Luxurious and sprawling, with verdant gardens and plenty of palm trees throughout, this resort is the largest of four Paradisus properties in Punta Cana and caters well to couples and honeymooners. Some areas, including one of the restaurants, are only available to Royal Service guests, sales pitches for upgrading to Royal Service are almost inevitable, and the gym can be hot; but the resort offers very good restaurants for an all-inclusive with top-notch variety (including Passion, a restaurant from Michelin-starred chef Martin Berasategui – but an extra charge applies here), sleek rooms with high-end amenities, bikes for rent, separate kids and teens clubs, a strong fitness center with various classes (yoga, Pilates, spinning), a nice spa with Asian-inspired treatments, and a quality beachfront with an often-lively evening bar scene (the beach bar is one of the best around). The hotel provides a free shuttle to Cocotal Golf & Country Club nearby, where greens fees are complimentary for guests. Other activities include yoga classes, dance classes, candle-making classes, rock climbing, and beach parties; water sports such as scuba diving, snorkeling, parasailing, deep sea fishing, and banana boat rides are available within walking distance. 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 (also Aa2) next door is great for families, but it’s not right on the beach (shuttle provided) and rates are usually a little higher. The Paradisus Palma Real (Aa1), about 20 minutes away, is a comparable sister resort with an even better beach; its rooms, however, aren’t as contemporary.
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.