a young clientele, but it’s worth comparing rates with the similar and nearby Excellence Punta Cana.
Despite its kid-friendly mantra, this upscale boutique resort is a relaxing, appealing pick for both couples and families. The Reserve is pricier than its larger sister property next door, the Paradisus Punta Cana, but for good reason. The 170 classic one-bedroom units here (some adjoining) have separate living/dining areas, pull-out sofas, and spacious bathrooms with jetted tubs for two. Reserve guests can access the amenities and restaurants next door (minus Royal Services), so they don't lose out on features by staying here. The beach area is a good hike away, but the tangerine bikes are useful for getting around, and it's not too far to walk to the large pool complex, fitness center, yoga studio, and Asian-themed spa.
Despite its kid-friendly mantra, this upscale boutique resort is a relaxing, appealing pick for both couples and families. The Reserve is pricier than its larger sister property next door, the Paradisus Punta Cana, but for good reason. The 170 classic one-bedroom units here (some adjoining) have separate living/dining areas, pull-out sofas, and spacious bathrooms with jetted tubs for two. Reserve guests can access the amenities and restaurants next door (minus Royal Services), so they don't lose out on features by staying here. The beach area is a good hike away, but the tangerine bikes are useful for getting around, and it's not too far to walk to the large pool complex, fitness center, yoga studio, and Asian-themed spa.