One of the two more upscale sections of the greater Bahia Principe resort complex in Punta Cana (there are seven sections total), the Esmeralda attracts a mix of couples and families. The other Luxury section is the adults-only Ambar (A2). The four sections at the Grand level (a step down in quality and price, and 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). The Fantasia section (Ba1) is somewhere in between, and the most kid-friendly of the complex. Lounge chairs on the beach can be difficult to reserve and the beach can get crowded, especially at peak times of year (pre-COVID); but the property offers a good beach, rooms with four-poster beds and modern bathrooms, decent (not great) overall food for an all-inclusive (most restaurants are located at the other sections, and vary in quality), a fairly relaxed atmosphere, a nice pool with a swim-up bar, a modern gym, and an adults-only pool. Other perks include exclusive beach bar service, complimentary non-motorized water sports and scuba lessons in the pool, and butler service and pillow menus available upon request. Activities include parasailing, scuba diving, sailing, fishing, golf, banana boat rides, yoga and merengue classes, 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.