Punta Cana is a resort town on the eastern seaboard of the Dominican Republic. It is pure bliss, thanks to clear blue skies, turquoise water, and postcard-worthy ocean waves. We took an all-inclusive vacation to Punta Cana this month and we were absolutely thrilled by it. This was our first all-inclusive trip and we think it is worth every penny. Our package included the resort stay for 4 nights and 3 days (excluding the days for travel). We purchased the airfare separately however some packages include the airfare as well.
If you are looking to visit Punta Cana, look no further than the stunning Barceló Bávaro Beach Adults Only Resort in Punta Cana. This resort is one of the two top-rated resorts from the Barcelo Bavaro Grand Resort complex located on one of the most stunning beaches in the world, Playa Bavaro. The Barcelo Bavaro Adults Only is only for adults as the name suggests. However, if you have kids, Barcelo Bavaro Palace is the place to be. The Barcelo Bavaro Grand Resorts provide the most complete resort experience in Punta Cana with miles of white sand, palm trees, and crystal clear water. Take a sneak peek into our 3-day stay in the Barcelo Bavaro Adults Only resort to experience the ultimate relaxation and indulgence and take your vacation to the next level.
Day 1
Arrival in Paradise
The Punta Cana International Airport (PUJ) is the primary airport for travel to the Dominican Republic. There are tons of direct flights, however, we took a connecting flight from BWI to St. Louis and then from St. Louis to Punta Cana. We traveled back in time for the duration of our layover in St. Louis because it is one hour behind Baltimore, however, Punta Cana is in the same time zone as Baltimore. As we stepped off the plane, we could feel the balmy Punta Cana ocean breeze. Since we booked our flight separately, we had to arrange our own transfer from the airport to the resort. If you book your flight as part of the all-inclusive deal from the resort, then a comfortable shuttle will whisk you away to Barceló Bávaro Beach Resort, where you'll be greeted with a refreshing welcome drink. We were greeted with a welcoming drink on our arrival nonetheless, however, it took us a little longer to arrive due to the 3rd party transportation arrangement. Uber and other 3rd party taxis are not allowed to enter the resort premises unless they have licensed permission to enter the premises. This is to ensure the safety of resort guests and staff alike. The hotel lobby was swarming with guests, checking in and checking out. We had to wait in the queue for approx 45 minutes before someone was able to assist us with check-in. We weren't complaining though because we were awestruck by the resort's grandeur and the glimpses of the ocean from the lobby that excited us for all the good things about to unravel.
P.S.
On arrival, inquire about the ala carte restaurant reservations from the concierge. The lobby bar with unlimited drinks and the buffet restaurants are included with the all-inclusive stay, however, ala carte restaurants need a prior reservation. Some restaurants are booked for a week in advance so make sure you make your reservation as soon as you arrive.
Let me share a little secret on how to make your reservation in an ala carte restaurant if it is completely booked. The most popular ala carte restaurant is the Japanese Restaurant, KYOTO. It is a Japanese Hibachi-style restaurant. The restaurant was booked for a week ahead and we couldn't make a reservation because we had to leave in 3 days. However, a night before our departure, we were able to make a reservation for us. How? Like any restaurant, these restaurants also have last-minute cancelations or no-shows. Guests who made their reservations a week in advance might just forget to show up or their plans might change. Hence, the secret is to just show up at the restaurant when they open and ask politely the front desk if they can accommodate you without reservation. Thats it. All you need is to show up, be polite, and ask.
Ala Carte restaurants have certain dress codes like casuals with closed shoes, business casuals, or formals only. So make sure you check with the guest services or the restaurant staff about their dress code. After check-in, we were impressed with our elegant room with modern amenities. Some expensive rooms also provide breathtaking views of the ocean. After checking in, we unpacked our swimsuit, sunscreen, and shades because the private beach and pool area was calling our name. We spent the afternoon unwinding on the soft sand, taking refreshing dips, or lounging with a cocktail in hand. Make sure you tip the housekeeping staff and the bar staff and your room will always be clean and you will never run out of drinks. At sunset, we headed back to the room to freshen up and then head to one of the buffet restaurants for delectable dinner and treat our taste buds to the resort's culinary delights. The buffet and ala carte restaurants are spread out between the Adults Only and the Palace Resort as part of the Grand Resort Complex. As an all-inclusive guest, you get unrestricted access to all the buffet restaurants and bars onsite. Thanks to the resort, we didn't have to worry about meals.
Day 2
We woke up early at 6 a.m. and witnessed the most beautiful sunrise ever. And we were not alone. A few other people showed up to watch the spectacle as well. Post sunrise, we headed to the gym for a light workout mainly to ensure we were able to indulge guilt-free in the culinary delights. We fueled ourselves by enjoying a leisurely breakfast at the buffet with tons of choices to satisfy all our taste buds. Post breakfast, we decided to explore the resort's many amenities. We headed to the hydrotherapy center where we treated ourselves to an ice-cold bath and a sauna to rejuvenate. It was pure bliss. Refreshments are provided in the form of fruits, juice, and water. After rejuvenating, we headed back to the pool to enjoy our cocktail drinks and then to the private beach Playa Bavaro. This beach is one of the most spectacular beaches you will ever visit, with miles of endless coastline, white sand, and turquoise blue water. The ocean water is surprisingly warm throughout the day. The beach is filled with seaweed that gets washed ashore and gives the ocean patches of darker colors.
The all-inclusive stay enables you to embark on water adventures like kayaking or simply bask in the sun's warm embrace on the private beach. Some excursions are included such as kayaking and some are paid excursions discussed later in the blog.
For lunch, choose between poolside bites or another buffet spread. For dinner, we made a reservation at one of the ala carte Seafood restaurants for a gourmet experience. We ended the day with a moonlit stroll along the beach – the ultimate relaxation.
Day 3
Most of our day 3 was spent exploring the vibrant resort activities and exploring the free and paid excursions available to enjoy. We enjoyed kayaking, took tons of pictures at the beach, refreshed in the pool, enjoyed the poolside and lobby games such as billiards and ping-pong, and made a reservation for an underwater paid excursion for the next day. Some other activities to choose from include a beach volleyball game or getting a massage at a spa center. The options are endless with tons of activities to choose from to spend the day as you please. In the evening, we headed to a live theater located in the resort to celebrate the beauty of Punta Cana.
Day 4
After our morning routine of watching the sunrise, strolling along the beach, working out, and refueling with a leisurely breakfast at the buffet restaurant, we prepared to leave for our underwater excursion. It was a paid excursion that cost us $225 for two. It included a 4-hour boat ride to a deeper part of the ocean, transportation to and from the resort included. The boat had live music coupled with snacks and some alcoholic beverages. The boat staff included trained underwater divers and swimmers. There were about 50 people on the boat. The excursion included underwater diving to a depth of about 12 feet to swim with the fish under the expert guidance and instructions of the trained staff, snorkeling, swimming with the stingrays and small sharks, getting kissed by the sea lion, and finally, swimming in the ocean while the drinks are being served under the clear blue skies. I'd highly recommend this water activity to anyone going to Punta Cana. Great value for money. After returning to the resort, we prepared to dine at the most popular ala
carte restaurant in the resort, Kyoto, The Japanese Hibachi Grill. The dress code was business casual with sleeved shirts and full pants with closed shoes for men. For women, the dress code was casual and comfortable wear with no swimwear and no flip-flops. We savored the cold and warm appetizers, the main course including the premium steak and shrimp hibachi meal, premium champagne, and a delectable dessert at the end. It is highly recommended to skip lunch before dining here. The meals are filling and portion sizes are large.
Day 5
On our last day, we checked out, enjoyed the last breakfast meal of the resort, and headed to the airport. The Punta Cana airport is fairly small, so make sure to reach the airport well in advance to avoid long delays at the security checkpoints. After spending almost 2 hours passing through the security, we reached our flight gate. As we were waiting for our flight, we gathered all the memories from this incredible trip and started planning for our next all-inclusive trip to this paradise on earth.
Packing Essentials and Travel Tips
To make the most of this unforgettable adventure, here are some tips regarding packing essentials and tips to remember. Must-have things include lightweight clothing, swimwear, comfortable shoes for exploring, and of course, plenty of sunscreen. Try not to forget your travel documents, chargers, and a small first aid kit. As mentioned earlier, dress codes apply at the resort's restaurants, so pack a mix of casual and slightly dressier outfits. Don't forget to pack sunglasses, a selfie stick, and a hat. Tip a dollar or two to the hotel staff to enjoy undivided attention. You will thank me later. Arrive at the airport well in advance, as international flights often require extra time for security and check-in procedures. Once you're in Punta Cana, you can avail of the resort transportation services or book your transportation online in advance through Expedia or Kayak to ensure a smooth journey to your tropical haven.
Barceló Bávaro Beach Adults Only Resort is the epitome of relaxation and luxury. The Barcelo Bavaro Grand Resort is the only all-inclusive resort you need when visiting Punta Cana, whether you are a solo traveler, a couple, or a family with kids. The all-inclusive resort has tons of activities for all age groups. The hotel staff is extremely polite, courteous, and well-trained. We returned from this trip feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and with memories to cherish for a lifetime.
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