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I have been visiting and writing about resorts around the world and in Punta Cana for years. I won't lie to you; there are many adult-friendly resorts, but the actual quality is not always what appears in the photos.
That is why, after staying in dozens of all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean, I am bringing you the definitive guide for Punta Cana adults-only resorts.
Here, I tell you everything: the good, the bad, and who each resort is truly for.
Quick summary
Hotels I’d definitely stay at again
If you’re looking for an adults-only, relaxing stay with really good food: Melia Punta Cana Wellness Inclusive (8.6 on Expedia and 8.8 in my personal ranking). If your budget is around $350 USD per night, this hotel is by far the best option.
Best resort for parties and fun: RIU Palac Bavaro, from $350 (8.4 on Expedia and 8.7 in my personal ranking)
If you want the best adults-only experience and budget isn’t an issue, Hyatt Zilara Cap Cana is widely regarded as the top all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean, TripAdvisor even named it #1 in Luxury in the 2025 Travelers’ Choice Awards.
There’s just one catch: it’s January and rooms are usually booked out… but it’s always worth checking.
Note: I tried to stay at Hyatt Zilara on my last visit, but it was fully booked, so it’s at the top of my list for next time to see whether it truly lives up to the hype.
- Table of contents
- Breathless Punta Cana: The best all-inclusive for 35+
- Melia Punta Cana Beach Wellness: The best all-inclusive to disconnect in an intimate atmosphere
- Royalton Hideaway: Great adults-only experience with access to a water park
- RIU Palace Bávaro: The best all-inclusive resort if you're looking for a party
- Dreams Royal Beach: The best value-for-money hotel for adults
- Wyndham Alltra Punta Cana: Luxurious and beautiful
- Lopesan Costa Bávaro: Great all-inclusive resort but average staff
- Whala! Bávaro + HM: Beautiful and affordable resorts
- Royalton CHIC Punta Cana: A resort for adults looking for a lively atmosphere
- Occidental Punta Cana: Affordable all-inclusive resort
1. Breathless Punta Cana Resort & Spa: The best all-inclusive for 35+
- Personal rating: 9.0/10
- Google rating: 4.5/5
- Uvero Alto. 40 minutes from Punta Cana Airport
- 5 Stars
My opinion after staying:
The Breathless is, without a doubt, the best option if you want to combine partying and relaxation. During the day you have very lively pool parties, and at night, the “white parties” on the beach with fire shows, DJs, and dancers.
And the best part: you can also disconnect whenever you want in their large relaxation pool, with several quiet zones and bars serving cocktails and freshly made burgers (which, by the way, are very, very good).
Why I recommend it for adults:
- Top Beach & Night Parties: The beach is wide and very beautiful, with plenty of lounge chairs (though little natural shade). But the best part comes at night: they organize white parties with fire shows, DJs, and dancers. The nighttime atmosphere on the sand is incredible.
- Double Pool Atmosphere: You have the party pool with a DJ, acrobats, dancers, and a staff that keeps the energy up all day (perfect for meeting people). And right in front of the beach, a large relaxation pool—silent, with semi-private areas to unwind.
- Quality Gastronomy: The buffet is very well laid out, with freshly carved ham and many desserts made on the spot. The food can get a little repetitive between lunch and dinner, but the quality is high.
- Premium Entertainment: The a la carte restaurants are very good (without quite reaching Michelin level), but the Teppanyaki show is a must-do experience. One of the best things at the resort.
- Luxury Rooms and Bathrooms: The suites are spacious, with very comfortable beds and pillows (top 5 of our trip). The bathroom is gorgeous, with double sinks and a huge shower. Some rooms have a Jacuzzi on the terrace or access to a semi-private pool.
- Top-Tier & Complete Gym: It has two floors full of machines and accessories. It is, literally, one of the best gyms I have seen in the area.
- Double the Fun (The Extra): Just a 3-minute walk away, without leaving the resort, you can use the water park, bars, and the pool with the stage at Dreams Onyx (the adjacent family hotel). Ideal if you feel like hitting the water slides for a while.
Type of Atmosphere
Vibrant, elegant, and social. It is an Adults Only resort hofocused on young couples and groups of friends looking for a lively atmosphere, good music, and lots of interaction, with the option to disconnect and have more intimate moments in the relax area.
Who I recommend it for
- Couples or friends looking for a balance between partying and resting in a 5-star environment.
Things to improve:
- Repetitive Food: For me, the lunch and dinner buffets were very similar. But well, you have the à la carte dinners, so it's not a big deal.
- A la Carte Restaurants: Although they are good, they don't quite reach the level of high cuisine expected from other 5-star resorts in this range.
Conclusion
Breathless Punta Cana is, for me, the king of adults-only resprts with a relax and party atmosphere. It combines stunning elegance with a social vibe that ensures fun all day long, both at the pool and at their themed night parties on the beach.
If you are looking for a vacation with luxury quality, partying, and spectacular room service, it is a total win. Yes, I recommend it for those who want the most chic vacation in Punta Cana.
2. Meliá Punta Cana Beach Wellness: The best all-inclusive to disconnect in an intimate atmosphere
- Personal rating: 8.8/10
- Google rating: 4.8/5
- Bávaro. 20-30 min from Punta Cana Airport
- 5 Stars
My opinion after staying:
If you ask me for the best resort for couples looking to relax and disconnect in Punta Cana, this one takes the prize.
It is the resort that best combines an atmosphere of total peace (thanks to its gardens full of animals, ducks, peacocks, etc.) with gastronomy that no other hotel has surpassed yet. It is an oasis if you are fleeing the noise, although I’ll warn you: if you hate walking, prepare to sweat.
Click here to read our Melia Punta Cana Beach Wellness Review with pros and cons.
Why I recommend it for adults:
- The best breakfast in the Caribbean: I don't say this lightly. The breakfast is a solid 10. There are eggs Benedict with good quality salmon, natural smoothies made on the spot, and even Spanish Pata Negra Iberian ham. Just for this, the reservation is worth it.
- Real Wellness Concept: The concept is taken seriously. You have a brutally peaceful atmosphere, and the All-Inclusive includes activities that other places would charge you extra for: Yoga classes, meditation, and healthy cooking workshops.
- Luxury details in the bathroom: The Rituals brand amenities elevate the shower experience to another level. It is a touch of real luxury and a detail that is appreciated.
- Natural and romantic setting: It is a botanical garden with lakes, peacocks, and ducks. Sunsets walks along these paths are, honestly, one of the best activities of the trip if you go as a couple.
- Chill Out Pools and silence: What I valued most is the silence. There is chill-out music and no entertainment staff shouting. You can read a book without interruptions on the edge of a giant lake-style pool or have a cocktail from the rooftop with sea views.
- Artistic quality shows: Although I am not one to watch shows, I really liked the Michael Jackson tribute. If you are an amateur dancer like me, I can tell you that the team has an artistic quality of 10.
Type of Atmosphere
Quiet, elegant, and wellness-focused. It is an adults-only all-inclusive focused on real rest, wellness, and good food. It is a 10/10 in peaceful atmosphere, ideal for slowing down from the daily grind and spending a vacation, anniversary, or birthday gift with your partner.
Who I recommend it for
- “Foodie” couples: If eating well is sacred to you and you are looking for the best breakfast in the Caribbean.
- Zen seekers: Couples who flee from noise, loud entertainment, and value an environment where peace breathes.
Things to improve:
- Long distances (watch out for this): The resort is very large and elongated, perpendicular to the sea. Going from the lobby to the beach is a hike. If you have mobility issues, you will get frustrated. (Although it has golf carts that pass every 10 minutes).
- Slow dinner service: Although the staff is super friendly, the a la carte service had significant failures (slowness). True story: At one dinner, I ordered pasta with shrimp, and they forgot the shrimp!
- “Mediocre” hair dryer: A small detail, but for a hotel of this category, the hair dryer is quite basic/bad. If you have a lot of hair, bring your own.
Conclusion
Yes, I totally recommend it if your priority is to eat well, rest, and enjoy Caribbean sunsets with your partner, going on romantic dates every day.
3. Royalton Hideaway: Great adults-only experience with access to a water park
- Personal rating: 8.7/10
- Google rating: 4.6/5
- Uvero Alto. 30 minutes from Punta Cana Airport
- 5 Stars
My opinion after staying:
The Royalton Hideaway is my hidden gem for couples who prioritize food and are looking for a bit more fun and activity. What I really liked was its concept: you have an Adults Only zone (Hideaway) with its own pools and atmosphere, but with access to the whole resort, including a large water park.
Why I recommend it for adults:
- Gastronomy: The food was spectacular. The buffet is very, very good, with prawns, seafood, and several types of fish cooked to order. The best part is the freshly carved ham (I went back for seconds every day). In the a la carte restaurants, highlighting the Japanese and the Dorado (they have the best rib eyes of my trip and very, very good starters; just for that, it's worth returning).
- Exclusive Hideaway: You have an Adults Only pool with ambient music, hot tub, sunbeds for two, and lively activities for adults. You also have access to rooms with pools that connect to the ground-floor rooms (swim-ups) for total privacy.
- Water Park: Even though it is Adults Only, you have full access to Royalton Splash, with a 10/10 water park (slides for 1 and 2 people) without leaving the resort.
- Homely Rooms: The rooms are spacious and very comfortable, but the strong point is the pillows (the best, and you have several types) and the staff, in general, is friendly. Although again, the butler failed us several times. And for me, that was the straw that broke the camel's back. Not one more butler in Punta Cana. It's not worth spending more on that.
- Spa: The spa is very beautiful, with the hydrotherapy area outdoors and surrounded by nature.
- Varied Pools: In addition to the adults-only area, you have the main beach-style pool that gets deep gradually, and another pool with a bar and volleyball net.
Type of Atmosphere
It is a resort with a dual concept that guarantees total relaxation in the Hideaway zone and high-quality gastronomy. The atmosphere is elegant and quiet, without being boring, since you can choose the fun of Royalton Splash whenever you want.
Who I recommend it for
- Couples looking for good quality meat and seafood at the buffet and a la carte restaurants.
- Travelers who want an Adults-Only environment, but with access to the best water park in the area.
- Those who value extreme comfort in the room, incredible pillows, and very high-quality mattresses.
Things to improve:
- Beach Aesthetics: The beach is short and narrow, and has a barrier to prevent erosion which makes it look a bit ugly; it is not “instagrammable.”
- Children's Shows: Since you share areas with the family-oriented hotel, the shows seemed a bit childish to me.
- Butler efficiency: The staff is excellent, but the butler was not effective with our requests.
Conclusion
Royalton Hideaway is the resort of contrasts: it gives you good food and maximum relaxation in its Adults Only section, and, at the same time, the most fun water park in Punta Cana.
Yes, I recommend it for couples looking for this dual concept.
4. RIU Palace Bávaro: The best all-inclusive resort if you're looking for a party
- Personal rating: 8.7/10
- Google rating: 4.2/5
- Arena Gorda Beach. 25-30 minutes from Punta Cana Airport
- 5 Stars
My opinion after staying:
The RIU Palace Bávaro is perfect for friends and couples looking for pool parties with a festival vibe, beautiful architecture, and adults-only areas to rest.
Click here to read our RIU Palace Bavaro review with a video tour we did with our GoPro camera.
Why I recommend it for adults:
- The Parties (RIU Party): It is the best thing for adults and groups of friends in Punta Cana. They are very fun themed parties (foam, DJ music, dancers, and lots of entertainment) where people of all ages gather wanting to have a good time (for all three RIU hotels in the area). Plus, to keep the night going, they have the Pachá Nightclub inside the resort.
- Gastronomy: The buffet food has variety and quality, though it is not excellent. The a la carte restaurants are of very high quality, but my absolute recommendation is the Steak House: you have to go at least once, no matter what.
- Pools with Amazing Atmosphere: They have a very lively pool with a swim-up bar, music, in-water tables, and stools, perfect for talking and meeting people while having a drink.
- Adults Relaxation Zone: If you want to escape the noise, they have an adults-only area with pools and plenty of lounge chairs (both in the sun and shade) where peace prevails.
- Coffee Shop and Cocktails: The Lobby is the center of the hotel and its quality is surprising. They have good coffee with tasty sweets and, most importantly, top-tier cocktails with perfect alcohol measurements so as not to ruin the mix.
- Beach: The beach is very beautiful, full of palm trees and with lots of natural shade. I loved the detail that the lounge chairs have tables with cup holders, very practical for carrying your drinks and staying comfortable.
- Water Park: You have access to a water park with very fast slides that are dizzying.
- Large Rooms: The rooms are very big and the bathroom has a giant shower.
Type of Atmosphere
Engaging, party-focused, and comfortable. It is a hotel perfect for groups of friends and couples between 25-40 years old who want guaranteed fun at the Pool Parties and socializing at the pool, but with the guarantee of a comfortable room and relaxation zones to recover.
Who I recommend it for
- Groups of friends and couples looking for quality partying (RIU Party) and meeting people without giving up good rest.
- Travelers who prioritize good food (in the a la carte restaurants) and good cocktails in the lobby over a gourmet buffet.
Things to improve:
- Buffet Variety: The buffet food is fine, but the real quality and investment are much more noticeable in the a la carte restaurants. Also, the staff seemed very lost; one day we left without them bringing us coffee after finishing our breakfast.
- Night Shows: Being a family friendly hotel, many of the shows are for kids or general audiences. However, if you like dancing, there are bachata moments that are good for moving a bit.
Conclusion
The RIU Palace Bávaro has the best pool parties in Punta Cana and an ideal atmosphere for meeting people. It is the perfect mix of cocktails at the swim-up bar, good dinners, and absolute rest in incredibly comfortable beds.
I 100% recommend it for friends and couples looking for fun and luxury at the same time.
5. Dreams Royal Beach: The best value-for-money hotel for adults
- Personal rating: 8.8/10
- Google rating: 4.4/5
- Bavaro. 35 min from Punta Cana Airport
- 5 Stars
My opinion after staying:
The Dreams Royal Beach is the best value-for-money option for couples in Punta Cana. Its luxury atmosphere is surprising, with tropical gardens and super romantic night lighting. Although it is family-friendly, its intimate zones guarantee tranquility.
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Why I recommend it for adults:
- Large and Well-Equipped Rooms: The rooms are big, with very comfortable beds and you even have 4 types of pillows. They have a hot tub on the terrace with views of the garden and pools.
- Personal Touch: The quality of the amenities is so good that I am still using some of them after my trip, and the fact that they restock good coffee and rums every day is a huge plus.
- Pools and Lazy River: It has a tropical pool with a swim-up bar and a quite long lazy river that connects to a livelier pool. If you seek exclusivity, there is an adults-only area with its own pool and direct access from the rooms (swim-out).
- Adults Only Spa and Fitness: The spa is beautiful and exclusive for adults, with a good hydrotherapy area, hot pools, and comprehensive massages. The gym is complete, ideal for not losing your routine.
- Buffet with Live Cooking: The buffet has quality, with many desserts and a live cooking area where they prepare burgers, pizzas, and pastas that are very, very good.
- Beach and Relaxation: The beach is lovely, with Balinese beds and quiet zones perfect for disconnecting without the typical noise of other resorts.
- Nightlife (The Nightclub): Since it shares facilities with other Dreams hotels, you have access to a joint nightclub. You can go freely to have a few drinks, shake your body, and meet people, which is always a plus if the resort falls a bit short for you.
Type of Atmosphere
Romantic, tropical, and relaxing. It is a resort that, although it accepts families, has a very beautiful and well-curated night atmosphere that your partner will love. It is ideal for those looking for beautiful gardens, quiet walks, and a good beach without spending a fortune.
Who I recommend it for
- Couples looking for a romantic getaway, the best in value for money, with a hot tub in the room and tropical views, and an aesthetically beautiful hotel (gardens, lights) with a good lazy river and spa zones.
Things to improve:
- A la carte Restaurants’ Quality: They are quality and highly recommended, but for my taste they don't reach the level you expect from a top 5-star; they could be a bit better.
- Night Shows: Being a family hotel, the shows in the theater are a bit weak for demanding adults (luckily, you have the nightclub to compensate).
Conclusion
The Dreams Royal Beach is a romantic and fairly-priced option: gorgeous gardens, spectacular night lighting, and rooms with a hot tub on the terrace. Although the a la carte restaurants could improve (they are 8/10, but for us the overall hotel is superior), the buffet, the beach, and the lazy river make it a very good choice for couples.
6. Wyndham Alltra: The resort with the longest pool I have ever seen
- Personal rating: 8.8/10
- Google rating: 4.4/5
- Bavaro. 35 min from Punta Cana Airport
- 5 Stars
My opinion after staying:
I am going to show you the quietest resort for adults that I stayed at during my trip. What I liked most is that, despite having water slides (which are in a secluded area of the hotel), the general atmosphere is one of total peace, with large gardens and a very long pool (it literally takes between 5 and 10 minutes to swim across it) that seems like it was put there just for you and your partner.
Also, I had a huge surprise with the food: they have the best meat I have tasted in a buffet in Punta Cana, beating even many a la carte restaurants.
Why I recommend it for adults:
- The Endless Pool: It is perfect for couples. It is so long that you never feel crowded by people. You can walk in the water, really swim, or simply go to the swim-up bar to have a cocktail quietly. It took me almost 10 minutes to get across it.
- Gastronomy (carnivorous surprise): The buffet was a pleasant surprise. The quality of the meat is far superior to the average; if you like eating well without having to reserve at themed restaurants, here you are going to enjoy yourself, a lot.
- Relaxed Atmosphere: Although they accept children, the water park is in a separate area at the back. This makes the main pool area and gardens maintain an elegant and calm atmosphere, ideal for resting.
- Coffee Shop and Sports Bar: The coffee shop in the hall is very useful, with good coffee and snacks for the mid-afternoon. The sports bar has a comfortable atmosphere to watch sports or have a drink at night without much noise.
- Comfortable Beds: The rooms have very comfortable beds with many different pillows, which is key to resting well after a day in the sun.
- Nightly Entertainment: They have live music and singers at night that accompany the evening very well without being strident or annoying.
Type of Atmosphere
Quiet, beautiful, and uncrowded. It is ideal for couples who prioritize relaxing in a good pool and eating well over constant partying. It is not the place for “party animals,” but rather for disconnecting.
Who I recommend it for
- Couples looking for a resort with a huge pool and calm atmosphere without paying the surcharge of an “Adults Only.”
- For anyone who highly values the quality of food in the buffet (especially meats) and speed of service.
Things to improve:
- The Beach: It is not very big and has little natural shade. In exchange, it is a quiet area and not crowded at all, but don't expect the mile-long postcard beach.
- Room Size: Although the bed is a luxury, the rooms and bathroom could be a bit more spacious, especially if you travel with large suitcases.
Conclusion
The Wyndham Alltra Punta Cana is a winner if you are looking for a quiet hotel, with pleasant gardens and a mile-long pool where no one bothers you. Its strong point is, without a doubt, the surprising quality of the buffet meat and the peace that breathes there. Yes, I recommend it for couples who want to rest and eat well in a beautiful and relaxed environment.
7. Lopesan Costa Bávaro: Good all-inclusive resort but regular staff
- Personal rating: 7.8/10
- Google rating: 4.5/5
- Bavaro Beach. 20-25 minutes from Punta Cana Airport
- 5 Stars
My opinion after staying:
Read our Lopesan Costa Bavaro review and what happened with the waiters…
If you are looking for a visually stunning resort, this is the winner of the list. Its infinity pool is spectacular and creates a unique visual effect as it merges with the sea. It is a huge resort with impressive facilities, like the best gym I have seen in a resort. However, I have mixed feelings about it: although the resort (facilities, beach, rooms) is a 10/10, the bad management (the hotel staff, particularly the buffet staff) left a lot to be desired.
Why I recommend it for adults:
- Picture-Perfect Infinity Pool: It is the main facility of the hotel. An immense pool that ends in a visual waterfall towards the sea. It is the perfect place to be on a lounge chair with your partner and take some very cool photos.
- Wine Tasting with Feliz: This was the best moment of the trip. Feliz, the sommelier, is the soul of the place: funny, expert, and very approachable. Book his tasting, no matter what; it is a very special and different experience that brings you closer together.
- Killer Gym (for active couples): If you are the type who trains together on vacation, you are going to be blown away. It is giant, with a thousand professional machines and yoga rooms. It is not the typical sad, small hotel gym; it is a pleasure to train here.
- Huge and Perfect Beach: The beach is very big, with fine white sand, clear water, and many lounge chairs. You have plenty of space to walk and have your moment of tranquility in front of the sea.
- Spacious Rooms: The rooms are very large, with extremely comfortable beds and pillows and a good terrace to relax at the end of the day.
- The Sports Bar: A total hit. It has many pool tables and games, perfect for having a drink at night in a relaxed atmosphere.
Type of Atmosphere
Impressive, visual, and active. It is ideal for couples who like luxury, as well as enjoying good wine and romantic dinners. Although there are families with kids, the resort is so big and has such well-maintained zones that you can live your adult life without interruptions.
Who I recommend it for
- Couples who want to have dates and romantic dinners every day and who value having new facilities and a top-tier gym.
- If you are looking for an “Instagrammable” beach and special experiences, like a good wine tasting.
Things to improve:
- The Buffet Staff (the worst part of the trip): I have to be very honest here. The service was terrible: waiters shouting at each other, bad attitudes (“sour faces”), and little problem-solving. It is a shame because it lowers the score of a resort that could be Top 3.
- Service in Restaurants: The food is tasty, but if it is half full, they take a long time to serve you. My advice is to book at early hours to avoid peak times or go to the French restaurant, the only one that is worth it.
- Infrastructure (anecdote): On the last day, the power went out, so we had to get food from the buffet using our phone flashlights. It was a funny anecdote, but not what you expect from a 5-star hotel.
Conclusion
Lopesan Costa Bávaro is a visual spectacle with the best infinity pool and gym in the area. The resort facilities are luxurious and the experience with Feliz (the sommelier) is unforgettable.
Yes, I recommend it if you prioritize an incredible beach and a “picture-perfect” hotel to go to as a couple, as long as you go mentally prepared that the service in the buffet can be a bit chaotic and unfriendly.
8. Whala! Bávaro + HM: Beautiful and affordable resorts
- Personal rating: 6.9/10*
- Google rating: 4.2/5
- Bavaro. 35 min from Punta Cana Airport
- 5 Stars
- Please note that our ratings are based on the quality of our actual experience, not on the price.
My opinion after staying:
This is the hidden “Good and Affordable” hotel on the list. Whala! Bávaro surprised me by being a very cozy resort, with white local architecture typical of coastal areas. It is economical, yes, but it has corners with a lot of charm, like its pools surrounded by nature. If your budget is tight, but you want to be comfortable, this is your option. And if you prefer to guarantee “Adults Only” and be right on the beachfront, its big brother, the HM Bávaro Beach, is right next door and offers incredible views.
Why I recommend it (the economic combo):
- Whala! Pools (very pretty): It has 3 white pools that are very photogenic. One is surrounded by nature with Balinese beds for relaxing as a couple; another has in-water sun loungers and a waterfall; and the third is more family-friendly with a Jacuzzi.
- The HM Bávaro Option (the adults upgrade): If you prefer strict adults only, choose the HM Bávaro Beach. It is on the beachfront (Whala! is a 3-minute walk away) and has a rooftop pool (Sky Bar) with spectacular sea views.
- Local Food with Flavor: At Whala! there are no luxury or a la carte restaurants, but the buffet food is very tasty and has local flavor (no tasteless processed food). Every night they change the theme and you eat quite well for the price.
- Friendly Entertainment: The best part of the resort is the animation guy: he is very kind, attentive, and encourages you to participate in activities like morning yoga or aqua gym without being pushy. You can tell he loves his job.
- Long and Beautiful Beach: The beach is just a 3-minute walk away (you cross through the HM hotel). It is a very long, beautiful beach and they have a beach bar at the entrance so you don't lack anything.
- Rooms for Resting: They are very simple rooms, no frills, but with a good TV for watching series and movies and a bed where you can rest very well, which is what matters in the end.
Type of Atmosphere
Local, simple, and cozy. It is an atmosphere much more authentic and less forced than the big resorts. At Whala! you see relaxed families and couples; at HM, a slightly more chic atmosphere because of the Sky Bar.
Who I recommend it for
- Couples on a tight budget who want a decent “all-inclusive” where the food is tasty and you can rest well without spending a fortune.
- Couples who prefer a small, cozy, and well-priced retreat rather than a humongous resort where you need a map.
Things to improve:
- Amateur Shows: The shows are not very professional. On the other hand, they have a special charm if you have never seen local music or dances, but don't expect anything like Broadway.
- No A La Carte Restaurant: You only have the buffet (although themed). If you want a la carte dinners, you would have to opt for the HM or go out to the El Cortecito area.
Conclusion
The Whala! Bávaro combo with HM is proof that you can travel to the Caribbean for cheap without sacrificing your well-being. The Whala! is cozy, with beautiful pools and an entertainment staff that makes you feel at home. Yes, I recommend it if you are looking for a simple experience, with local flavor and at an unbeatable price.
9. Royalton CHIC Punta Cana: The best hotel for adults looking for a lively atmosphere
- Personal rating: 8.3/10
- Google rating: 4.5/5
- Uvero Alto. 30 minutes from Punta Cana Airport
- 5 Stars
My opinion after staying:
The Royalton CHIC is, without a doubt, the option for couples and friends seeking luxury, comfort, and lots of fun. I loved how the hotel mixes the most exclusive relaxation in its suites with a Jacuzzi and private pool, with the liveliest atmosphere at its pools with a DJ and an animation team running activities all day.
Why I recommend it for adults:
- Spacious and Comfortable Rooms: The suites are extra large, with very comfortable beds and pillows (one of my favorites of the whole trip), and a gorgeous bathroom with double vanities and a giant shower. Plus, some suites have a Jacuzzi right next to the bed or access to a semi-private pool on the terrace.
- Themed and Exclusive Pools: The main pool is lively all day with a DJ and plenty of Balinese beds. They also have two more pools: one that is like a giant hot tub, and another with private cabanas where they serve you food and drinks.
- Exclusive Extra: Those with Diamond Club have access to a pool with underwater windows and exclusive beach areas for total relaxation.
- Gastronomy: We liked the buffet for its quality food, but I missed a bit of variety (the buffet is on the smaller side). They make up for it with the a la carte restaurants (dinner only) where the quality goes up. I highly recommend the Indian (Taj), it is a total winner.
- Nightlife and Shows: The shows and performances are of very high quality with acrobatics and live singers. The night bar is very lively, with a dance floor and even a pole dance pole that gives a very fun touch to the night.
- Quality Coffee Shop: The coffee shop in the main hall is top-tier. They have good coffee and all kinds of sweet and savory snacks, some even better than the ones at the buffet itself.
- Wellness and Fitness: The gym has everything so you can work out happily during your vacation and not feel any guilt. It also has a small but very complete Spa; if you have the Diamond Club, you get a free session during your stay.
- Wide Beach: The beach is big and clean, with sun all day long, perfect for getting a tan.
Type of Atmosphere
Elegant and fun. It is an Adults Only hotel focused on couples and groups of friends looking for a social atmosphere, partying, and maximum comfort in a 35-55 age range environment.
Who I recommend it for
- Couples and groups of friends (35-55 years old) looking for a mix of luxury, daytime partying, and relaxation with great comfort in the rooms.
Things to improve:
- Buffet Variety: The food is high quality, but I would like a bit more variety in the dishes, as it can get somewhat repetitive.
- Butler Service: Even though the general staff is great, our butler was not very helpful. Slow to reply and sometimes didn't resolve our requests. I do not recommend spending extra money on this service.
Conclusion
Royalton CHIC is the definition of an adult hotel in Punta Cana. If your plan is to alternate between the pool with a DJ, a room with a hot tub, and a good a la carte dinner, yes, I recommend it.
10. Occidental Punta Cana: Affordable all-inclusive resort
- Personal rating: 6.9/10
- Google rating: 4.0/5
- Uvero Alto. 45 minutes from Punta Cana Airport
- 5 Stars
My opinion after staying:
Click here to read our Occidental Punta Cana Review and why we rate it with 6.9 out of 10.
To be honest, this resort costs literally half of its 5-star neighbors in the area (I paid $160 vs the usual $400 in low season). For that price, the resort delivers, but it must be said clearly: it is a 5-star resort only on paper; the reality feels like a basic 4-star.
However, it is a visually very beautiful resort, with a wonderful beach, and I found a hidden gem for couples: its spa, which is spectacular and saves the experience.
Why I recommend it for adults (looking for price):
- Unbeatable Value-for-Money: It is hard to find something better on the beachfront for $160 a night. It is the option for those who want the Caribbean without going broke.
- The Spa (the hidden gem): It was the best thing about the hotel. It smells great, has a sauna, romantic zones, and private cabins with a Jacuzzi. The staff is very friendly, and here you really feel the relaxation you are looking for as a couple.
- Clean Beaches: I was pleasantly surprised that the beach was cleaner and nicer than others in the area on the same dates.
- Curated Aesthetics: The main pool is pretty and the resort in general is pleasing to the eye, although watch out, the pool has very little shade.
Type of Atmosphere
Quiet, visual, and functional. It is a resort that looks good and offers relaxation at the beach and spa, but where the gastronomic experience is underwhelming at best. Ideal if food is secondary for you.
Who I recommend it for
- Couples looking for a very economical all-inclusive with a good, clean beach.
- If you prefer paying half compared to high-end resorts and don't mind that the food and service are basic.
Things to improve:
- Very Weak Buffet: Food without flavor and of poor quality (hard potatoes, a burger I had to leave half-eaten). The juice was syrup with water, a flaw that, to be fair, I also saw in expensive hotels.
- Deficient Service: You have to ask for water or beer insistently because they don't offer it proactively. At the a la carte dinners, the service was very slow; we ended up leaving without them bringing us dessert.
- A la carte dinners: The starters seemed taken from the buffet itself and the mains, although good, were nothing special.
Conclusion
The Occidental Punta Cana is the “economic option that gets the job done.” If your priority is price, the beach, and enjoying a surprising spa, this is your place. But go mentally prepared: you are paying half because you receive basic 4-star service and food. If you love eating well or expect luxury, this is not your resort; if you are looking to save money and enjoy the beach, go ahead.
Javier Sobrino
Independent travel expert featured on national TV, Radio, and newspapers for my hotel reviews. I’ve personally stayed at 200+ hotels worldwide (including 14+ in Punta Cana), most of them paid out of my own pocket. My mission is to help you skip the marketing fluff and find the perfect, 100% honest stay for your family.
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