A luxurious all-inclusive resort on a wide stretch of Punta Cana’s Bavaro Beach, Paradisus Palma Real caters well to couples and honeymooners. Some areas, including one of the restaurants, are only available to Royal Service guests and the rooms are a bit worn for the price; but the resort offers strong restaurant quality and variety (including Passion, a restaurant from Michelin-starred chef Martin Berasategui – but an extra charge applies here), one of the best beachfronts in the Dominican Republic (complete with white sand, palapas, palm trees, and Bali beds; this factor helps the Overall Beach Resort Rating), an expansive swimming pool right off the beach with swim-up bar service, a great staff, a very good fitness center with personal trainers and various classes (yoga, Pilates, spinning), and two beautiful spas with Asian-inspired treatments such as Balinese and Japanese massages. Other perks include a nightclub and separate kids and teens clubs. Again, the rooms could be more modern – but they’re spacious and elegant. They come with hydromassage tubs and flat-screen TVs; suites also have full kitchens or kitchenettes. The hotel provides a free shuttle to Cocotal Golf & Country Club nearby, where greens fees are complimentary for guests. Other activities include parasailing, sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, rock climbing, dance classes, yoga classes, mamajuana and sushi-making lessons, cigar-making lessons, and more. Upgrading to Royal Service (adults only) gives you access to certain exclusive areas (a lounge, beach and pool areas, etc.), preferred restaurant reservations, and butler service. The Reserve section (Aa1) next door is great for families, but it’s not right on the beach (shuttle provided) and rates are usually a little higher.
Complimentary COVID-19 antigen tests are offered to guests returning to the United States that stay a minimum of three nights. In the event of a positive test, affected guests can extend their stay up to 15 days at no extra charge.