The Naiboa offers the least expensive rates of the five resorts on the Riu complex, and it is readily evident why; food is bland, liquor is bottom-shelf, there are pesky fees for Wi-Fi, and the beach is a bit of a walk. But once on the sand, the resort proves to be a solid budget option, as the beach is absolutely gorgeous, and offers plenty of water sports and entertainment. Families will likely appreciate the kids’ club and large pool, although some find the poolside activities to be more of a noisy bother.
The Naiboa offers the least expensive rates of the five resorts on the Riu complex, and it is readily evident why; food is bland, liquor is bottom-shelf, there are pesky fees for Wi-Fi, and the beach is a bit of a walk. But once on the sand, the resort proves to be a solid budget option, as the beach is absolutely gorgeous, and offers plenty of water sports and entertainment. Families will likely appreciate the kids’ club and large pool, although some find the poolside activities to be more of a noisy bother.
Situated on a white-sand beach, Fantasia Bahia Principe Punta Cana is a mid-range family-friendly resort that's part of the larger Bahia Principe Punta Cana complex. The property offers 512 Junior Suites with soft but contemporary decor and small balconies, but it's the features here that really stand out. There are a ton of perks for kids of all ages, including a water park and a variety of kids' clubs. For adults, there's a spa, extensive sports facilities, and dining and drinking options from around the world. If you're looking for an all-inclusive, family-friendly property with easy beach access, the Fantasia ticks all the boxes, but there are plenty of other options to consider on the Bahia Principe complex. If you'd prefer something adults-only, though, we'd recommend the quiet and secluded Le Sivory Punta Cana By PortBlue Boutique instead.
Situated on a white-sand beach, Fantasia Bahia Principe Punta Cana is a mid-range family-friendly resort that's part of the larger Bahia Principe Punta Cana complex. The property offers 512 Junior Suites with soft but contemporary decor and small balconies, but it's the features here that really stand out. There are a ton of perks for kids of all ages, including a water park and a variety of kids' clubs. For adults, there's a spa, extensive sports facilities, and dining and drinking options from around the world. If you're looking for an all-inclusive, family-friendly property with easy beach access, the Fantasia ticks all the boxes, but there are plenty of other options to consider on the Bahia Principe complex. If you'd prefer something adults-only, though, we'd recommend the quiet and secluded Le Sivory Punta Cana By PortBlue Boutique instead.
With 372 rooms, Royal Turquesa is the more expensive, adults-only section of the massive all-inclusive Palladium complex, and has a more peaceful setting than its three neighbors. Notable aspects here include the swim-up suites and a prime stretch of private beach dotted with lounge chairs, hammocks, and daybeds. The main pool is smack in the center of the resort and has built-in lounge chairs and a swim-up bar. Rooms options come in seven spacious types, all with canopy beds, stocked minibars (soda, water, beer, and liquor), DVD players, sofa beds, and jetted tubs. There is premium liquor at the bars, and two restaurants (including a romantic French option) are exclusive to this section only; guests can also access the wide selection of bars, restaurants, and activities at the three sister properties, though they're a long walk or crowded shuttle ride away.
With 372 rooms, Royal Turquesa is the more expensive, adults-only section of the massive all-inclusive Palladium complex, and has a more peaceful setting than its three neighbors. Notable aspects here include the swim-up suites and a prime stretch of private beach dotted with lounge chairs, hammocks, and daybeds. The main pool is smack in the center of the resort and has built-in lounge chairs and a swim-up bar. Rooms options come in seven spacious types, all with canopy beds, stocked minibars (soda, water, beer, and liquor), DVD players, sofa beds, and jetted tubs. There is premium liquor at the bars, and two restaurants (including a romantic French option) are exclusive to this section only; guests can also access the wide selection of bars, restaurants, and activities at the three sister properties, though they're a long walk or crowded shuttle ride away.
The luxury Hideaway at Royalton Punta Cana is the adult-only property inside the Royalton complex, right on Bavaro Beach. The resort within a resort does an excellent job at providing peace, quiet, and style to its private reception area, indoor lounge, hidden pool, private stretch of beach, beach bar, and seafood restaurant, El Dorado. Guests can definitely stay in these dedicated Hideaway areas for their entire vacation and avoid the rest of the world. However, Hideaway guests also get access to the Royalton Punta Cana and Memories Splash Punta Cana, and these pools, restaurants, beaches, and activities are much more crowded and kid-friendly. The 161 rooms are beautifully decorated and nicely appointed, all have balconies and some have swim-up pool access and ocean views. Guests can also upgrade to Diamond Club access for butler service.
The luxury Hideaway at Royalton Punta Cana is the adult-only property inside the Royalton complex, right on Bavaro Beach. The resort within a resort does an excellent job at providing peace, quiet, and style to its private reception area, indoor lounge, hidden pool, private stretch of beach, beach bar, and seafood restaurant, El Dorado. Guests can definitely stay in these dedicated Hideaway areas for their entire vacation and avoid the rest of the world. However, Hideaway guests also get access to the Royalton Punta Cana and Memories Splash Punta Cana, and these pools, restaurants, beaches, and activities are much more crowded and kid-friendly. The 161 rooms are beautifully decorated and nicely appointed, all have balconies and some have swim-up pool access and ocean views. Guests can also upgrade to Diamond Club access for butler service.
This quiet, mid-range hotel in the back of a strip mall on a busy local shopping street is a great value among the overpriced all-inclusive resorts of Punta Cana. Clean rooms have attractive Caribbean decor but few frills (no free bottled water, for example). There is a small, attractive courtyard pool, and both breakfast and Wi-Fi are free. The location near downtown Bavaro is well-suited to those looking to explore local restaurants and shops, but it's a five-minute drive to the beach. The all-inclusive whala!bavaro has a location closer to the beach, but a more party-oriented crowd.
This quiet, mid-range hotel in the back of a strip mall on a busy local shopping street is a great value among the overpriced all-inclusive resorts of Punta Cana. Clean rooms have attractive Caribbean decor but few frills (no free bottled water, for example). There is a small, attractive courtyard pool, and both breakfast and Wi-Fi are free. The location near downtown Bavaro is well-suited to those looking to explore local restaurants and shops, but it's a five-minute drive to the beach. The all-inclusive whala!bavaro has a location closer to the beach, but a more party-oriented crowd.
The 730-room Royalton Bavaro Resort & Spa is a sprawling, luxury all-inclusive located on a beautiful fine-sand beach that’s about a 20-minute drive north of Punta Cana. With several pools -- including a beautiful infinity one and a 1,200-foot lazy river -- several kids’ clubs for different ages, and a full entertainment program, the resort is an excellent pick for families seeking a fun-filled vacation. Spacious, elegant rooms have big tubs and terraces. Travelers wanting a more exclusive stay can upgrade to the Diamond Club, which offers great perks such as private pools and beach areas, butler service, preferential restaurant reservations, and additional in-room amenities. Food is good and varied, and the all-inclusive package covers all buffet meals as well as unlimited meals at any of the a la carte restaurants. For something quieter, consider the Zoetry Agua Punta Cana.
The 730-room Royalton Bavaro Resort & Spa is a sprawling, luxury all-inclusive located on a beautiful fine-sand beach that’s about a 20-minute drive north of Punta Cana. With several pools -- including a beautiful infinity one and a 1,200-foot lazy river -- several kids’ clubs for different ages, and a full entertainment program, the resort is an excellent pick for families seeking a fun-filled vacation. Spacious, elegant rooms have big tubs and terraces. Travelers wanting a more exclusive stay can upgrade to the Diamond Club, which offers great perks such as private pools and beach areas, butler service, preferential restaurant reservations, and additional in-room amenities. Food is good and varied, and the all-inclusive package covers all buffet meals as well as unlimited meals at any of the a la carte restaurants. For something quieter, consider the Zoetry Agua Punta Cana.
Golf's the main game in town for this shrine to Jack Nicklaus that's only a 10-minute drive from an 18-hole course designed by the Golden Bear himself. But though the upscale property is decently equipped for long-term residents and golfers, non-golfers may find the surroundings a bit dull. There's no beach or dining options (but guests can access restaurants within the Cap Cana complex). Modern, stylish rooms are actually condo rentals and all but the entry-level Studios come with kitchenettes, outdoor jetted plunge pools, and washer/dryers; all, however, have ocean views. Those who want a more traditional all-inclusive beach resort might look into Vista Sol or Ocean Blue & Sand.
Golf's the main game in town for this shrine to Jack Nicklaus that's only a 10-minute drive from an 18-hole course designed by the Golden Bear himself. But though the upscale property is decently equipped for long-term residents and golfers, non-golfers may find the surroundings a bit dull. There's no beach or dining options (but guests can access restaurants within the Cap Cana complex). Modern, stylish rooms are actually condo rentals and all but the entry-level Studios come with kitchenettes, outdoor jetted plunge pools, and washer/dryers; all, however, have ocean views. Those who want a more traditional all-inclusive beach resort might look into Vista Sol or Ocean Blue & Sand.
As the biggest section of the Grand Bahia Principe (five hotels within), the Bavaro has a whopping 816 rooms in itself, in two categories: Junior Suite or the upgraded Club Hacienda level with a few extra amenities like closer proximity to the beach, coffeemakers, bathrobes, slippers, and beach towels upon request. The beach requires a walk from most rooms -– worth the trek, especially at sunrise -– and it's typically the easier bet to get a prime spot during the day (chairs by the two pools tend to fill up quickly). Rooms are spacious and clean with minibars, though they mostly contain outdated décor. There's a pesky charge for the in-room safe, but with a water park and plenty of a la carte restaurants, bars, and nightly entertainment, this huge resort is meant to keep the masses happy.
As the biggest section of the Grand Bahia Principe (five hotels within), the Bavaro has a whopping 816 rooms in itself, in two categories: Junior Suite or the upgraded Club Hacienda level with a few extra amenities like closer proximity to the beach, coffeemakers, bathrobes, slippers, and beach towels upon request. The beach requires a walk from most rooms -– worth the trek, especially at sunrise -– and it's typically the easier bet to get a prime spot during the day (chairs by the two pools tend to fill up quickly). Rooms are spacious and clean with minibars, though they mostly contain outdated décor. There's a pesky charge for the in-room safe, but with a water park and plenty of a la carte restaurants, bars, and nightly entertainment, this huge resort is meant to keep the masses happy.
This 200-room upscale resort is just a five-minute drive from Punta Cana airport, and draws mostly American couples and families. Highlights include the the long, large pool or white-sand (but short, and partially seaweed-strewn) beach. Rooms are elegant and modern, and most have at least partial ocean views. The atmosphere is low-key, but the resort can seem isolated and lacks the energy of activity-packed all-inclusive resorts in the area -- which is part of the appeal for many. The two restaurants serve organic fare, and there is a free shuttle to golf, tennis, and the restaurants at Puntacana Village. Those seeking an upscale resort with all-inclusive rates might want to consider the Luxury Bahia Principe Esmeralda Don Pablo Collection or The Level Melia Caribe Tropical.
This 200-room upscale resort is just a five-minute drive from Punta Cana airport, and draws mostly American couples and families. Highlights include the the long, large pool or white-sand (but short, and partially seaweed-strewn) beach. Rooms are elegant and modern, and most have at least partial ocean views. The atmosphere is low-key, but the resort can seem isolated and lacks the energy of activity-packed all-inclusive resorts in the area -- which is part of the appeal for many. The two restaurants serve organic fare, and there is a free shuttle to golf, tennis, and the restaurants at Puntacana Village. Those seeking an upscale resort with all-inclusive rates might want to consider the Luxury Bahia Principe Esmeralda Don Pablo Collection or The Level Melia Caribe Tropical.
The largest of four Paradisus resorts in Punta Cana, the 683-room, luxury Paradisus Punta Cana Resort is a kid-friendly, all-inclusive resort that still manages to feel uncrowded due to its expansive grounds. Guests can expect to walk or hitch rides on the regular shuttle service to get to the beach, pools, luxury spa, kids’ club, and impressive restaurants around the resort; there are also bike stations for those who prefer to cycle. The beach doesn’t quiet down at night as it can at other resorts, but rather comes alive with a party scene appealing to both young and old. Rooms are contemporary and well-outfitted with free minibars, sofa beds, and furnished balconies – but the majority overlook the garden. The Royal Service upgrade -- expect a sales pitch upon arrival -- allows access to the private lounge and a separate pool and beach area, and comes with personal butler service. The resort is a bit more luxurious -- and a bit pricier -- than the neighboring Bavaro Princess Resort, Spa and Casino. Beach-lovers may prefer the feature-packed Majestic Colonial Punta Cana, which has a more oceanfront setting.
The largest of four Paradisus resorts in Punta Cana, the 683-room, luxury Paradisus Punta Cana Resort is a kid-friendly, all-inclusive resort that still manages to feel uncrowded due to its expansive grounds. Guests can expect to walk or hitch rides on the regular shuttle service to get to the beach, pools, luxury spa, kids’ club, and impressive restaurants around the resort; there are also bike stations for those who prefer to cycle. The beach doesn’t quiet down at night as it can at other resorts, but rather comes alive with a party scene appealing to both young and old. Rooms are contemporary and well-outfitted with free minibars, sofa beds, and furnished balconies – but the majority overlook the garden. The Royal Service upgrade -- expect a sales pitch upon arrival -- allows access to the private lounge and a separate pool and beach area, and comes with personal butler service. The resort is a bit more luxurious -- and a bit pricier -- than the neighboring Bavaro Princess Resort, Spa and Casino. Beach-lovers may prefer the feature-packed Majestic Colonial Punta Cana, which has a more oceanfront setting.