Barcelo Bavaro Beach Adults Only

The Barcelo Bavaro Beach is the adults-only option in the Barcelo Bavaro Grand Resort and attracts plenty of honeymooners and couples. The open, airy property is centered around the pool, which features views of the ocean.

The resort is part of the Spanish Barcelo chain, and attracts numerous European travelers as well as Americans. Pool and beachside activities such as volleyball and dancing take place daily, but unlike at some resorts that line the beach, the music isn't too loud here and the hotel staff doesn't pressure guests to join. Those who do participate did seem to having a good time, however, and the pool bar scene is lively.

Though the beach collects some seaweed during the day, multiple staff members rake it up to keep the sand pristine. The beach here is a real highlight and is considered one of the nicest in the area.

The Barcelo Bavaro Beach - Adults Only has around 500 rooms, compared to the Barcelo Bavaro Palace's 1,402. Barcelo Bavaro Beach features its own pool, restaurants, and stretch of beach, but features such as the fitness center and spa are located at the Barcelo Bavaro Palace, about a five-minute shuttle ride away. Guests have access to all of the Palace's amenities, including at the 5 restaurants, but the reverse is not true, which makes the atmosphere at Bavaro Beach quieter and more exclusive.

The Barcelo Bavaro Grand Resort is in Bavaro, the area north of Punta Cana airport. It is about a 30-minute ride from the airport. The beaches along this northern stretch of the coast generally see much stronger waves and have steeper drop off than those to the south in Punta Cana. Bavaro is also home to a limited smattering of restaurants and nightclubs, mostly in and around the town of Friusa, that offer locals and tourists a change of pace from the dominant presence of resorts.

This beach is one of the most beautiful in Bavaro and Punta Cana. The water and sand are clean and inviting, and though seaweed debris can accumulate during the day, an army of rakers clears the sand early in the morning to maintain the pristine setting. Guests shouldn't expect to swim far from shore or find large secluded swaths of sand, as the waves can get rough and the beach is certainly crowded.

Most non-motorized sports, such as kayaking, windsurfing, and snorkeling, are covered in the all-inclusive package.

The beachy rooms are attractive if simple; most have a white and blue color scheme, white bedding, light blue accent walls, and wicker furniture. All are spacious and feature iPod docks, large flat-screen TVs, and Wi-Fi access (which requires an additional fee except in Premium Level rooms). Open floor plans keep the rooms feeling airy, and all rooms have balconies or patios. Superior Rooms, however, have cramped bathrooms with shower/tub combos (but large vanity areas).

• Flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, and speedy Wi-Fi access (for a fee, except in Premium Lvel Rooms)
• Balconies or patios with furniture
• Minibars with free sodas, water, and beer restocked daily
• Large safes that can fit laptops
• Closets with robes, irons, and ironing boards
• Premium Level Rooms include perks such as free Wi-Fi and private check-in

Though guests have access to the four pools at the Barcelo Bavaro Palace, the Barcelo Bavaro Beach - Adults Only has its own large pool where the majority of the resort's activities take place. It has ocean views and is surrounded by lounge chairs, spa cabanas, palm trees, and a lively poolside bar. There are several Jacuzzis located within the pool.

The big fitness center is located just off of the spa at the Barcelo Bavaro Palaceand features not only a Pilates studio -- stocked with mats and balls -- but a spinning studio. The main area includes plenty of cardio machines as well as weight-lifting machines and free weights, and guests should never have to wait for the use of a machine. The only downside is that machines do not have personal TVs, but there are three large flat-screen TVs.

A small boutique sells exercise clothes, tennis shoes, and even sports bathing suits for guests who forget their gear.

The spa, located at the Barcelo Bavaro Palace, has an intimate feel with several indoor and outdoor treatment rooms, a pretty infinity pool, and a salon. After treatments, guests can relax in the lounge area where gentle music plays and staff brings fruit, water, and tea.

For guests who want spa treatments without having to take a shuttle, poolside cabanas are set up at Bavaro Beach for massages.

Two on-site buffet restaurants serve up breakfast and lunch, while three attractively decorated a la carte restaurants serve dinner. Guests also have the option of dining at the Barcelo Bavaro Palace's restaurants. While most are included, the Mexican, Japanese, Spanish, Italian, and French restaurants at the Barcelo Bavaro Palace require Barcelo Bavaro Beach - Adults Only resort guests to pay an additional fee.

During the day, most guests hang around the pool and order up drinks from the poolside bar. The lobby bar, just off of the theater, also offers all-inclusive cocktails, wine, and beer.

As at most all-inclusive properties in Punta Cana, almost all services at the hotel are covered, including all meals, alcohol, and non-motorized water sports. Amenities that require an additional fee include a round at the golf course and treatments at the spa.

Premium Level guests receive additional freebies such as Wi-Fi and private check-in.

Guests get access to the fitness center, pools, casino, and spa at the Barcelo Bavaro Palace. Guests will have to pay an additional fee to fine at the Barcelo Bavaro Palace Mexican, Japanese, Spanish, Italian, and French restaurants. Premium Level guests don't have to pay.

• Welcome cocktails
• Towel service at the pool and beach
• Daily housekeeping
• Dance classes
• Access to shows at the theater

The resort features a small theater with nightly shows, and guests can also visit the Barcelo Bavaro Palace's theater, casino, and disco.

The 18-hole Pete Dye course, located at the Barcelo Bavaro Palace, is a major draw for golfers and features well-kept greens and challenging holes. Though most would argue that it can't compare to the Jack Nicklaus course at Eden Roc in Cap Cana or Dye's Teeth of the Dog at Casa de Campo in La Romana, its one of the best courses in Punta Cana.

Guests are rarely at a want for things to do, although most activities require a shuttle ride to the nearby Barcelo Bavaro Palace.

All-inclusive activities include:

• Seven tennis courts
• Beach volleyball
• Non-motorized sports
• Daily activities such as dancing

Activities that require an additional fee include:

• 18-hole Pete Dye-designed golf course
• Water skiing
• Banana boat rides
• Windsurfing and sailing lessons

At the Barcelo Bavaro Palace, guests can try their luck at the slots or blackjack any time of the day or night. Even the casino at the Hard Rock isn't open 24 hours (although its facilities are much larger and up-to-date).