Punta Cana all-inclusive resorts offer an easy escape to a tropical destination so beautiful it draws travelers from all over the world.
In less than 3 hours from much of the US, they come for the perfect palm-tree lined beaches, partying, and opulent pools with bottomless frozen drinks. But, Punta Cana also provides a backdrop of adventure. Dive on into an underwater cave or hop on an ATV through the jungle. Boats leave for sunset nightly, many with a DJ and an open bar. And some of the best clubs in the world can be found in downtown Punta Cana, including the Imagine club, which is built inside a cave.
But really, Punta Cana is all about the resort, and the pool, and the over-the-top entertainment. Which is what makes the scene so competitive. So, when a new resort opens, it’s usually seeking to up the game in a few areas. So, we took a look back over the past few years, scoured the reviews, and rounded up the best features of the newest resorts worth checking out on your next trip.
Falcon’s Resort by Meliá: Suite Entertainment
Opened in early 2023, this upscale Bávaro Beach resort has left all kinds of travelers impressed, garnering glowing reviews across the board for its service, rooms, and add-on packages. It has all the trappings of some bigger family friendly hotels like the Hard Rock, but on a more manageable and more refined scale.
A Family Friendly Theme Park
If the thought of you and your family taking part in a theater-sized video-game virtual adventure sounds like fun to you, then look no further. But add in a few old-school rides, mini golf, and an obstacle course and bar and grill, and keep the fam happy for hours.
Every Room is a Suite, But…
Each living space is meticulously designed for comfort and luxury, providing spacious living areas and outdoor spaces that feel more private than they are. But, the swim up rooms are attached to small communal pools. Even so, people seemed to love their experience, and were willing to give up the room view for the overall view from the pool.
The Beyond Ordinary Experience
If you’re looking for an extra layer of luxury, you can opt for The Beyond Suite Experience. It’s a package offering immediate reservations at all restaurants, a dedicated Concierge, and free passes to Katmandu Park.
The Spa!
Located amidst lush gardens and cascading waterfalls, MAIA Signature Spa is the perfect place for some quiet time. Treatments include massages, facials, body wraps, hydrotherapy, and beauty treatments. The most popular offerings? The Balinese Massage, Chocolate Facial, and hydrotherapy circuit.
Dreams Flora Resort & Spa: For Families that Love the Outdoors
Over on the quiet stretch of Cabeza de Toro Beach in Punta Cana, the Dreams Flora Resort & Spa feels opened in early 2o23. Greeting you with thatch-roofed lobby, it feels like staying inside a tropical garden—with 520 suites! Already getting strong reviews, this resort is a tranquil new option on the scene.
Suite Luxury with a View
Private balconies or terraces with intimate views of either the ocean or the flower strewn garden. From Junior Suites to the extravagant Presidential Suite, every option at Dreams Flora is big, thoughtfully designed, and comfortable.
A Water Park and More
Dreams excels at including every age of kid in their family program. The little ones can sign up for the Explorer’s Club with activities and games, Teens can show up to the Teens Club to find a variety of activities. And everyone can meet up later a the water park, with gigantic waterslides or the game room.
Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana: Laid-Back Luxury
There are plenty of other Punta Cana all-inclusive resorts out there, but according to the reviews that have been amassing since late 2021, you don’t need to be a parrot head to enjoy this place. And a quick check of the pics confirms–aside from the telltale blue and yellow colors, it’s not head-to-toe Buffet. In fact, it’s really kind of cute!
The vibe? Laid back luxury. Located in the upscale neighborhood of Cap Cana Beach in Punta Cana, on Juanillo Beach—known for its white sands and turquoise waters, it has some of the most beautiful, swimmable shores on the island.
It’s Just a Beautiful Property
Margaritaville Island Reserve Cap Cana is designed with a minimilaists flair, with beautiful views of the ocean and modern rooms.
Island Reserve Villas: Do it Like Jimmy Would
For those seeking a more secluded experience, the Island Reserve Villas take it up a notch. Situated in an adults-only section of the resort, these villas offer an array of premium features such as butler service, outdoor showers, private terraces, and exclusive access to a tranquil lagoon pool. With private pools, jacuzzis, and outdoor living spaces, the villas offer a luxurious experience for families, groups, or couples.
Royalton CHIC Punta Cana: Adult Spring Break
The Royalton CHIC Punta Cana re-opened in its new location back in 2021 and with it, brought a completely new way for adults to visit forever spring break. With its vibrant, global, and social atmosphere, it provides a space for everyone—singles, couples, friends, and groups—anyone who appreciate a foam party and a live DJ.
Theme Parties Almost Every Night
The resort hosts various themed parties almost every day of the week. And, they go to great lengths to customize the feel of each. Whether it’s the vibrant Neon World Party, the White Party, the Foam Party, or whatever they’re dreaming up when you visit— there’s always an event within steps of your bed.
The Exclusive CHIC Mansion
For the ultimate luxury experience, the CHIC Mansion offers a sprawling 11,500 square-foot private villa. Inside? Six suite-style rooms and an array of exclusive amenities, including personalized chef and butler services.
5 Tips for Punta Cana All-Inclusive Resorts
From what to tip to how to get to the resort, here are a few key good-to-knows that will make your experience go more smoothly.
- Don’t Exchange your dollars for pesos. The Dominican Peso is the official currency, but resorts and vendors widely accept, and often prefer, US dollars. Though, usually in small denominations. Credit cards are accepted at most resorts and major tourist spots.
- Tipping is customary at Punta Cana all-inclusive resorts. But, the service you receive will be worth it. Factor about $25 per day, ones and fives make handy tips.
- You can’t use ride-sharing at the airport. Ubers are not allowed to pick up or drop off passengers at the airport.
- Avoid taking a taxi from the airport. You will be bombarded by taxis when exiting the airport and it can be hard to tell which are legitimate. Resort shuttles are typically free, and ensure you’re going to the right place. Just be prepared to wait, because they frequently won’t go back to the resort until they’ve picked up a certain number of passengers. Good thing there’s an outdoor bar at the airport.
- Don’t get there too early. Early check in isn’t a thing in Punta Cana. Arriving too early could mean waiting in the lobby until 3pm. If you can’t avoid it, you can always change into a bathing suit in the bathroom.
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