Majestic Colonial Punta Cana

Majestic Colonial Punta Cana all-inclusive resort is on the same stretch of Bavaro Beach as its two sister resorts: Majestic Mirage Punta Cana and Majestic Elegance Punta Cana. Each of the resorts offers something special and a similar overall look, but Majestic Colonial does the best job of combining (and separating) rooms and features for both couples and families with its adults-only Colonial Club. Guests are required to wear wristbands, which keeps non-Colonial Club guests out of the private pool and beach areas. 

Majestic Colonial closed for two months in 2017 in order to complete a massive overhaul of the lobby and most restaurants, and the end results are impressive. The palatial partially open-air lobby impresses with soaring ceilings and staircases (plus a glass elevator) leading down to a bar and gardens. The massive pool area starts here and runs the length of the resort, almost all the way down to the beach. The pool's clever design allows for private nooks and ample space for sun loungers, walk-up bars, swim-up bars, and tropical landscaping in the form of palm trees and flower beds. A wedding gazebo sits on the sand and many ceremonies occur here, so it's likely the area will be partially blocked off for a portion of the day. 

There’s a distinct sense of tropical elegance throughout the resort and the atmosphere is lively, but not raucous. It’s a property well-suited to honeymooners and families seeking a more relaxed, upscale vacation experience in contrast to Punta Cana’s notorious hard-partying, booze-fueled resorts (though there's plenty of included alcohol on offer here, too). 

The surrounding Playa Bavaro district is among the busiest and most tourist-friendly in Punta Cana. The resort is situated in a gated (nobody gets in or out without checking with the guards) multi-resort compound adjacent to two other Mirage-branded resorts. The area is technically walkable, however, there isn’t much to see on foot. Most guests will need to hail a cab for access to numerous shopping centers, casinos, and golf courses within a 10-minute drive. Punta Cana’s PUJ International Airport is a 30-minute drive south. The hotel offers paid shuttle service, but area taxis are often the cheapest way to get around. Uber is not available in the Dominican Republic. Most guests are happy to stay on the premises during their entire stay.

The 658 Majestic Colonial Punta Cana rooms and suites are divided into two sections: the main section, which allows children under the age of 18; and the Colonial Club which provides an upgraded experience for adults only (usually couples). Both sections are further divided into different suite categories that vary in terms of size, layout, and view. Overall, all of the options are elegant and decorated in a subdued style that includes canopied or four-poster beds, marble floors, and a neutral color palette. Standard amenities consist of air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen satellite TVs, safes, irons, and coffeemakers. Free minibars are refilled daily with soft drinks and bottled water. Bottles of free liquor are also provided, but not restocked. Guests also receive a free bottle of sparkling wine on arrival.

Bathrooms are truly lovely, though some of them have open jetted bathtubs that might not appeal to families looking for privacy. Walk-in showers feature three different spray functions: rain, massage, and soft. Bathrobes, slippers, hairdryers, and toiletries are also supplied. A great feature is the private room service box by the front door, which allow staff to deliver meals without disturbing guests. Furnished balconies or terraces have optional views of the pool, grounds, or ocean. Note that the pool-facing rooms can experience some noise.

Adults can choose between five types of Colonial Club Suites (note that adults can also book the more affordable suites on the main side of the property). The best options have swim-up access or are oceanfront with expansive furnished terraces. The Colonial Club Colonial Junior Suite Ocean Front (Outdoor Jacuzzi) has a huge terrace with a mostly private whirlpool tub. Another nice perk is that the free liquor is a better brand, like Dewar's scotch. Guests are gifted with baseball caps and polo shirts branded with the resort's name. All Colonial Club guests also have access to a chic private lounge with free drinks and snacks, plus butler service.

Features are squarely aimed at providing an all-inclusive beach resort experience. The main pool is a whopping 1,300 feet long and extends nearly the full length of the property. It’s accented by walking bridges, a swim-up bar, and two hot tubs. Thanks to the long design, there are ample sun loungers for all guests, and reserving chairs doesn't seem to be a problem. The beautiful beach tends to get more crowded. It's a wide stretch of sand and there are lounge chairs and palapas on either side of the white wedding gazebo (there's typically at least one wedding per day here, possibly more). A shaded terrace near the beach offers seated areas for snacks and drinks. A range of non-motorized water sports are included, though there are limits for items like snorkel gear and high wind conditions can put a damper on using the Hobie Cats and kayaks. Beach staff can also arrange paid activities like Banana Boat rides and parasailing. Colonial Club guests have access to a private lazy river pool and separate swim-up bar, though this area can fill up faster than the main pool.

The dedicated animation team is often a hit with guests. They organize games, contests, and events like the twice-weekly foam party by the pool. There are also basketball, volleyball, and tennis courts. The free kids' club has a large playground and a kids' pool with waterslides. At night, the theater holds live shows that feature everything from celebrity impersonators to Dominican dancing. There's a weekly beach party if weather permits. Afterwards, adult guests can dance at the late-night disco or gamble in the casino.

The Majestic Colonial Punta Cana Spa is shared by all three resorts, but it’s found near the pool and by the beach at this hotel. The massive and relaxing spa features a gorgeous covered outdoor pool with a water fountain feature, whirlpool, sauna, steam room, and ice fountain. There's a small wet area filled with pebbles for foot reflexology. The facilities cost extra to use. Treatments range from anti-stress massages to an SOS after-sun facial. The salon provides full hair and makeup services, with a focus on bridal parties. Fitness facilities include cardio machines, free weights, and spinning bikes. Yoga and water aerobics are regularly held by the pool.

Wi-Fi is free throughout the property. A business center provides computer and basic services. The conference center can host up to 600 people. There's a small strip of small souvenir shops. Parking is free.

Majestic Colonial Punta Cana restaurants aren’t the most impressive, but they offer a ton of variety and generally good quality. The resort features eight restaurants total: five a la carte dinner options, an all-day buffet restaurant, and a late-night snack bar that closes for just a few hours in the mornings. Unlimited visits are allowed at each and reservations are only required at Le Gourmet (which is just for guests 12 years and older) and the teppanyaki tables at the Japanese restaurant. Room service costs extra for everyone except Colonial Club guests.

• Tres Carabelas serves Caribbean seafood for dinner in an open-air restaurant by the beach. A la carte entrees are supplemented with a buffet of salads, side dishes, and desserts.
• Rodeo Grill is adjacent to Tres Carabelas. It serves imported steaks and meats, along with a similar buffet of hot and cold items.
• Le Gourmet is the most elegant restaurant. It's open to Colonial Club members for breakfast and lunch, and the entire resort (12 and older) for dinner. It also requires guests to wear closed-toed shoes, long pants (for men), and shirts with sleeves.
• Ma+Suri serves Asian fare for dinner, including sushi rolls and live cooking at eight teppanyaki counters.
• Taino is open late for Mexican and Dominican Caribbean food in a fun restaurant near the lobby.
• La Hispaniola is located in the beach’s palapa, offering spectacular sea views. For breakfast and lunch, there's an extensive buffet and a la carte options. For dinner, the space is transformed into Rodeo Grill and Tres Carabelas.
• Supreme is the buffet restaurant, which specializes in cooking stations, international fare, and local items for all three meals. This is the favorite restaurant for many guests.
• La Bodeguita del Majestic opens late morning and stays open until sunrise. It specializes in fast food snacks, beers, and sodas.

As for drinks, there are 11 bars scattered around the property -- both indoors and out. Premium alcohol is covered in room rates, and past guests report strong and well-mixed drinks.