The most kid-friendly section of the massive seven-property Bahia Principe resort complex in Punta Cana, the Fantasia caters well to families with Disney-like castle structures and a small water park with legitimate waterslides. The two sections at the Luxury level (a step up in quality and price) are the Esmeralda (Baa2) and the adults-only Ambar (A2); the Fantasia is located behind the Esmeralda, so it isn’t right on the beach. The four sections at the Grand level (a slight step down in quality and price, and also a longer walk from the beach) are the Aquamarine (Baa2), Bavaro (B1), Punta Cana (B2), and Turquesa (B2) sections (they’re all very similar, except the Aquamarine section is newer and adults only). Lounge chairs on the beach can be difficult to reserve, the food is hit or miss (mostly miss, and most restaurants are located at the other sections), and the beach can get crowded, especially at peak times of year (pre-COVID); but the property offers a good beach, fairly modern rooms, a great kids club with plenty of activities, a separate teens club, and a very large figure-8-shaped pool (with a swim-up bar) surrounding one of the castles like a moat. Other perks include complimentary non-motorized water sports and scuba lessons in the pool, a modern gym, and a playground area. Activities include parasailing, scuba diving, sailing, fishing, golf, banana boat rides, aerobics and dance lessons, and more.
Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts is offering the COVID-19 viral antigen test on-site and at no cost to guests traveling back to the United States. Test results will be received within 24-48 hours prior to departure as required by the CDC, in written and/or electronical format. Guests should contact the Front Desk upon arrival to schedule departure testing. In the event of a positive test, the affected guest and a companion can extend their stay up to 10 days at no additional cost. A three-night minimum stay is required to be eligible for both the free on-site test and the 10-day extension.